45 Recipes to Make with a Bag of Coleslaw Mix (2024)

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45 Recipes to Make with a Bag of Coleslaw Mix (1)Annamarie HigleyUpdated: Feb. 14, 2024

    Put that pack of shredded veg in your fridge's crisper drawer to work in these tasty sandwiches, salads, soups and more recipes with coleslaw mix.

    When you’re in need of a quick and easy summer dinner, try these recipes with coleslaw mix. With these recipes, you can turn a simple bag of shredded veggies into an addictive taco or sandwich topping, a hearty skillet meal, a dinner salad or, of course, a big ol’ bowl of coleslaw! Mix and match these mains, sides and appetizers for the ultimate shortcut meal.

    1/44

    Macaroni Coleslaw

    My friend Peggy brought this coleslaw to one of our picnics, and everyone liked it so much, we all had to have the recipe. —Sandra Matteson, Westhope, North Dakota

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    2/44

    Salmon Tacos Fish Tacos

    You can have a restaurant-style dinner in less than 30 minutes with these easy salmon tacos. In addition to the zesty coleslaw, add your favorite toppings like sliced avocado, radishes or jalapeno peppers. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    3/44

    Shrimp Po’Boys with Pineapple Slaw

    This twist on the traditional po’boy sandwich adds flavor and veggies while reducing fat and calories. For a smoked flavor, grill the shrimp. For a lower-carb option, serve the po’boy open-faced on a baguette half. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia

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    4/44

    Copycat Southwest Chicken Salad

    My husband and I ordered and devoured this salad from Applebee’s three separate times before we finally asked the waitress for the dressing ingredients. She kindly shared the recipe with us, and now I whip up the hearty main-dish salad with its tangy sauce often. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia

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    5/44

    Taste of Home

    Easy Pad Thai

    Skip the takeout restaurant and give this easy pad thai recipe a try if you need an easy and quick meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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    6/44

    Easy Egg Rolls

    I’ve always loved egg rolls, but every recipe seemed too complicated. I decided to start with a packaged coleslaw mix. Now I can make these yummy treats at a moment’s notice. —Samantha Dunn, Leesville, Louisiana

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    7/44

    Pineapple Coleslaw

    When I was a child, my mother often served this salad with multicolored marshmallows sprinkled on top, much to my delight. The marshmallows added a touch of sweetness that really complemented this salad’s tangy flavor. —Betty Follas, Morgan Hill, California

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    8/44

    Sausage Pierogi Skillet

    I made this simple pierogies and sausage recipe one night when I hadn’t planned anything for dinner. It’s convenient because it uses items I usually have on hand. Plus, there’s hardly any cleanup! —Susan Held, Cooksville, Maryland

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    9/44

    Air-Fryer Pecan Chicken Sliders

    I love coating chicken in pecans instead of breadcrumbs because it gives you such a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor. The sweet berry-bourbon truly pops on these fun sliders—they feel like fancy party fare! —Amy Freeze, Avon Park, Florida

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    10/44

    45 Recipes to Make with a Bag of Coleslaw Mix (11)

    Peanut-Cilantro Ground Chicken and Waffles

    Since sloppy joes, Thai food, and chicken and waffles are all family favorites at my house, I decided to mix all three to create a tasty dish. The crunchy slaw with Asian peanut dressing adds crunch and flavor. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

    12/44

    TMB Studio

    Lentil Sloppy Joes

    When I experimented with making more vegetarian-friendly recipes, this was one of my biggest hits—we still eat it weekly! My preschooler will always eat every bite of these tangy lentil joes. —Christina Rock, Covington, Washington

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    13/44

    Jamaican Jerk Turkey Wraps

    After tasting these spicy wraps at a neighborhood party, I got the recipe. The grilled turkey tenderloin and light jalapeno dressing make them a hit. —Mary Ann Dell, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania

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    14/44

    Taste of Home

    Grilled Chicken Ramen Salad

    I love this chicken ramen salad because it’s a complete meal in one bowl. Everyone loves when it’s on the table—that’s a reaction that doesn’t happen every night, so I appreciate the kudos when I get them! —Karen Carlson, Alameda, California

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    15/44

    Slaw-Topped Beef Sliders

    When I was working full time, I relied on these delicious, fast-to-fix beef sliders for simple meals. To speed prep time and avoid extra cleanup, I used bagged coleslaw mix and bottled slaw dressing. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida

