15 Slaws You Need on Your Paper Plate this Summer! (2024)

Coleslaw is one of my favorite things to eat, so you can trust me to come up with so many yummy coleslaw recipes you could fill your bbq plates with them all summer long and never repeat a one. Get ready for the best slaw season yet!

What’s the difference between coleslaw and slaw?

They’re both veggie salads, both shredded, both perfect for warm weather meals, both keep well in your fridge, and both are equally delish. The term “coleslaw” comes from the Dutch word “koolsla,” which means “cabbage salad.” Dutch settlers in New York (then New Amsterdam) brought this recipe to America in the late 17th or early 18th century and it’s since taken our sandwich plates and summer cookouts by storm. Here’s the difference:

• Coleslaw: The main ingredient is shredded cabbage, often combined with other vegetables like carrots and onions.
• Slaw: Can be made with a variety of shredded vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, or a mix of veggies. Slaw can also take on international flavors!

Vidalia Onion Slaw

Let’s start with a real humdinger of a slaw recipe, shall we? This is magical ~ you won’t believe how sweet and mild an onion can be, so don’t be afraid to heap this slaw on anything and everything. The cool buttermilk dressing makes it extra refreshing. Try it on hot dogs or brats.

Asian Slaw

One of my personal faves, this gorgeous slaw (complete with peanut dressing) livens up everything, and I mean everything. I load it on my Chili Crisp Asian Burgers, and serve it with Miso Glazed Salmon but you could also use it to fill Thai Summer Rolls.

Creamy Buttermilk Coleslaw

This is mom’s and grandmom’s coleslaw recipe. Creamy but not at all heavy. If you don’t know where to start with coleslaw this summer, start with a classic. Like biscuits and baked beans, this is a must with barbecue.

Caesar Kale Slaw

Healthy kale slaw meets decadent Caesar salad. I was blown away at first bite. Those micro croutons are everything! (So is the creamy dressing.) I love this next to a perfectly cooked steak.

Red Cabbage and Dill Slaw

Why should green cabbage have all the fun? Giving red cabbage its due in this Eastern European inspired dill slaw. This slaw should actually be titled a coleslaw (were you paying attention above??) It goes great with tuna melts.

Green Goddess Coleslaw

A recipe developer shouldn’t admit to favorites, but this coleslaw recipe is one of mine. That zingy Green Goddess dressing is the bomb. This bright slaw is guaranteed to perk up grilled chicken or balance out a rich barbecue sandwich.

Coconut Pineapple Coleslaw

Try this tropical slaw out on your bbq crowd. I bet it’ll disappear quick. Pineapple tidbits, creamy coconut dressing…it’s a people pleaser. This is a must with my Tropical Hot Dog Bar or Pulled Pork with Huli Huli Barbecue Sauce.

Crunchy Chinese Coleslaw

Tossed with the perfect sesame dressing and topped with sliced almonds and salty sesame sticks to double down on an already epic crunch. Try it with Sweet Fire Chicken Skewers. But honestly this salad can stand on its own when you add some rotisserie chicken.

Favorite Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe

Vinegar slaw or Carolina slaw is popular in the South and for good reason. Its tang complements all kinds of bbq and grilled meats and offers a delicious mayo free coleslaw option. Pair it with Carolina Gold Barbecue Potato Salad.

Cabbage and Fennel Slaw with Creamy Jalapeño Dressing

So many good things going on here, from the gentle licorice bite of the fennel to that epic creamy dressing with a kick. This slaw recipe can be made as spicy as you like, and it’s lovely with Rainbow Salmon Skewers.

Ramen Salad

Don’t be fooled, ramen salad is actually a slaw ~ shredded cabbage is base to a whole host of other delicious characters…I love to load it up right next to my favorite veggie burgers!

Fried Cabbage and Bacon Slaw

OMG can I just have this for dinner? One bite and you’ll wonder where this fried slaw recipe has been all your life.

Broccoli Honeycrisp Slaw

Homemade broccoli slaw is world’s away from the premade stuff in cellophane bags. This healthy slaw recipe gets a sweet boost from dried fruit and crisp apples. Try this with a juicy Salmon Burger or meatless Falafel Burger.

Thai Salad

This is slaw gone global! Thai cuisine is known for its refreshing quality, and it makes good use of crisp shredded cabbage and veggies in this classic dish.

Apple Slaw

When summer eventually draws to a close your slaw fest doesn’t have to ~ apple slaw goes so well with tailgating brats!