Dolly Parton’s Coleslaw

If you love a good Southern-style side dish, Dolly Parton’s Coleslaw is the perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, sweet, and tangy. Inspired by the queen of country herself, this coleslaw is simple yet bold in flavor—just like Dolly. It pairs beautifully with everything from fried chicken and BBQ to sandwiches and burgers, making it a must-have at any cookout or comfort-food feast.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Classic Southern Flavor – Just the right mix of sweet and tangy.
Quick & Easy – Ready in minutes with minimal prep.
Perfect Texture – Crisp cabbage and carrots coated in creamy dressing.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better after chilling.
Versatile Side – Pairs with everything from grilled meats to sandwiches.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Slaw:
1 small head of green cabbage, finely shredded (about 6 cups)
1 cup shredded carrots (or 2 medium carrots, peeled and grated)
½ cup finely chopped green bell pepper (optional for added crunch and color)
½ small red onion, finely chopped
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for freshness)

For the Dressing:
¾ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard for a milder flavor)
½ tsp celery seed (optional, adds classic slaw flavor)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

Tools You’ll Need
Large mixing bowl
Small bowl for dressing
Whisk
Box grater or food processor (for shredding)
Sharp knife and cutting board
Spatula or salad tongs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Shred the cabbage using a sharp knife, mandoline, or food processor.
2. Grate the carrots using a box grater or food processor.
3. Finely chop the green bell pepper and red onion.
4. Add all vegetables to a large mixing bowl and toss to combine.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, mustard, celery seed (if using), salt, and black pepper.
2. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—more sugar for sweetness or vinegar for extra tang.

Step 3: Combine & Toss

1. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture.
2. Use a spatula or salad tongs to toss everything together until the veggies are evenly coated.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

1. Cover and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly.
2. Before serving, toss again and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for the Best Coleslaw
Use Fresh Cabbage – Pre-shredded mixes work in a pinch, but fresh gives the best crunch.
Let It Rest – Chilling enhances the flavor and texture.
Customize the Sweetness – Adjust sugar based on your preference.
Add Color – Try red cabbage or purple carrots for visual appeal.
Make It Your Own – Add a splash of hot sauce, chopped apples, or raisins for variation.

Serving Suggestions
Fried Chicken – A crunchy, creamy slaw cuts through the richness.
Pulled BBQ Sandwiches – Classic combo with any smoked meat.
Burgers – Top your burger with a spoonful for added crunch and zing.
Grilled Fish – Light, fresh, and balances spicy or smoky flavors.
Picnics & Potlucks – A crowd-friendly favorite that travels well.

How to Store

Refrigerate:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Note: The cabbage will soften the longer it sits but still taste great.

Freeze:
Not recommended. The mayonnaise-based dressing will separate and the cabbage will lose its crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Yes! The dressing contains no dairy—just be sure your mayo is dairy-free.
2. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo?
   Absolutely. For a lighter version, swap half or all of the mayo with plain Greek yogurt.
3. What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
   White vinegar or lemon juice can be used as substitutes.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free—just check the labels on your mayo and mustard to be sure.

Final Thoughts
Dolly Parton’s Coleslaw is a down-home classic that’s as simple and charming as its namesake. Whether you’re serving it at a summer BBQ or alongside your weeknight dinner, this slaw brings creamy crunch and just the right amount of twang to the table. Quick, easy, and totally delicious—it’s a recipe worth singing about.

Whip up a bowl, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family. They’ll be asking for the recipe in no time!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Cuisine: Southern American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 210 | Protein: 1g | Carbohydrates: 9g | Fat: 19g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 220mg

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