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    16/44

    Taste of Home

    Barbecue Chicken Tostadas

    Lots of my recipes (just like this one) start out as fun ways to use leftovers. My kids love tostadas, so this day-after-cookout dinner was a big hit. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas

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    17/44

    Hearty Beef Veggie Soup

    Here’s a slow-cooked meal in one just perfect for chilly winter nights. It’s nice to come home to a hearty soup that’s ready to eat. It goes well with a fruit salad and bread. —Colleen Jubl, Dayton, Ohio

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    18/44

    Taste of Home

    Fish Tacos with Guacamole

    Fish tacos are my new favorite thing—lighter and healthier than beef tacos smothered in cheese. Try adding tomatoes, green onions and chopped jalapeno on top. —Deb Perry, Traverse City, Michigan

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    19/44

    Taste of Home

    Healthier-than-Egg Rolls

    Frying anything at home is a little intimidating for me, but I love egg rolls. With this recipe, I’ve figured out a way to get the best part of the eggroll—without the mess. If you prefer traditional egg rolls made with wrappers, you can use this as the filling! —Sue Mitchell, Leakey, Texas

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    20/44

    Taste of Home

    Skinny Cobb Salad

    This "skinny" version of Cobb salad has all the taste and creaminess with half the fat and calories. You can skip the coleslaw mix and do all lettuce, but I like the crunch you get with cabbage. —Taylor Kiser, Brandon, Florida

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    21/44

    Taste of Home

    Thai Chicken Casserole

    When my family goes out, I can count on someone ordering chicken pad Thai. I decided to make an easy version at home. Top it with a sprinkle of peanuts and cilantro. —Sandra Dombek, Camillus, New York

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    22/44

    Taste of Home

    Pulled Pork Doughnut Hole Sliders

    This slider recipe was created by accident when we had a surplus of root beer from a party. Now we won’t have barbecue any other way! —Eden Dranger, Los Angeles, California

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    23/44

    Taste of Home

    Shrimp 'n' Noodle Bowls

    Here's a quick meal that feels as if it came from a restaurant. Cooked shrimp, bagged slaw and bottled dressing reduce the time needed to get it on the table. —Mary Bergfeld, Eugene, Oregon

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    24/44

    Taste of Home

    Asian Wraps

    This recipe is just like any other Asian wrap but with more flavor, a healthy twist and the convenience of a slow cooker. Instead of ordering Chinese, try making these yourself. —Melissa Hansen, Ellison Bay, Wisconsin

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    25/44

    Taste of Home

    Vegetable Soup with Hamburger

    I work full time and have a family of four. We sit down to a home-cooked meal just about every night, many times thanks to my slow cooker. This hearty soup is often on the menu. —Theresa Jackson, Cicero, New York

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    26/44

    Taste of Home

    Southern Loaded Sweet Potatoes

    For a taste of a southern classic, we make sweet potatoes stuffed with pulled pork and coleslaw and manage to sidestep the calorie overload. —Amy Burton, Cary, North Carolina

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    27/44

    Wasabi Beef Fajitas

    Beef fajitas get an eastern spin with gingerroot, sesame oil and wasabi, a type of Japanese horseradish. You can find it in the Asian section at your supermarket. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    28/44

    Moo Shu Sloppy Joes

    Asian-style sloppy joes made with hoisin sauce, barbecue sauce and coleslaw mix are a nice change from the ordinary! —Mike Tchou, Pepper Pike, Ohio

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    29/44

    Saucy Thai Chicken Pizzas

    Contributor Gigi Miller, from Stoughton, Wisconsin, provided a fabulous recipe for sweet and saucy chicken thighs that she serves with rice. We took it a step further and used the chicken and sauce to make this restaurant-inspired Thai pizza. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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    Nutty Broccoli Slaw

    My daughter gave me the recipe for this delightful salad. The sweet dressing nicely coats a crisp blend of broccoli slaw mix, onions, almonds and sunflower kernels. Crushed ramen noodles provide even more crunch. It’s a smash hit wherever I take it. —Dora Mae Clapsaddle, Kensington, Ohio

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    30/44

    Kale Slaw Spring Salad

    My parents and in-laws are retired and like to spend winters in Florida. This tangy spring salad welcomes the snowbirds back for our Easter celebration! —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan

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    31/44

    Conga Lime Pork

    Dinner guests won’t be too shy to get in line when this yummy chipotle pork moves to the buffet table. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina

