Learn how to make the best coleslaw for pulled pork and how to keep it crunchy when you make it ahead of time.
This coleslaw has the perfect combination of flavors – it’s creamy, tangy, sweet, AND savory. It pairs perfectly with pulled pork because of the kind of sugar used, and the savory notes. But it’s also amazing alongside so many other dishes too. I’ve got tips below for making it ahead as well, so that it doesn’t end up soggy.
To find out more about how it all works, scroll down or click here. Now you can go straight to the recipe.
Pulled pork and coleslaw is a classic barbecue combo. The tangy, creamy coleslaw perfectly balances the rich, tender pork. But how much coleslaw should you plan on serving per person? You want to make sure everyone gets enough without having too many sad leftovers
As a passionate pulled pork enthusiast and backyard pitmaster, I’ve cooked for many gatherings over the years Through trial and error (okay, mostly error), I’ve finally figured out ideal coleslaw proportions Follow my handy recommendations, and you’ll have the right amount of tasty slaw for your next cookout.
Guidelines For Determining Coleslaw Portions
Figuring out coleslaw quantities comes down to a few key factors:
- Number of people you’re serving
- Whether the coleslaw is a side dish or topping
- Individual preferences and appetites
For backyard barbecues, plan on 1/3 to 1/2 cup of coleslaw per person as a side dish. Offer extra on the table in case folks want more.
If using coleslaw as a topping for pulled pork sandwiches, go with 2-3 tablespoons per sandwich, give or take.
And remember, if you run low, you can always whip up another quick batch. It’s easy to multiply coleslaw recipes as needed.
Now, let’s get into more detail on how to gauge precise amounts.
Serving Coleslaw as a Side Dish
When offering coleslaw as a standalone side, the ideal amount depends largely on the size of your gathering.
For 6 people:
- 2-3 cups total – Aim for 1/3 to 1/2 cup per person
- Allows for extra servings if needed
- Leftovers can be repurposed later
For 10 people:
- 3 1/2 – 5 cups total
- At 1/3 to 1/2 cup each, this should provide sufficient quantities
- Prepare on the lower end if you expect lighter appetites or less coleslaw fans
For 25 people:
- 8 – 12 1/2 cups total
- With a larger group, estimates get a bit trickier
- Play it safe by mixing up 10 cups, then make an additional batch if needed
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for future meals
For 50 people:
- 16 – 25 cups total
- For big gatherings, go with 20-22 cups to start
- You don’t want to be stuck without enough or drowning in extra coleslaw
- Err on the lower side if you anticipate picky eaters
The key is preparing an initial amount, then whipping up more as required. When in doubt, it’s better to have too much than not enough to satisfy the crowd.
Using Coleslaw as a Sandwich Topper
If serving pulled pork sandwiches and allowing guests to customize with coleslaw, here are suggested amounts:
For 6 people:
- 3/4 – 1 cup total
- 2-3 tablespoons per sandwich
- Allows for somewho want extra slaw
For 10 people:
- 1 1/4 – 1 1/2 cups total
- Still plan on 2-3 tablespoons per sandwich
- With a few extra servings for planty of topping options
For 25 people:
- 3 – 3 3/4 cups total
- At 2-3 tablespoons each, this will generously top 25 sandwiches
- Mix up the higher amount if you expect hearty appetites
For 50 people:
- 6 – 7 1/2 cups total
- Allows 2-3 tablespoons per sandwich with 50 servings
- Make an extra batch or two if in doubt
Portioning out coleslaw as a condiment is less precise than side portions. But these estimates give you a great starting point.
Factor In Appetites and Preferences
The suggested amounts above provide coleslaw for average appetites. But you know your guests best.
If you’re feeding wrestlers or teenage football players, it’s smart to increase portions by 20-30%. And if you have picky eaters in the mix, prepare on the lower end to avoid massive leftovers.
For frequent backyard grill-outs, make notes on how much coleslaw you actually use. This helps you perfect portions each time.
Store and Repurpose Leftovers
Even with the best estimates, you’ll likely have extra coleslaw. Avoid waste by storing and repurposing it.
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Refrigerate leftover coleslaw in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
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Transform it into quick salads or sandwiches throughout the week.
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Mix into tuna, chicken, or egg salad for a crunch twist.
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Top baked potatoes, tacos, nachos, or hot dogs for a tangy kick.
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Stir into egg, chicken, or tuna salad filling for an extra crunch factor.
With some creative recipes, you can use every last bit of leftover slaw.
Key Takeaways
Determining coleslaw portions for pulled pork events is an inexact science. But these tips will guide you in the right direction:
- 1/3 – 1/2 cup per person works as a side dish for average appetites
- 2-3 tablespoons per sandwich provides sufficient topping
- Make extra coleslaw rather than running short
- Store leftovers and transform into other recipes
- Adjust amounts based on your crowd’s appetite
Follow my handy recommendations for your next cookout. You’ll nail the perfect amounts of coleslaw every time. Now fire up that smoker and get ready for mouthwatering pulled pork paired with tangy, creamy slaw!
