26 Deliciously Refreshing BBQ Slaw Recipes for Your Summer Gatherings

Posted on September 25, 2025 by Maryann Desmond

Varying in texture and flavor, these slaw recipes are the perfect complement to any meal. From hearty comfort food to refreshing summer fare, there’s a slaw here to suit every taste and cuisine type. When it comes to slaw, you have two primary options: creamy or tangy. The rest of the ingredients can be chosen based on your preference. Whether you’re in the mood for something rich and indulgent or light and revitalizing, I’ve curated the best of the best.

This way, you can elevate your finger-licking barbecue with a crunchy side dish, add a burst of flavor to your tacos, and round out all your dinners with ease.

Autumn Harvest Salad with Beetroot, Carrots & Apples

Autumn Harvest Salad with Beetroot, Carrots & Apples

Zest up your autumn menu with this delicious seasonal salad, perfect for a festive twist on traditional summer fare. The vibrant colors of beets and carrots are perfectly complemented by the crunchy sweetness of granny smith apples. To achieve that signature slaw effect, simply cut your produce into thin matchsticks. For an added touch, try pairing the natural flavors of the vegetables with a light and refreshing lemon dressing instead of a rich cream sauce.

Copycat KFC Creamy Coleslaw Recipe

Copycat KFC Creamy Coleslaw Recipe

Unlocking the secret to a truly authentic creamy coleslaw experience, reminiscent of KFC’s signature side dish, is easier than you think. For those who can’t get enough of the Colonel’s zesty slaw, this recipe is a game-changer. With just a few key ingredients, including buttermilk as the magic component that gives it an unmistakable flavor, you’ll be able to create your own creamy KFC-style slaw in no time – a mere 10 minutes from start to finish.

Easy Japanese Slaw Recipes Simplified

Easy Japanese Slaw Recipes Simplified

Honouring the simplicity of Japanese cuisine, there’s a vast array of easy-to-make side dishes that can complement your main course perfectly. However, one stands out from the rest in terms of versatility – a refreshing and crunchy slaw mix that requires just a handful of ingredients to prepare. Green onions, carrots, and cabbage are all you need to get started, making this recipe incredibly straightforward. The dressing is equally uncomplicated, comprising only four ingredients.

If I have plum sauce on hand, I’ll substitute the sugar with it, adding a touch of sweetness and a dash of acidity to the slaw, thereby elevating its flavour profile even further.

Vibrant Veggie Slaw Delight

Vibrant Veggie Slaw Delight

Making healthy eating a habit is often easier said than done, but meeting your daily servings of veggies can be as simple as preparing this vibrant slaw. A colorful mix of vegetables packed with vitamins and minerals, it’s not only nutritious but also super tasty and pairs well with just about any food. The addition of pepitas enhances the crunchy texture and the zesty lemon dressing keeps the slaw lively, making it a great accompaniment to various proteins like grilled chicken or fish.

This versatile recipe can even be used as a topping for tacos, added to quinoa bowls, or slapped on top of a salmon burger.

Crisp Winter Slaw with Honey Mustard Zing

Crisp Winter Slaw with Honey Mustard Zing

Versatile winter salads can be a great way to brighten up a gloomy day. I find myself drawn to recipes like this one that combine unexpected flavors and textures. These shredded Brussels sprouts are a vibrant mix of cranberries, crunchy almonds, and a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing.

While the salad will keep for a few days in the refrigerator, it’s worth noting that the Brussels sprouts will gradually lose their crispness as time passes, which can be mitigated by consuming the salad within 24 hours or using fresher ingredients.

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Bourbon Bacon Slaw with a Twist

Bourbon Bacon Slaw with a Twist

Honouring the classic combination of flavors, this slaw takes an unexpected turn with the addition of bourbon and bacon. Thinly sliced strips of crispy bacon mingle with delicate shreds of red cabbage, all submerged in a rich and indulgent bourbon dressing that adds a depth of flavor. This sweet and creamy concoction is sure to pique your friends’ interest and leave them eager to take a bite.

Gochujang Crunch: Korean-Style Slaw Recipe

Gochujang Crunch: Korean-Style Slaw Recipe

Veggie lovers and Korean food enthusiasts, rejoice! If you’re planning a gathering with friends and want to serve something that pairs perfectly with Korean barbecue, look no further than this addictive spicy slaw recipe. Not only is it bursting with a vibrant array of crunchy vegetables, but the gochujang sauce adds an unmistakable depth of flavor.

Plus, prep work can be significantly reduced by making it ahead of time – simply prepare the components the night before and assemble just before serving.

