Creamy and crunchy, Dolly Parton’s Coleslaw Recipe is a classic Southern favorite. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues or family meals.
This Dolly Parton’s Coleslaw Recipe is easy to make at home. It uses simple, fresh ingredients. Sweet, tangy and creamy flavors mix perfectly.
Learning how to make Dolly Parton’s Coleslaw will impress family and friends. You control the ingredients, so it stays fresh and tasty. It’s a side dish everyone loves.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first tried this recipe at a summer cookout. The creamy dressing smelled sweet and inviting. The cabbage was crisp and fresh.
Every bite was crunchy and soft at the same time. My family loved it instantly. I added it to burgers and sandwiches. Everyone asked for seconds.
It became a must-have in my meal routine. Making Dolly Parton’s Coleslaw at home feels easy and fun. The best part is you can adjust sweetness and tanginess to your taste.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Dolly Parton’s Coleslaw
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Course: Side Dish | Salad
- Cuisine: Southern
- Calories: 180 kcal per serving

Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spoon
- Serving bowl
Ingredients You Need for Dolly Parton’s Coleslaw Recipe
- Green cabbage, shredded: 4 cups
- Carrots, shredded: 1 cup
- Mayonnaise: ½ cup
- Apple cider vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon
- Celery seed (optional): ½ teaspoon
Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables
Shred cabbage and carrots finely. Place them into a large mixing bowl for easy mixing later.
2. Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
3. Combine Dressing and Vegetables
Pour dressing over shredded cabbage and carrots. Mix gently to coat all vegetables evenly with creamy dressing.
4. Add Optional Flavor
Sprinkle celery seeds over coleslaw. Stir lightly to mix and add a little extra crunch and aroma.
5. Chill Before Serving
Cover coleslaw with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to blend flavors nicely.
6. Serve Fresh
Give a quick stir before serving. Enjoy creamy, crunchy coleslaw as a delicious side dish.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh cabbage for best crunch.
- Adjust sugar to taste for sweetness.
- Refrigerate at least 30 minutes for flavors to blend.
- Add more vinegar if you like tangier coleslaw.
- Shred vegetables evenly for smooth texture.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 17 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
Serving Suggestions
Dolly Parton’s Coleslaw pairs perfectly with sandwiches and burgers. It is great with fried chicken. Use it as a topping for tacos.
Serve as a side for barbecues or potlucks. The creamy, crunchy texture balances rich main dishes. It works well for summer meals or holiday tables.
Best Sides To Serve With
Grilled meats like chicken, pork or beef. Baked potatoes or corn on the cob. Soft dinner rolls or garlic bread. Pickles or fresh salad add more freshness. Coleslaw completes Southern-inspired meals beautifully.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store coleslaw in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 2–3 days. Stir before serving. Do not freeze, as mayonnaise can separate. Always use clean utensils to prevent spoilage. Fresh is best for taste and texture.

Dolly Parton’s Coleslaw Recipe
Ingredients
- Green cabbage shredded: 4 cups
- Carrots shredded: 1 cup
- Mayonnaise: ½ cup
- Apple cider vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon
- Celery seed optional: ½ teaspoon
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables
- Shred cabbage and carrots finely. Place them into a large mixing bowl for easy mixing later.
Make the Dressing
- In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
Combine Dressing and Vegetables
- Pour dressing over shredded cabbage and carrots. Mix gently to coat all vegetables evenly with creamy dressing.
Add Optional Flavor
- Sprinkle celery seeds over coleslaw. Stir lightly to mix and add a little extra crunch and aroma.
Chill Before Serving
- Cover coleslaw with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to blend flavors nicely.
Serve Fresh
- Give a quick stir before serving. Enjoy creamy, crunchy coleslaw as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- Use fresh cabbage for best crunch.
- Adjust sugar to taste for sweetness.
- Refrigerate at least 30 minutes for flavors to blend.
- Add more vinegar if you like tangier coleslaw.
- Shred vegetables evenly for smooth texture.
FAQs about Dolly Parton’s Coleslaw Recipe
Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes, make it a few hours before serving. Chill in fridge. Flavors blend well over time.
Can I use pre-shredded cabbage and carrots?
Yes, store-bought pre-shredded vegetables save time. Make sure they are fresh for best texture.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
Yes, Greek yogurt works for a lighter version. It keeps creaminess but reduces fat.
How can I make it sweeter or tangier?
Add more sugar for sweetness. Add more vinegar for tangy flavor. Adjust to taste carefully.
Is celery seed necessary in this recipe?
No, it is optional. Celery seed adds subtle flavor and crunch but can be skipped.
Conclusion
Dolly Parton’s Coleslaw Recipe is easy, creamy and delicious. It brings fresh, crunchy, sweet and tangy flavors.
Now you know how to make Dolly Parton’s Coleslaw at home. Use these Ingredients for Dolly Parton’s Coleslaw confidently.
It’s perfect for family dinners, cookouts or holiday meals. Your loved ones will enjoy every bite. This classic Southern side is simple, tasty and unforgettable.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.


















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