15 Surprisingly Amazing Coleslaw Recipes That Will Be the Star of the Picnic

There’s nothing sadder than a bowl of gloppy, store-bought coleslaw languishing at the end of a picnic table. But when done right, coleslaw is one of the best summer sides—it adds much-needed crunch and brightness to everything from tacos to a pulled pork sandwich. Here are 15 of our favorite, out-of-the-box slaws.

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Easy Asian Quinoa Slaw

Adding protein-packed quinoa means that this side can easily double as a main (or at least as tomorrow’s lunch).

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Brussels Sprouts, Apple and Pomegranate Slaw

So much texture, so little time.

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Swedish ‘Pizzasallad’ Cabbage Slaw

Fun fact: In Sweden, coleslaw is a standard pizza side (the vinegar cuts the richness of the cheese and tomato sauce). And who are we to argue?

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Turmeric Slaw

This superfood is known for its healing properties—and it tastes great, especially in this crunchy, totally vegan, citrusy slaw by Coterie member Gena Hamshaw.

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Asian Braised Red Cabbage Slaw with Black Rice, Arugula and Avocado

Braising the cabbage before making a slaw is a total revelation—it gets soft and caramelized, which is a perfect contrast to the black rice and peppery arugula. Thanks for the inspo, Coterie member Phoebe Lapine.

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Jicama Mango Slaw with Cilantro and Lime

Sweet, crunchy and totally refreshing, this is perfect summer fare (though we’ve been known to eat it all year round).

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Hawaiian Coleslaw

This gorgeous, crunchy rainbow is packed with grated carrots, ginger, fresh pineapple, and red and green cabbage.

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Quick Korean Spicy Slaw

This recipe by Coterie member Heidi Larsen is all about the gochujang—a sweet, umami-rich Korean condiment that we’d follow to the ends of the earth.

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Quinoa Broccoli Slaw with Honey-Mustard Dressing

Shred the broccoli up in your food processor, or buy the pre-shredded stuff at the store.

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Apple Bacon Coleslaw With a Crunch

We’re not sure why it took us so long to add bacon to coleslaw, but we’re never going back.

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Asian Chicken Slaw

Why have slaw as a side when you can eat the whole damn bowl for dinner? (Coterie member Gaby Dalkin knows how it’s done.)

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Light and Tangy Coleslaw

This healthier coleslaw swaps out mayo for Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard and plenty of vinegar.

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Jicama Fiesta Slaw

The perfect taco topper.

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Warm Brussels Sprout Slaw with Coconut Bacon

Did someone say coconut bacon? We’re intrigued. 

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Cabbage Crab Salad

This, friends, is summer in a bowl.

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