Coleslaw Recipes to pair with Pulled Pork

Written in 2023
by Toni Costa

    Coleslaw is a very famous pairing with pulled pork, but there are a variety of different ways to serve it, and different recipes, so this guide will hopefully help you to narrow down what you're looking for to put with that lovely tender meat!

    The Classic Memphis Style Coleslaw

    This southern-style recipe is well known for being sweet and tangy, with a creamy texture. The dressing is made from mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, celery seed and salt, and the cabbage is finely chopped so it really absorbs the flavours.

    This is my personal favourite so it goes at the front of the guide, I make this for my family on a regular basis and it always does well, it's versatile as well and can go with more than just pulled pork! Experiment!

    Coleslaw with Bacon and Blue Cheese

    If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, then this version of coleslaw could be perfect. It's still got that sweetness from the sugar and vinegar in the dressing, but the addition of crumbled bacon and blue cheese gives it a real depth of flavour. It's not the most healthy of the options, but its rich and the flavour will definitely make up for it!

    Blue Cheese Slaw

    If you want that rich slaw but without the meat, there is this option too. Using a blue cheese dressing means that it'll still have that tangy flavour, but with the creaminess of the cheese, it's a real treat. The cabbage is shredded so you get a bit of crunch in there too, and it would be great alongside some pulled pork.

    Coleslaw with Apples and Cranberries

    This is a great recipe to use if you want to bring a little bit of festive flavour to your pulled pork meal! The apples add a lovely crunch to the dish, while the cranberries will pair beautifully with that pulled pork! This side always makes it onto the dinner table around the Christmas holidays!

    Sweet and Spicy Apple Coleslaw

    On the theme of apple coleslaw recipes, this one is a little bit different and has a bit more of a kick to it! The dressing is made with apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and Sriracha sauce for that perfect balance of sweet and spicy. It's perfect if you're looking for something that stands out from the crowd!

    Sriracha Coleslaw

    If you like the idea of that lovely Sriracha sauce in your sauce but want it to be the star of the show, then this recipe is definitely for you! The dressing is made completely from Sriracha, mayonnaise, and vinegar, so it's got a real fiery kick. Be warned, it's not for the faint-hearted!

    Spicy Cabbage Coleslaw

    Again with a spicy coleslaw for those of you that like a little bit of a kick in your coleslaw! This one is made with a dressing of hot sauce, apple cider vinegar and light olive oil, with lots of cabbage and your usual seasoning, so it's perfect if you want something that will really set your taste buds alight!

    Caribbean Coleslaw

    This coleslaw is perfect if you're looking for something with a bit of a tropical twist! The dressing is made from lime juice, orange juice, honey, and green onions, giving it that lovely sweet and sour flavour. It's also got some chopped bell peppers and pineapple in there for an extra bit of sweetness and crunch.

    Sweet and Tangy Broccoli Coleslaw

    If you're not a fan of cabbage, then don't worry, because this coleslaw recipe swaps it out for broccoli! The dressing is made from mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and mustard, so it still has that lovely sweet and tangy flavour. This is a great option if you're looking for something a bit different from the normal coleslaw recipes!

    Asian Coleslaw

    For those of you that love a bit of Asian cuisine, this coleslaw will be right up your street! The dressing is made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil, giving it that lovely oriental flavour. It's also got some shredded carrots and red cabbage in there for added crunch.

    Napa Cabbage Coleslaw

    Another Asian-inspired coleslaw, but less creamy made from bok choy and sweet peppers. It has a vinegar tang that won't overbear your pork at all and will complement it nicely as more of a side than to steal the show at all.

    Coleslaw with Greek Yoghourt

    If you're looking for a healthier option, then this coleslaw recipe is perfect! The dressing is made from greek yoghurt, vinegar, honey and dijon mustard, so it's still got that lovely flavour but without all of the added fat. This version is also gluten-free.

    Traditional cole slaw salad in a white bowl

    Creamy Coleslaw

    For those of you that are looking for a really creamy coleslaw recipe, this one is definitely for you! The dressing is made from mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar and sugar, so it's got that delicious mellow flavour. It's perfect if you're looking for something really comforting to go with your pulled pork!

    Classic Coleslaw

    This is a really classic coleslaw recipe that's perfect if you're looking for something simple and tasty. The dressing is made from mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar and mustard, so it's got all of those lovely flavours that you know and love. This coleslaw is also really easy to make, so it's perfect if you're short on time!

    South Carolina Coleslaw

    This coleslaw will pair with pulled pork beautifully as it's made with bell peppers and sweet onion that is an amazing match. It's perfect if you're looking for something that has a real tangy flavour. The dressing is also really easy to make, so it's perfect if you're short on time!

    Red Cabbage Coleslaw

    If you're looking for something a bit different, then this red cabbage coleslaw is perfect! The dressing is made from white wine vinegar, olive oil, honey and Dijon mustard, so it's got a lovely flavorful kick. This coleslaw is also gluten-free.

    Last Picks

    There is a long list of coleslaws to pick from here, and a wide variety, so you'll need to consider what kind of flavour you want to pair with your pork. One of the Asian-inspired slaws? A more creamy indulgent flavour? or healthier gluten-free?

    Our personal favourites over here that always make it onto our family's dinner table are the classic Memphis style slaw and the Asian coleslaw too for something a little different sometimes! Have fun experimenting with what you prefer best with your pulled pork!

    Written by Toni Costa

    I'm Antonio! I'm a university student based in Leeds, UK. My passions, are sports and food! The less said about the teams I support the better...

    Working on the SmokeGuys site has allowed me to improve my writing and of course, provide you with awesome reviews and guides!

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