Joanna Gaines Coleslaw Recipe

Discover the secret behind the beloved Joanna Gaines coleslaw recipe that has become a staple at Magnolia Table and in countless home kitchens across the country. This copycat Joanna Gaines coleslaw recipe captures the essence of Chip and Joanna’s famous restaurant creation with its perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and subtly sweet flavors.

Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, family gathering, or simply craving that signature Magnolia coleslaw, this homemade version delivers the same fresh, crunchy satisfaction.

The Joanna Gaines cabbage slaw combines vibrant vegetables with a delightfully simple dressing that’s become synonymous with Southern hospitality and comfort food. Get ready to recreate this Magnolia Table coleslaw masterpiece right in your own kitchen!

What is Joanna Gaines Coleslaw and How Does It Taste?

Joanna Gaines coleslaw is a fresh, vibrant cabbage salad that showcases the simple, farmhouse-style cooking philosophy that made Magnolia Table famous. This southern coleslaw recipe Joanna Gaines style features a harmonious blend of crisp green and red cabbage combined with sweet, shredded carrots, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing.

The taste profile is beautifully balanced-the mayonnaise provides richness and body, while Dijon mustard adds a gentle kick and depth. Apple cider vinegar brings brightness and tang, and honey offers just a hint of natural sweetness that rounds out the flavors. The result is a Joanna Gaines classic coleslaw that’s refreshing yet satisfying, with a pleasant crunch from the fresh vegetables.

Unlike heavy, overly sweet slaws, this Joanna Gaines vinegar coleslaw is light, clean-tasting, and incredibly versatile, making it the perfect accompaniment to almost any meal.

Joanna Gaines Coleslaw Recipe Ingredients

For the Slaw:

• 3/4 medium green cabbage
• 1/4 medium red cabbage
• 3 carrots

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup (115g) mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Kitchen Utensils Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Small mixing bowl (for dressing)
3. Sharp chef’s knife
4. Cutting board
5. Box grater or food processor with shredding attachment
6. Whisk
7. Measuring cups and spoons
8. Mixing spoon or tongs

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)

Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)

Total Time: 15-45 minutes

Servings: 6-8 servings

Copycat Joanna Gaines Coleslaw Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Green Cabbage

Cut your green cabbage into quarters, creating four equal sections. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut out and remove the tough core from each quarter-this ensures your Joanna Gaines slaw recipe has only tender, edible cabbage. Place each cored quarter flat on your cutting board and slice crosswise into thin shreds, aiming for about 1/8-inch thickness for the best texture. Transfer all the shredded green cabbage into a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Prepare the Red Cabbage

Following the same process as the green cabbage, cut the red cabbage into quarters and remove the core from each section. Slice the red cabbage crosswise into thin, uniform shreds. The red cabbage adds beautiful color contrast and a slightly peppery flavor to your Magnolia coleslaw recipe. Add the shredded red cabbage to the bowl with the green cabbage.

Step 3: Shred the Carrots

Peel your 3 carrots, then shred them using a box grater or the shredding attachment on your food processor. For the most authentic Magnolia Table coleslaw copycat recipe, aim for medium-sized shreds that match the cabbage texture. The carrots provide natural sweetness and a vibrant orange pop of color. Add the shredded carrots to the bowl with both cabbages.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Dressing

In a separate smaller bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Add a generous pinch of salt and several grinds of black pepper. Whisk all the dressing ingredients together vigorously until you achieve a smooth, well-combined, and creamy consistency. The dressing should be pourable but thick enough to coat the vegetables. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed-this is your opportunity to perfect the balance for your homemade Joanna Gaines coleslaw.

Step 5: Combine and Mix

Pour the prepared dressing over the shredded cabbage and carrot mixture in the large bowl. Using a large spoon or tongs, toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring every strand of cabbage and carrot is evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Mix from the bottom up to make sure the dressing distributes completely throughout your Joanna Gaines cabbage slaw.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

For best results and to allow flavors to meld, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate your southern coleslaw recipe Joanna Gaines style for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows the cabbage to soften slightly and absorb the dressing flavors. Give it a quick toss before serving, and enjoy your fresh, crunchy, restaurant-quality Magnolia Table coleslaw!

Customization and Pairing Ideas for Serving

1. Classic BBQ Companion

Serve your Joanna Gaines coleslaw alongside pulled pork sandwiches, smoked brisket, or grilled chicken. The cool, creamy slaw provides the perfect contrast to rich, smoky barbecue flavors. Pile it high on top of pulled pork sliders for an authentic Southern experience that mirrors what you’d find at Magnolia Table.

