If you’ve ever wondered what pairs well with coleslaw, this post has you covered. Below are more than 25 dinner ideas that complement creamy coleslaw perfectly. From classic choices like hamburgers, hot dogs, and pulled pork to creative options such as tacos, grilled fish, and shrimp skewers, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for family meals.
Coleslaw is a versatile side dish, especially welcome in warm weather. It uses simple ingredients, comes together quickly, and often tastes even better after a day or two in the fridge.
So what should you serve with coleslaw?
My family goes through coleslaw by the bowlful, so I’ve paired it with lots of different mains over the years. While pulled pork sandwiches and ribs are classic partners, coleslaw works with a much wider range of dishes.
Keep reading for information on traditional coleslaw ingredients, dressing options, how to make it at home, and a long list of dinner pairings to spark your next meal idea.
What is traditional coleslaw made of?
Traditional coleslaw is shredded cabbage tossed with a dressing. Green cabbage is most common, though purple or red cabbage, Napa cabbage, or even shredded Brussels sprouts can be used. Carrots, green onion, and sometimes chopped fruit are popular additions that add color and flavor.
What is the dressing on coleslaw made of?
In the United States, coleslaw dressing typically blends mayonnaise with vinegar and a sweetener, plus seasonings like salt, pepper, and mustard. A lighter option is a vinaigrette-style dressing without mayonnaise. Both styles are delicious—choose whichever matches your meal and taste preferences.
How to make coleslaw
Cabbage is the base of classic coleslaw, but many variations exist. The basic steps for homemade coleslaw are simple:
- Prepare the dressing.
- Thinly slice the cabbage.
- Cut any additional vegetables or fruit you’re adding.
- Toss everything together in a bowl until well coated.
You can use store-bought coleslaw mix or dressing if you prefer convenience, but making it from scratch lets you control texture and flavor. If you want different twists, try recipes like apple-broccoli slaw, pineapple coleslaw, purple cabbage slaw, or kale-and-carrot slaw to change the profile of your side dish.
Dinner ideas that pair well with coleslaw
Coleslaw pairs nicely with many mains, from barbecue and grilled items to tacos and lighter seafood dishes. Here are several ideas to try:
- Hamburgers
- Hot dogs
- Pulled pork
- Tacos
- Steak
- Smoked ribs
- Pork chops
- Carnitas
- Short ribs
- Brisket
- Sloppy joes
- Grilled brats
- Fried chicken
- Reuben sandwich
- Grilled chicken thighs
- Grilled chicken breast
- Grilled fish
- Shrimp skewers
- Mushroom burgers
- Pulled jackfruit
- Veggie skewers
Below are several recipe suggestions that work especially well with coleslaw. Each offers different flavors and cooking methods, so you can pick one to match your mood or season.
Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Juicy Grilled Hamburgers
Ground Pork Tacos
Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs with 4-Ingredient Marinade
Fish Tacos
Other recipe ideas shown include smoked pork chops, pineapple grilled chicken breast, smoked skirt steak, grilled Mexican chicken thighs, grilled shrimp skewers, flank steak, ground chicken burgers, smoked pork tenderloin, smoked chicken breast, marinated flank steak, grilled salmon, grilled Dijon chicken breasts, carne asada, Greek grilled chicken, and grilled shrimp tacos.
Coleslaw is a flexible side that complements everything from smoky barbecue to bright, citrusy seafood. Try one of the recipe ideas above or mix and match different slaw styles with your favorite main dishes to find combinations your family loves.