How To Shred Cabbage For Coleslaw
The first step in making coleslaw is to shred your cabbage. To do that, put a head of cabbage onto a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut it in half. Then cut out the core and discard it. Place a cabbage half on the board cut side down so that it lies flat. This will make it more stable and safer to cut. Use your sharp knife to slice it very thinly.
You can buy a bag of shredded cabbage (sometimes called “coleslaw mix”) from the store instead if you want to save time and work.
What Kind Of Cabbage To Use In Coleslaw
Any kind of cabbage will work. In the recipe, I used half a head of purple cabbage and half a head of green cabbage. You can use a full head of one color instead. Napa cabbage is another good choice for coleslaw. It has a milder taste and texture, which can be a nice change.
I like my coleslaw to be bright and colorful, so I use those two types of cabbage along with some shredded carrot. You can use a cheese grater to peel and shred a carrot yourself, or you can buy carrots at the store already shred or cut into matchsticks. It’s important to note that bags of coleslaw mix often already have carrots in them, so you don’t need to buy them separately.
Other than that, you’ll need the dressing, which I’ll tell you about below. And then, there are some other things that people sometimes put in coleslaw. Some sliced green onion is common, as is thinly sliced onion and minced garlic. You can also do other finely shredded veggies. Broccoli slaw and shaved Brussels sprouts are great additions. That being said, I’m a bit of a coleslaw purist, so I don’t put any of those things in my slaw. I just use the cabbage, carrot and dressing. But go ahead and add them in if you’d like.
Coleslaw dressings fall into two types. I have a vinegary dressing that is clear and tastes very sour, and a creamy dressing that is white and, well, creamy. I tend to prefer the creamy kind, especially with pulled pork, and also especially in pulled pork tacos. The reason for this is that I already like the sauce that comes with pulled pork quite sour. More really tangy slaw isn’t needed. Instead, a nice creamy slaw provides some balance to the pulled pork’s tang.
For this coleslaw dressing recipe, we’re therefore using mayo. That’s where the creaminess comes in, just like in my Best Creamy Coleslaw recipe. To that we’re adding brown sugar, white vinegar, some salt, and garlic powder to season it. You can definitely use regular white sugar instead of brown sugar, but I think the brown sugar goes really well with BBQ sauce. The brown sugar really ties everything together, which is one reason this is the best coleslaw recipe for pulled pork. I also like the garlic powder in the dressing with the pork. But then, garlic goes well with everyone and everything.
Mix up those creamy dressing ingredients a bowl big bowl. Then add in the shredded cabbage and grated carrots and toss well to evenly coat the veggies. That’s it, it’s ready to enjoy!.
My Easy Coleslaw Recipe – Great With Pulled Pork And Ribs
FAQ
How many pounds of coleslaw do I need for 25 people?
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FOOD
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SERVE 25
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SERVE 50
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Meats
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Cabbage for coleslaw
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5 pounds
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10 pounds
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Carrots
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7–1/2 pounds
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15 pounds
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Lettuce for salad (heads)
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5
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10
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How much is one serving of coleslaw?
Do people eat coleslaw on pulled pork?
How many cups are in a pound of coleslaw?
Can you make coleslaw for pulled pork?
Find out how to make the perfect coleslaw for pulled pork and get tips for keeping it crunchy when you make it in advance. This coleslaw has the perfect combination of flavors – it’s creamy, tangy, sweet, AND savory. It pairs perfectly with pulled pork because of the kind of sugar used, and the savory notes.
Can one eat pork?
A cooked, medium pork cutlet or steak provides 239 calories, 34 grams protein, 10 grams fat, 4 grams saturated fat, 697 milligrams sodium, and 0 grams carbohydrate, if you eat only the lean part of the steak. Pork contains many of the micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) found in beef and it is high in protein, but can be lower in fat than beef—depending on cut and preparation. Meat from any kind of mammal, including pork, can cause an allergic reaction (and some people who are allergic to mammalian meat also react to poultry).
How much coleslaw do you need for a party?
For the coleslaw dry ingredients, like shredded cabbage and carrots, figure that each guest will be eating 2 to 3 ounces. Here’s a general guide for how much coleslaw you’ll need if everyone consumes 3 ounces: Related: For the coleslaw dressing, figure that you will need approximately 2/5 cup for every 16 ounces.
How many ounces of coleslaw per person?
The standard serving size of coleslaw is considered to be 3.5 ounces. You will need 3.5 ounces of coleslaw per person If cole slaw is the only vegetable side dish and it’s really good coleslaw, you might increase the serving size to 4 ounces per person. This is especially true if you’ll be serving it along side pulled pork.