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Tangy North Carolina Coleslaw Recipe Easy Perfect Pulled Pork Side

tangy North Carolina coleslaw - featured image

A tangy, vinegar-based North Carolina coleslaw that perfectly complements smoky pulled pork with a crisp, refreshing crunch and balanced flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups finely shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Rinse the green cabbage under cold water and pat dry. Remove any tough outer leaves. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, finely shred the cabbage until you have about 4 cups. Peel and shred the carrots to get 1 cup. Place both in a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon celery seed, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the dressing is creamy and well combined.
  3. Pour the dressing over the shredded cabbage and carrots. Using tongs or clean hands, toss everything until the veggies are evenly coated. The slaw should look glossy and feel crunchy, not soggy. If it’s too wet, drain a little liquid off before serving.
  4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the slaw to an airtight container. Pop it into the fridge to let the flavors meld for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1 hour.
  5. Just before serving, give the slaw a quick toss to redistribute any dressing that settled at the bottom. If you opted for parsley, stir it in now for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Chill the slaw for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and cabbage soften slightly without losing crunch. Adjust seasoning before serving. Avoid overdressing to prevent sogginess. Can be made a day ahead for better flavor. For vegan version, substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo and sugar with maple syrup.

Nutrition

Keywords: North Carolina coleslaw, tangy coleslaw, pulled pork side, vinegar coleslaw, barbecue side dish, easy coleslaw recipe