Handwritten recipe card for Cole Slaw
by: salvagedrecipes

Southern Cole Slaw with Warm Vinegar Dressing

Coleslaw
This traditional cole slaw recipe is a nostalgic favorite, combining sweet and tangy flavors with a warm bacon grease dressing. A staple in Southern cuisine, it brings together humble ingredients like sugar, vinegar, and cabbage in a comforting and simple way. Perfect as a picnic side, potluck addition, or a crisp topping for BBQ sandwiches, it's beloved for its unique balance of sweetness and acidity. Unlike creamy coleslaws, this version stands out with its light, tangy flavor and a warm pour-over dressing that slightly softens the cabbage, making it irresistibly tasty.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 67 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 3 tbsp vinegar
  • 3 tbsp water
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tbsp bacon grease
  • 3 tbsp Miracle Whip ( or mayonnaise)
  • 5 cups Shredded cabbage (enough to fill a medium bowl)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Make the Dressing

  • Combine sugar, vinegar, water, salt, pepper, and bacon grease in a small saucepan.
  • Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves.

Step 2: Prepare the Cabbage

  • Place shredded cabbage into a serving bowl.

Step 3: Assemble the Slaw

  • Pour the hot dressing over the cabbage.
  • Top with 3 tbsp of Miracle Whip or mayonnaise in thin layers.
  • Serve warm or let cool and refrigerate before serving.

Tips

  • Add shredded carrots for color and sweetness.
  • Substitute mayonnaise fully for Miracle Whip if you prefer a creamier, less tangy slaw.
  • Add celery seed for a classic Southern flavor.
  • Mix in a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness.
  • Use purple cabbage or a mix for a colorful presentation.
  • Add a pinch of sugar if you prefer a sweeter old-fashioned slaw.
  • Let the slaw chill for 2–4 hours for deeper flavor.
  • For a lighter version, use light mayo or skip the Miracle Whip entirely for a vinegar-style slaw.
  • Add chopped onions for punch.
  • Replace bacon grease with butter if needed, though flavor will be different.

Nutrition

Calories: 67kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 1gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 78mgPotassium: 103mgFiber: 2gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 63IUVitamin C: 21mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 0.3mg
Keyword BBQ Side, cabbage salad, coleslaw, comford food, handwritten recipe, heirloom recipe, old-fashioned baking, potluck, southern cooking, summer recipe, vinegar slaw, vintage recipe
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