Kentucky-Style Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe

Kentucky-Style Vinegar Coleslaw with tangy vinegar sharpness, balanced sweetness, and fresh, crisp vegetables. A perfect, refreshing side dish for any barbecue spread.

June Arthurs
June 24, 2025
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Kentucky Style Coleslaw Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 (14-ounce) bag shredded green and red coleslaw mix
  • ½ cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 carrot, peeled and shredded
  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 6 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Before You Begin

Shred the carrot using the large holes of a box grater.

Prepare the Coleslaw

Combine coleslaw mix, onion, and shredded carrot in a large bowl.

Make the Dressing

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine vinegar, sugar, olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper.

Stir to dissolve the sugar and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Once simmering, pour the hot vinegar mixture over the coleslaw mix and toss to combine.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate until fully chilled and the coleslaw mix is wilted, about 2 hours.

Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, and serve using a slotted spoon.

Kentucky Style Vinegar Coleslaw

Kentucky-Style Vinegar Coleslaw with tangy vinegar sharpness, balanced sweetness, and fresh, crisp vegetables. A perfect, refreshing side dish for any barbecue spread.
prep time10 minutes
cook time5 minutes
resting or cooling time2 hours
total time2 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • ½ cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 carrot, peeled and shredded
  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 6 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Shred carrot.
  • Combine coleslaw mix, onion, and shredded carrot in a large bowl.
  • In a saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar, olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper over medium heat.
  • Stir until sugar dissolves and bring to a simmer.
  • Pour hot vinegar mixture over coleslaw mix and toss.
  • Refrigerate for 2 hours until chilled and wilted.
  • Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, and serve using a slotted spoon.