2. Fish Taco Topping

Transform your Magnolia coleslaw recipe into the star of fish tacos by spooning it generously over grilled or fried fish in warm tortillas. The tangy vinegar and crisp vegetables cut through the richness of the fish while adding essential crunch and freshness. Add a squeeze of lime and cilantro for a fusion twist.

3. Picnic Potluck Perfection

This copycat Joanna Gaines coleslaw recipe is ideal for outdoor gatherings, picnics, and potlucks. It holds up beautifully at room temperature for several hours and actually improves as it sits, making it a stress-free side dish. Pair it with fried chicken, potato salad, baked beans, and cornbread for a complete Southern spread.

4. Burger Bar Essential

Elevate your burger night by offering this Joanna Gaines classic coleslaw as both a side dish and a topping option. The crisp slaw adds texture and tang to beef burgers, turkey burgers, or veggie patties. It’s especially delicious on a burger with bacon and cheddar cheese.

5. Add Crunch to Grain Bowls

Incorporate your Joanna Gaines vinegar coleslaw into healthy grain bowls with quinoa, brown rice, or farro. Top with grilled protein, avocado, and your choice of dressing for a nutritious, filling meal. The slaw adds essential vegetables and textural contrast to make bowls more interesting.

6. Hot Dog and Sausage Sidekick

Serve this Magnolia Table coleslaw copycat recipe at your next cookout alongside grilled hot dogs, bratwurst, or Italian sausages. The cool, tangy slaw balances the savory, fatty meat perfectly. You can even spoon it directly onto hot dogs for a classic Southern-style chili slaw dog.

7. Sandwich and Wrap Enhancer

Use your homemade Joanna Gaines coleslaw as a fresh, crunchy layer in deli sandwiches, wraps, and paninis. It works particularly well with turkey, ham, roast beef, or vegetarian sandwiches, adding moisture, flavor, and nutritional value. The slaw prevents sandwiches from feeling heavy while providing satisfying texture.

Essential Tips for Perfect Joanna Gaines Coleslaw

1. Slice Cabbage Uniformly for Best Texture

The key to achieving that authentic Magnolia Table coleslaw texture is slicing your cabbage as thinly and uniformly as possible. Aim for shreds about 1/8-inch thick-thinner than this becomes mushy, while thicker pieces don’t absorb the dressing well. Use a sharp knife and take your time, or invest in a mandoline slicer for perfectly consistent results every time.

2. Don’t Skip the Core Removal

Removing the tough, fibrous core from each cabbage quarter is essential for tender, enjoyable slaw. The core is bitter and unpleasantly chewy, and it doesn’t absorb the dressing properly. This simple step makes a significant difference in the final quality of your Joanna Gaines slaw recipe and ensures every bite is delicious.

3. Let It Rest for Deeper Flavor

While you can serve this southern coleslaw recipe Joanna Gaines style immediately, allowing it to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes-or even up to 2 hours-dramatically improves the taste. The chilling time allows the cabbage to soften slightly while absorbing the dressing flavors, creating a more cohesive and flavorful dish. The longer rest time also helps mellow the raw cabbage bite.

4. Adjust Sweetness and Tang to Your Preference

The beauty of this copycat Joanna Gaines coleslaw recipe is its versatility. If you prefer a sweeter slaw, increase the honey to 1.5 or 2 tablespoons. For more tang and brightness, add an extra splash of apple cider vinegar. Taste your dressing before adding it to the vegetables, and adjust until it matches your ideal flavor profile.

5. Use Quality Mayonnaise for Best Results

Since mayonnaise is the base of your dressing, quality matters significantly in this Magnolia coleslaw recipe. Use a good-quality, full-fat mayonnaise for the richest, creamiest results. Low-fat or fat-free versions will make the dressing watery and less flavorful. Duke’s or Hellmann’s are excellent choices that many Southern cooks prefer.

6. Add Dressing Gradually if Meal Prepping

If you’re making this Joanna Gaines cabbage slaw ahead of time for meal prep or a party later in the week, consider storing the shredded vegetables and dressing separately. Combine them 1-2 hours before serving to prevent the slaw from becoming watery. Cabbage releases moisture over time, which can dilute the dressing and make the slaw soggy.

7. Drain Excess Liquid Before Serving

If your homemade Joanna Gaines coleslaw has been sitting for several hours and has released liquid at the bottom of the bowl, give it a thorough toss and then drain off any excess moisture before serving. This prevents a watery presentation and ensures each serving has the proper ratio of dressing to vegetables. You can also refresh the slaw with an additional tablespoon of mayonnaise if needed.

Storage and Reheating Guidance

Store your Joanna Gaines coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The slaw will soften over time as the cabbage releases moisture. Give it a good stir before serving and drain any excess liquid. No reheating is necessary-this dish is always served cold.