Ramen Crunch Asian Coleslaw

Ramen Crunch Asian Coleslaw

Adding an extra layer of texture and flavor to your slaw is as simple as incorporating some unexpected ingredients. At its core, this umami salad still relies on cabbage as its foundation, making use of pre-packaged coleslaw mix for convenience. What sets it apart from a more traditional slaw recipe, however, is the innovative addition of crunchy, uncooked ramen noodles – an unlikely yet surprisingly effective combination that will elevate your meal from side dish to satisfying main course.

Jalapeño Cream Coleslaw for Heat Seekers

Jalapeño Cream Coleslaw for Heat Seekers

Delighting spicy food enthusiasts everywhere, this recipe is sure to ignite your taste buds with its bold flavors. The creamy slaw receives a fiery boost from the combination of jalapenos, horseradish, and a pinch of cayenne pepper, not to mention an entire tablespoon of chili powder added to the mix. If you find that’s too overwhelming, don’t worry – simply dial back the heat to your liking.

Make Your Own Chick-fil-A Slaw Copycat

Make Your Own Chick-fil-A Slaw Copycat

Creating a taste of nostalgia at home has never been easier, especially when recreating a beloved menu item like the discontinued slaw from Chick-fil-A. Missing that crunch and tanginess? Bring it back to your table by making it yourself. The good news is that you can whip up this tasty treat with just five simple ingredients.

However, it’s essential to note that the key to achieving the perfect flavor lies in allowing everything to meld together for a couple of hours before serving, giving the dressing time to fully infuse into the slaw.

Tangy South Carolina-Style Coleslaw

Tangy South Carolina-Style Coleslaw

Often, when it comes to comfort food, one region stands out from the rest: the south. And within this culinary haven, you’ll discover some truly exceptional dishes – including this South Carolina-style slaw that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Unlike many other slaws that rely on rich and creamy dressings, this one takes a refreshing approach with apple cider vinegar and a hint of mustard, creating a bright and tangy flavor profile that’s perfectly suited for pairing with southern barbecue, particularly when it opts for the bold and zesty flavors of a vinegar-based sauce rather than a traditional tomato-based variety.

Broccoli Slaw with Crunchy Twist

Broccoli Slaw with Crunchy Twist

You don’t have to let leftover broccoli go to waste when you can make a delicious and healthy slaw. This recipe is all about showcasing the star of the show – broccoli – with some supporting roles from red cabbage, carrots, and almonds. By using both the stems and florets, this dish also reduces kitchen waste, making it a great way to get creative in the kitchen.

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For the dressing, feel free to go all out with creamy coleslaw dressing or try something different like poppyseed dressing – whatever your taste buds desire.

Minty Fennel Slaw Delight

Minty Fennel Slaw Delight

Pairing the anise flavor of fennel with other ingredients can be a matter of personal taste. However, for those who enjoy its unique licorice undertone, this spring-inspired side dish is a standout option. A refreshing twist on traditional recipes, it combines sautéed fennel with a light and zesty mint dressing that allows the natural sweetness to shine through. While it’s best to let the flavors meld together for a bit, preparation time remains remarkably brief at just 10 minutes.

Crispy Kohlrabi and Apple Salad

Crispy Kohlrabi and Apple Salad

Adding a new dimension to your cooking routine is easier than ever when you incorporate kohlrabi recipes into your repertoire. This simple yet flavorful approach pairs well with the clean, crisp crunch of matchstick kohlrabi and apple. To maintain a light and refreshing tone, an apple cider vinegar-based dressing perfectly complements this combination. The nutty flavor of hazelnuts adds depth, but almonds could also work as a suitable substitute.

Miso Glaze Elevates Cabbage & Carrot Slaw

Miso Glaze Elevates Cabbage & Carrot Slaw

Yellowing slaw is elevated to new heights when paired with the funky, umami flavor of miso. The versatility of this recipe lies in its ability to incorporate any array of crunchy veggies you desire. Cabbage and carrots have proven to be a foolproof combination that works particularly well together. Adding some finely chopped ginger gives it an extra kick.

This simple side dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide range of dishes, including some of my Korean BBQ favorites like grilled pork belly and Korean chicken wings.

Bacon & Cabbage Slaw Delight

Bacon & Cabbage Slaw Delight

Light up your gatherings with this mouth-watering warm slaw that’s ridiculously easy to make. Made with just four simple ingredients, it’s a guilt-free treat any time of the year – unless you’re counting the smoked bacon, which is a small indulgence worth savoring! When placed on the table, this crowd-pleaser will undoubtedly draw in the bacon enthusiasts, making it an instant hit at holidays and summer cookouts alike.

Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or a casual get-together with friends, this warm slaw is sure to be a quick side dish that everyone will love.

Green Slaw Machine Salad Delight

Green Slaw Machine Salad Delight

Unlock the secrets to a refreshing spring salad that’s as vibrant as it is delicious! This slaw-style creation is an excellent addition to any seasonal meal, boasting an array of fresh flavors and textures. It’s perfect for showcasing the best of what spring has to offer, with ingredients like cucumbers, peas, and chives taking center stage. To stay true to the theme, consider using a head of crisp green cabbage as the base, which will provide a delightful crunch to your salad.

When working with this ingredient, be sure to slice it very thinly, so feel free to break out the mandolin if you have one handy.

Easy Coleslaw Mix with a Kick

Easy Coleslaw Mix with a Kick

Joining your potluck table with a delicious and hassle-free dish is made easy thanks to this recipe’s simplicity. Just like many other crowd-pleasers, it utilizes store-bought convenience items to save time on prep work – specifically, coleslaw mix eliminates the need for thinly slicing cabbage. Furthermore, the dressing requires common ingredients that are often readily available in most home fridges.

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Crunchy Celery Slaw Recipe

Crunchy Celery Slaw Recipe

Generally speaking, celery provides the essential crunch needed for a crunchy slaw. This ingredient is the foundation of this recipe, which achieves a delicate balance between sweetness from the raisins and saltiness from the bacon. It serves as a wonderful alternative to cabbage for those who prefer their slaw with a tangy vinegar-based dressing rather than a creamy one.

Sweet Brussels Sprouts Salad Delight

Sweet Brussels Sprouts Salad Delight

Understanding the nuances of a beloved vegetable like Brussels sprouts can lead to a world of creative possibilities in the kitchen. If you’re anything like me, you’re constantly seeking innovative ways to prepare them. One recipe that stands out for its simplicity and flavor profile is a sweet and fresh combination featuring chewy Medjool dates, crunchy almonds, and nutty parmesan cheese. This harmonious balance adds just the right amount of complexity without overwhelming the palate.

To bring this dish together, I prefer to massage the shredded Brussels sprouts with a zesty dressing until they’re evenly coated, finishing it off with a sprinkle of cracked pepper for added depth.

Slaw Gets Smoky with Grill-Ready Veggies

Slaw Gets Smoky with Grill-Ready Veggies

Focus on transforming your slaw into a smoky masterpiece by throwing it on the grill. Make sure to cut all the ingredients into thick enough slices so they don’t fall through the grates during cooking. Grill the veggies just until they develop a nice char, taking care not to overcook them and end up with burnt offerings. If you’re feeling extra ambitious, combine everything together for a cohesive dish.

Alternatively, arrange the grilled vegetables on a plate, top with a drizzle of creamy dressing, and indulge in your delicious creation.

Sesame-Infused Asian Slaw Recipe

Sesame-Infused Asian Slaw Recipe

Taking advantage of a crunchy cabbage slaw’s versatility is one of my favorite things about it. It’s a match made in heaven when paired with a variety of Asian dishes due to its healthy and easy nature. In particular, I find this specific recipe pairs well with multiple options within the Asian culinary spectrum. This homemade dressing brings together cabbage, carrots, and cilantro in a tangy and harmonious way.

If you want to add an extra layer of depth, consider incorporating a splash of soy sauce for that unmistakable umami taste. What’s also excellent about this recipe is the allowance for creative freedom with the vegetables – edamame, bell pepper, and even kohlrabi can be clever additions to enhance its overall flavor profile.

Summer Coleslaw Recipe in Minutes

Summer Coleslaw Recipe in Minutes

Observing the traditional accompaniments to any summer gathering, such as picnics or barbecues, coleslaw is undoubtedly a must-have side dish. One particular variation that’s perfect for the season is a creamy slaw recipe that can be prepared in just 15 minutes. While it shares similarities with other recipes of its kind, this version stands out by incorporating fresh tomatoes and cucumbers into the mix, lending it an extra layer of flavor and freshness.

Crunchy Winter Slaw

Crunchy Winter Slaw

Generally, eating fresh vegetables other than root vegetables can be challenging during the winter months. However, this recipe simplifies the process by incorporating a variety of cruciferous veggies, such as broccoli and two types of cabbage. Additionally, it utilizes leftover apples from the fall for a sweet crunch.

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