What to Serve With Coleslaw: 15 Best Side Dishes

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Coleslaw is a fantastic addition to various dishes, adding a fresh and tangy crunch. Pair it with grilled chicken for a balanced meal or enjoy it alongside savory pulled pork. BBQ ribs bring out coleslaw's vibrant taste, while fish tacos create a flavorful fusion. Fried shrimp offers a crispy contrast, and grilled salmon brings a healthy yet delicious touch. Classic choices like hamburgers and hot dogs are always a hit. Potato salad, baked potatoes, and cornbread provide hearty complements. Experiment with baked beans, mac and cheese, or corn on the cob for delightful texture and flavor combinations. Discover more exciting pairings to elevate your meals!

Grilled Chicken

juicy barbecue chicken thighs

Grilled chicken serves as an excellent complementary side dish to coleslaw, providing a balanced and nutritious meal option.

Using marinade recipes can enhance the flavor, ensuring tender and juicy chicken. For best taste, seasoning tips include using herbs like rosemary and thyme, with a touch of garlic powder.

This combination creates a deliciously savory dish that pairs perfectly with the fresh crunch of coleslaw.

Pulled Pork

tender smoked meat delight

Pulled pork, with its tender and flavorful meat, serves as an ideal side dish to complement the crisp and tangy notes of coleslaw.

Whether you enjoy classic or creative coleslaw variations, pairing them with pulled pork allows for delightful contrasts.

Additionally, exploring different sauce choices, such as smoky barbecue or spicy mustard, can enhance the overall dining experience, making it even more satisfying.

BBQ Ribs

tender juicy flavorful ribs

Another classic pairing that accentuates the invigorating taste of coleslaw is the tender and smoky BBQ ribs. These ribs, prepared with various spice rubs, offer a delightful contrast to the crisp coleslaw.

Sauce options, from tangy to sweet, further enhance the flavor experience. Together, they create a satisfying balance of textures and tastes, making every bite memorable.

Fish Tacos

delicious seafood in tortillas

Fish tacos provide a delightful and invigorating complement to coleslaw, combining vibrant flavors and textures for a harmonious dining experience.

They can be enhanced with various sauce variations, such as spicy mayo or tangy lime crema, adding depth to each bite.

Beverage pairings like a zesty margarita or crisp beer elevate the meal, creating a well-rounded and satisfying culinary experience.

Fried Shrimp

tasty fried shrimp recipe

Fried shrimp offer a crispy and savory contrast to the invigorating crunch of coleslaw, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

This pairing, rooted in Southern cuisine, is perfect for a casual yet satisfying meal.

Serve the shrimp with a variety of dipping sauces, such as tangy cocktail sauce or creamy tartar sauce, to enhance the experience.

Grilled Salmon

healthy delicious grilled fish

Grilled salmon provides a healthy and flavorful complement to coleslaw, offering a nutritious and satisfying option for any meal.

The rich, smoky taste of grilled salmon pairs wonderfully with the crisp freshness of coleslaw.

Adding a touch of lemon zest brightens the flavors, while a drizzle of dill sauce enhances the dish with its creamy texture and herbal notes, making it truly delightful.

Hamburgers

delicious grilled beef patties

Hamburgers, with their juicy patties and rich flavors, serve as a classic and delectable pairing with coleslaw.

The crunch and tang of coleslaw perfectly complement various cheese varieties like cheddar or Swiss, adding depth to the burger experience.

Additionally, experimenting with different bun types, such as brioche or whole wheat, enhances the overall texture and taste, making this combination truly irresistible.

Hot Dogs

grilled meat on bun

Hot dogs, with their savory and versatile nature, often pair exceptionally well with the invigorating crunch of coleslaw.

The combination of juicy sausage links and a zesty chili topping creates a delightful contrast, making each bite a burst of flavor.

Adding coleslaw on top adds freshness, balancing the richness of the meat and chili, resulting in an unforgettable culinary experience.

Baked Beans

comfort food with history

Baked beans, with their hearty texture and rich flavor, serve as a classic and complementary side dish to coleslaw.

As a popular vegetarian option, baked beans offer a nutritious and satisfying addition to any meal.

Recipe variations abound, from smoky and sweet to tangy and spicy, allowing you to tailor the dish to your personal taste and dietary needs.

Cornbread

southern comfort food staple

Cornbread is a versatile Southern staple that complements the richness of baked beans and the crisp freshness of coleslaw. Whether you prefer traditional buttermilk cornbread or opt for a spicy kick with jalapeno cornbread, its golden crust and tender crumb offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures. With a slightly sweet and savory profile, cornbread is a beloved addition to any meal.

It perfectly complements the richness of baked beans and the crisp freshness of coleslaw. Whether you choose traditional buttermilk cornbread or opt for a spicy kick with jalapeno cornbread, this Southern staple offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Its slightly sweet and savory profile makes it a versatile and beloved addition to any meal.

Macaroni and Cheese

comfort food for all

Macaroni and cheese, with its creamy cheese sauce and tender pasta, serves as a comforting and indulgent side dish that pairs exceptionally well with coleslaw.

The dish's versatility shines through various pasta variations and an array of cheese types, from sharp cheddar to creamy gouda.

This combination offers a delightful contrast, enhancing the flavors and textures of any meal featuring coleslaw.

Potato Salad

family picnic in park

Potato salad, with its creamy texture and rich flavors, serves as an excellent complement to coleslaw. This classic side dish can be elevated with a German style mustard dressing, adding a tangy kick that contrasts beautifully with coleslaw's crunch.

Alternatively, a creamy dill potato salad offers a revitalizing, herbaceous note, creating a harmonious balance. Both variations enhance the overall dining experience.

Baked Potatoes

perfectly roasted russet potatoes

Another versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with coleslaw is baked potatoes, offering a hearty and comforting option that can be customized with various toppings.

These potatoes can be transformed with loaded toppings such as cheese, bacon, and sour cream. Additionally, seasoned skins add an extra layer of flavor, making them a perfect match for the tangy crunch of coleslaw.

Corn on the Cob

summer bbq favorite food

Corn on the cob, with its sweet and juicy kernels, serves as an excellent complement to the crisp and tangy flavors of coleslaw. It offers a delightful contrast, enhancing the meal's overall texture and taste.

Explore various butter options like garlic or herb, and experiment with seasoning varieties such as chili powder or paprika to elevate this classic side dish to new heights.

What Are Some Great Side Dishes to Serve With Coleslaw?

Some of the best omelette side dishes to serve with coleslaw include grilled veggies, roasted potatoes, and cornbread. These options complement the creamy and crunchy texture of coleslaw, adding a variety of flavors and textures to the meal. Consider experimenting with different combinations to find your perfect omelette side dish pairing.

Grilled Vegetables

healthy summer barbecue option

Grilled vegetables offer a smoky and savory counterpart to coleslaw, balancing its fresh and tangy profile. As a wonderful vegetarian option, they bring out the best in seasonal produce.

Try grilling bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus for a vibrant, healthy side dish. Their charred edges and rich flavors provide a delightful contrast, making them a perfect addition to your meal.