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Cowboy Coleslaw – The Ultimate Sweet, Tangy, and Crunchy BBQ Coleslaw Recipe

Shruthi
Cowboy Coleslaw is a bold and colorful twist on classic coleslaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, black beans, sweet corn, bell peppers, and green onions tossed in a creamy barbecue-inspired dressing. The dressing combines mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, and seasonings for a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. This hearty salad is ideal for BBQs, picnics, potlucks, tailgates, and family dinners. It can be prepared ahead of time and tastes even better after chilling, making it one of the easiest crowd-pleasing side dishes you'll ever make.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Southwestern
Servings 6
Calories 240 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Coleslaw

  • 6 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup sweet corn kernels
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 green onions, sliced

For the Cowboy Dressing

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, black beans, corn, diced bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  • Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture.
  • Toss everything together until evenly coated.
  • Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  • Stir gently before serving.
  • Garnish with extra green onions or cilantro if desired.
  • Serve chilled alongside your favorite barbecue dishes.

Notes

  • Freshly shredded cabbage provides the best texture.
  • Drain the black beans well to avoid excess moisture.
  • Use your favorite barbecue sauce for a personalized flavor.
  • Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky taste.
  • Chilling improves the overall flavor.
  • Add jalapeños if you like extra heat.
  • Fresh cilantro is optional but adds brightness.
  • Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days.
 
Keyword BBQ Coleslaw, Cowboy Coleslaw, creamy cabbage salad, Easy Potluck Salad, Southwestern Coleslaw, Summer BBQ Side Dish