Dolly Parton’s Coleslaw

If you’re craving a sweet, tangy, and crunchy coleslaw that’s perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and family dinners, Dolly Parton’s Coleslaw is the recipe to try! It’s a classic Southern-style coleslaw with just the right balance of creaminess, crunch, and flavor—simple, nostalgic, and always a crowd-pleaser.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Southern Classic – Straight from country kitchen tradition
Balanced Flavor – Creamy, tangy, and a touch of sweetness
Quick to Prepare – Ready in 10 minutes with no cooking required
Make-Ahead Friendly – Even better after chilling
Versatile Side – Pairs perfectly with BBQ, fried chicken, or sandwiches

Ingredients You’ll Need
1 medium green cabbage, finely shredded (about 6 cups)
1 medium carrot, grated
½ small green bell pepper, finely chopped
½ small onion, grated
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp white vinegar
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp celery seed (optional but traditional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Tools You’ll Need
Large mixing bowl
Box grater or food processor
Whisk
Measuring spoons
Spatula or tongs

Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
Shred the cabbage finely using a sharp knife, food processor, or mandolin.
Grate the carrot and onion using a box grater.
Finely chop the green bell pepper.

Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, celery seed (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine and Mix
In a large mixing bowl, toss the shredded cabbage, carrots, onion, and bell pepper.
Pour the dressing over the vegetables and mix well to evenly coat.

Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors blend.
Stir again before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

Tips for the Best Coleslaw
Shred Cabbage Thin – The finer the cabbage, the more tender the bite
Chill Time = Flavor – Don’t skip the hour of chilling—it brings everything together
Adjust Sweetness – Add more or less sugar to suit your taste
Add a Crunch – A handful of chopped pecans or sunflower seeds adds texture

Serving Suggestions
Perfect alongside:
BBQ pulled chicken or beef
Fried or grilled chicken
Hot dogs and burgers
Fish sandwiches or fish tacos

Great for:
Summer cookouts
Picnic baskets
Holiday potlucks
Meal prepping

How to Store & Reheat
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Do not freeze – The texture will break down
No reheating needed – Always serve cold or at room temperature

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix?
Yes! Use about 6–7 cups of mix and follow the same steps.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, just make sure to use a dairy-free mayonnaise.

Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely—it’s even better after a few hours in the fridge.

Can I add other veggies?
Try red cabbage for color, or add thinly sliced apple for sweetness.

Final Thoughts
Dolly Parton’s Coleslaw is the perfect mix of Southern charm and simple goodness. It’s easy to whip up, goes with everything, and brings that cool, crunchy contrast to your favorite comfort meals. Whether you’re grilling in the backyard or setting the table for Sunday dinner, this coleslaw belongs in your recipe rotation.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your Dolly Parton’s Coleslaw turns out.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Cuisine: Southern American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 180 | Protein: 1g | Carbohydrates: 7g | Fat: 16g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 190mg

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