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Famous Dolly Parton Coleslaw Recipe

When the Queen of Country, Dolly Parton, shares her coleslaw recipe, it’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser. This tangy yet sweet coleslaw features freshly minced cabbage, onion, carrot, and bell pepper tossed in a creamy dressing made with full‐fat mayonnaise, sweet pickle juice, and a hint of sugar – perfect as a side for BBQ or fried chicken.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 10 people
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Coleslaw
  • 1 medium head cabbage minced
  • 1 medium onion finely minced
  • 1 carrot minced or grated
  • 1/2 bell pepper finely minced
  • 1/4 cup sweet pickle juice
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon dill pickles minced (or use 1 tablespoon pickle relish)
  • 1 cup mayonnaise full-fat is recommended
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Prepare all your vegetables by finely mincing the cabbage, onion, carrot, and bell pepper. The finer they are, the better the flavors meld together.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the dressing ingredients: sweet pickle juice, white vinegar, minced dill pickles (or pickle relish), mayonnaise, sugar, black pepper, and salt. Whisk until smooth and well mixed.
  3. Add the minced vegetables to the bowl and gently fold them into the dressing until every piece is evenly coated.
  4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least a couple of hours to allow the flavors to fully develop.
  5. Before serving, give the coleslaw a light stir. Enjoy it as a refreshing side with BBQ dishes, fried chicken, or piled atop sandwiches.

Notes

This coleslaw recipe is wonderfully adaptable – if you prefer a milder taste, substitute Vidalia onions for regular ones or swap white vinegar for apple cider vinegar to add a fruity tang. For a healthier twist, you can replace half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, but be sure to avoid light mayo as it may break down from the acids. Preparing the vegetables by hand enhances the flavor and texture, and be sure to let the coleslaw chill well before serving so that all the flavors can meld together beautifully.