This 5-Ingredient Coleslaw is the epitome of simplicity and flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, it delivers a creamy, tangy crunch that perfectly complements pulled pork sandwiches or serves as a refreshing side dish. The combination of apple cider vinegar, honey, and green onions adds a delightful balance of flavors, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or looking for a quick meal addition, this coleslaw comes together in minutes and can be prepared ahead of time. Its light yet satisfying taste ensures it pairs well with a variety of dishes, from grilled meats to vegetarian options. Plus, it’s dairy-free, catering to a range of dietary preferences without compromising on taste.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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16 oz bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix (with carrots)
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3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
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2 tablespoons avocado mayonnaise (or regular mayo)
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2 teaspoons honey
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2 green onions, thinly sliced
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions:
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, avocado mayonnaise, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
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Add the pre-shredded coleslaw mix and sliced green onions to the bowl. Toss everything together until the cabbage is evenly coated with the dressing.
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Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes (including refrigeration)
Kcal: Approximately 150 kcal per serving
Servings: 6 servings
The Perfect Sidekick: Why Coleslaw Complements Pulled Pork So Well
When it comes to pulled pork, the tender, smoky meat often takes center stage, but no BBQ plate is truly complete without the perfect side dish. Enter coleslaw — that crisp, tangy, creamy contrast that balances the richness of pulled pork with freshness and crunch. This 5-ingredient coleslaw recipe is a celebration of simplicity and flavor, making it an ideal partner for pulled pork sandwiches, tacos, or even just a stand-alone side at your summer cookout.
The appeal of coleslaw alongside pulled pork lies in its ability to cut through the richness of the meat. Pulled pork is often slow-cooked with smoky spices and sometimes a sweet, sticky BBQ sauce, which can feel heavy and intense. The bright acidity from the apple cider vinegar in this coleslaw helps to refresh the palate, while the creamy mayonnaise adds smoothness without overpowering the cabbage’s natural crunch. The subtle sweetness from the honey softens the tang and ties the flavors together harmoniously.
Why Keep It Simple?
One of the greatest things about this coleslaw is how few ingredients it needs to shine. While many traditional coleslaw recipes call for a dozen or more components, this minimalist approach focuses on quality and balance. The pre-shredded coleslaw mix, which typically contains a mix of green and purple cabbage along with shredded carrots, provides the perfect foundation — crunchy, colorful, and ready to use.
Apple cider vinegar is a star here, delivering just the right amount of tang to elevate the dish. It’s a natural preservative as well, which means this coleslaw keeps well in the fridge for several days without wilting or losing its crunch. The avocado mayonnaise option adds a healthier twist, providing creaminess with fewer additives and often less saturated fat than traditional mayo.
Green onions are the subtle flavor enhancer that bring a mild onion bite without overwhelming the coleslaw’s delicate balance. They add a touch of color and freshness, too. Lastly, a pinch of salt and pepper rounds out the flavors and brings the whole dish together.
Health Benefits of Coleslaw
Beyond being delicious, coleslaw offers some nutritional perks. Cabbage is rich in vitamin C and vitamin K, both of which support immune function and bone health. It’s also low in calories and high in fiber, which aids digestion and helps you feel full longer.
By using apple cider vinegar, you’re adding a component that some studies suggest might help with blood sugar regulation and gut health. The honey provides natural sweetness with antioxidants, but since it’s used sparingly, it doesn’t overload the recipe with sugar.
Choosing avocado mayonnaise instead of regular mayo can boost the intake of heart-healthy fats and decrease the presence of artificial preservatives and additives.
Tips for Making the Best Coleslaw
Though this recipe is simple, a few tips can help ensure it turns out perfect every time:
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Use fresh coleslaw mix: Even if you buy pre-shredded, make sure it’s fresh and crisp. Avoid any that looks soggy or wilted.
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Don’t overdress: Toss gently and add the dressing gradually to prevent the slaw from becoming soggy. You want each bite to have crunch.
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Let it chill: Refrigerating the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the cabbage to soften just enough without losing texture.
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Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving and add more salt, pepper, or honey as needed to suit your palate.
Variations and Pairings
This basic coleslaw recipe serves as a fantastic base for experimentation. Want to add more texture or flavor layers? Consider:
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Adding shredded apples or pineapple for a touch of sweetness and juiciness.
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Mixing in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for brightness.
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Tossing in toasted nuts or seeds such as sunflower seeds for crunch.
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Using a spicy kick with a dash of cayenne pepper or horseradish.
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Swapping honey for maple syrup or agave nectar for different sweetness profiles.
Pair this coleslaw not only with pulled pork but with other BBQ favorites like grilled chicken, ribs, or even as a crunchy topping on burgers and sandwiches. It also works beautifully alongside fish tacos or as a refreshing salad for a picnic or potluck.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Coleslaw is a fantastic make-ahead dish. Because it actually benefits from sitting and allowing flavors to meld, it can be prepared several hours or even a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and give it a gentle stir before serving.
If you notice any extra liquid pooling at the bottom, simply drain it off to keep the coleslaw from becoming soggy. For best texture, consume within 3-4 days.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
What sets this 5-ingredient coleslaw apart is its balance of simplicity, fresh ingredients, and flavor harmony. It doesn’t rely on heavy cream or sugar-laden dressings, making it lighter and more refreshing. The tangy apple cider vinegar coupled with the subtle sweetness of honey creates a bright yet smooth dressing that elevates the natural flavors of the cabbage and carrots.
Additionally, this recipe is extremely accessible — no specialty ingredients or complicated techniques. It fits beautifully into busy lifestyles without sacrificing taste or quality.
Conclusion
This 5-ingredient coleslaw is more than just a side dish; it’s the perfect companion that brings balance, texture, and brightness to pulled pork and other rich BBQ dishes. Its simple ingredients and quick prep time make it a go-to recipe for busy cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort. Beyond its delicious taste, it offers a fresh crunch and tangy bite that can brighten any meal.
Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, preparing weeknight dinners, or meal prepping for the week, this coleslaw is sure to become a staple. Its versatility allows for endless variations and pairings, yet it remains satisfying in its classic form. Embrace the ease and deliciousness of this 5-ingredient coleslaw and watch it elevate your pulled pork to the next level.
