Coleslaw has been a staple on American tables for generations—from 1950s potlucks to summer picnics and Sunday dinners. These 18 retro coleslaw recipes are a nostalgic mix of creamy, tangy, crunchy, and sweet. You’ll find classics made with cabbage and mayo, vinegar-based slaws, fruity twists with pineapple or raisins, and even some bold, forgotten gems from old-school cookbooks. Whether you’re recreating your grandmother’s favorite recipe or discovering a new favorite for your next BBQ, these vintage slaws prove that good taste never goes out of style. These aren’t just side dishes—they’re time-tested traditions served chilled.
Table of Contents
Apple Cranberry Poppy Seed Slaw Salad
This vibrant salad bursts with crisp apples and tart cranberries, all brought together by a delicate poppy seed dressing. A perfect refreshing side that adds color and nutrition to your table without weighing down your meal.
Get the recipe -> Apple Cranberry Poppy Seed Slaw Salad
Apple Slaw
This refreshing apple slaw combines crisp, tart apples with crunchy cabbage and sweet carrots for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. Simple to prepare, it’s a versatile side dish that brightens up any meal with its vibrant taste.
Get the recipe -> Apple Slaw
Coleslaw Pasta Salad
This crowd-pleasing coleslaw pasta salad brings creamy goodness to your table in minutes. Its tangy flavors perfectly complement a juicy steak, making it the ultimate quick side dish for any gathering.
Get the recipe -> Coleslaw Pasta Salad
Coleslaw Recipe with Vinegar
This zesty vinegar coleslaw brings a refreshing crunch to your barbecue spread. Its light, tangy dressing perfectly balances rich grilled meats while keeping things crisp and bright – the ultimate summer side dish for your outdoor gatherings.
Get the recipe -> Coleslaw Recipe with Vinegar
Copycat Captain D’s Coleslaw
This creamy coleslaw comes together in just minutes! Its perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors makes it an ideal side dish for summer barbecues, picnics, or weeknight dinners.
Get the recipe -> Copycat Captain D’s Coleslaw
Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
This creamy classic coleslaw brings refreshing crunch to every BBQ plate. It’s the perfect side dish for smoky meats or adds a crisp layer to your favorite sandwich. Simple, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the recipe -> Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
Crunchy Asian Slaw with Ramen
Experience the delightful crunch of our Asian Slaw with ramen noodles. This vibrant dish bursts with flavor in every bite, making it the perfect addition to any potluck gathering. Your guests will be asking for the recipe!
Get the recipe -> Crunchy Asian Slaw with Ramen
Easy Broccoli Slaw with Creamy Homemade DressingÂ
Transform leftover broccoli stems into a delicious slaw! This vibrant, crunchy dish combines shredded stems with tangy dressing for a refreshing side that reduces food waste and packs a nutritional punch.
Get the recipe -> Easy Broccoli Slaw with Creamy Homemade DressingÂ
Easy Homemade Coleslaw From Scratch
Dive into the art of homemade coleslaw with this quick recipe! Our crisp, creamy version comes together in 10 minutes using simple pantry staples. Customize it for the perfect side dish that everyone will love.
Get the recipe -> Easy Homemade Coleslaw From Scratch
Fish Taco Slaw
This vibrant slaw brings a perfect crunch and tangy kick to your fish tacos. Each bite balances fresh flavors with the savory fish, creating a complete taco experience that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
Get the recipe -> Fish Taco Slaw
Irish Coleslaw
Crisp green and purple cabbage, sweet carrots, red pepper, and crunchy jicama come together in this vibrant Irish coleslaw. The creamy yogurt-based vinegar dressing adds a tangy twist to this refreshing side dish that’s perfect for any meal.
Get the recipe -> Irish Coleslaw
Kale Slaw with Tahini Dressing
Elevate your sides with this fresh twist on coleslaw! Crisp kale delivers satisfying crunch while the creamy tahini dressing adds rich, nutty flavor. Perfect alongside grilled meats or as a hearty standalone salad that won’t wilt like traditional versions.
Get the recipe -> Kale Slaw with Tahini Dressing
Light Bleu Cheese Broccoli Slaw
Discover a refreshing twist on traditional coleslaw with our broccoli version. Tossed in a light bleu cheese dressing, this crisp side dish brings vibrant flavor to any meal. Perfect for summer picnics or as a nutritious addition to your everyday table.
Get the recipe -> Light Bleu Cheese Broccoli Slaw
Make-Ahead Refrigerator Coleslaw: A Crisp, Tangy Side That Gets Better With Time
Discover a refreshingly crisp coleslaw that maintains its crunch for weeks. This make-ahead recipe skips the mayo in favor of a simple oil and vinegar dressing, making it perfect for picnics, barbecues, or meal prep. Your new go-to side dish awaits!
Get the recipe -> Make-Ahead Refrigerator Coleslaw
Red Cabbage Slaw
Elevate your meals with this vibrant red cabbage slaw. The crisp apples and sweet raisins blend perfectly with a light honey Dijon dressing, creating a refreshing alternative to traditional creamy slaws. It’s the ideal accompaniment to any meat or fish dish.
Get the recipe -> Red Cabbage Slaw
Shaved Brussels Sprout Slaw with Lemon Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Discover a refreshing twist on traditional coleslaw with this Brussels sprout slaw! Tossed in a tangy lemon apple cider vinaigrette, it’s a crisp, nutritious side that’s perfect for summer gatherings and sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Get the recipe -> Shaved Brussels Sprout Slaw with Lemon Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Sweet and Sour Coleslaw
This creamy, crunchy coleslaw strikes the perfect balance between tangy and sweet. Every bite delivers a refreshing crunch and burst of flavor that elevates any meal. Our easy recipe creates a unique twist on traditional slaw that you’ll want to make again and again.
Get the recipe -> Sweet and Sour Coleslaw
Thai Peanut Chicken Crunch Slaw Salad
Dive into this colorful Thai peanut chicken salad that combines tender meat with crisp, crunchy slaw. The perfect balance of vibrant flavors and textures, it’s an ideal choice when you want something light yet completely satisfying.
Get the recipe -> Thai Peanut Chicken Crunch Slaw Salad
Leave a Reply