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    32/44

    Taste of Home

    Summertime Slaw

    As a change from mayonnaise-laden slaw, I created this refreshing alternative. It uses many of the garden vegetables I grow, so it's also economical. I serve it at our family reunion each Fourth of July, and it's always a big hit at get-togethers. —Sharon Payne, Mayfield, Kentucky

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    Crispy Sriracha Spring Rolls

    While in the Bahamas, friends suggested a restaurant that served amazing chicken spring rolls. When I got home, I created my own version. Such a great appetizer to have waiting in the freezer! —Carla Mendres, Winnipeg, Manitoba

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    34/44

    Thai Chicken Wraps

    Thanks to quick-cooking chicken, convenient broccoli slaw mix, and an easy peanut sauce, you can wrap up dinner in 25 minutes. —Trudy Williams, Shannonville, Ontario

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    35/44

    Taste of Home

    Beefy Cabbage Bean Stew

    While we were on one of our small-group quilting retreats, one of my friends made this wonderful recipe for dinner. We all loved it and have since passed it around for others to enjoy—now I’m passing it on to you. —Melissa Glancy, La Grange, Kentucky

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    36/44

    Taste of Home

    Korean Pulled Pork Tacos

    I created this unique pulled pork recipe so we could replicate our favorite food truck tacos at home. They're a little sweet, a little spicy and totally delicious any time of year. —Julie Orr, Fullerton, California

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    37/44

    Taste of Home

    Chicken Sliders with Sesame Slaw

    Everyone loves barbecue chicken sliders. My version has an Asian twist, with spicy, tangy flavors. At our potlucks, they quickly vanish. —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California

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    38/44

    Slow-Cooker Caribbean Moo Shu Chicken

    A tropical twist on a takeout favorite, this slow-cooker creation is simple, satisfying and destined to become a new family favorite! —Shannon Kohn, Simpsonville, South Carolina

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    39/44

    Asian Chicken Rice Bowl

    This super flavorful, nutrient-packed dish makes use of supermarket conveniences like coleslaw mix and rotisserie chicken. This recipe is easily doubled or tripled for large families. —Christianna Gozzi, Asteria, New York

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    40/44

    Naked Fish Tacos

    This is one of my husband's all-time favorite meals. I've even converted some friends to fish after eating this. I serve it with fresh melon when it's in season to balance the subtle heat of the cabbage mixture. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington

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    41/44

    Easy Asian Beef and Noodles

    I created this dish on a whim to feed my hungry teenagers. It's since become a dinnertime staple, and now two of my grandchildren make it in their own kitchens. —Judy Batson, Tampa, FL

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    42/44

    Taste of Home

    I threw some always-available condiments into my slow cooker with a pork roast to create this fantastic pulled pork. It has become a staple sandwich filler for large get-togethers. The flavor of the pork goes well with a cold glass of white wine.—Lori Terry, Chicago, Illinois

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    43/44

    Taste of Home

    Spicy Corned Beef Tacos

    Using leftovers in new and exciting ways is my personal cooking challenge. These fun tacos take my favorite Reuben ingredients and turn them into something totally different—and completely delicious. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas

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    44/44

    Asian Long Noodle Soup

    This flavorful soup is perfect for when you want something warm and filling in a hurry. If you can't find long noodles, angel hair pasta is a good substitute. —Carol Emerson, Aransas Pass, Texas

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    Originally Published: February 20, 2019

    45 Recipes to Make with a Bag of Coleslaw Mix (47)

    Annamarie Higley

    Annamarie is Taste of Home’s Shopping Editor and previously worked on the brand’s magazine and special issues. It was during this time she tapped into her love language, gifts, and spearheaded the print holiday gift guides in 2021 and 2022. She’s thrilled to continue creating gift guides full time for the shopping team, in addition to testing and reviewing products, spotlighting viral gadgets and editing freelanced content. A midwestern transplant from the San Francisco Bay Area, she enjoys hiking, crafting and—you guessed it!—shopping and cooking.

    45 Recipes to Make with a Bag of Coleslaw Mix (2024)

    FAQs

    How do you jazz up store bought coleslaw? ›

    Add fresh ingredients to perk them up. Depending on the sauce, this could be anything from citrus juice or vinegar, to herbs, spices, even diced, sauteed vegetables.

    Can you freeze raw coleslaw mix? ›

    It is perfectly safe to freeze coleslaw. You can freeze coleslaw without risk as long as the slaw hasn't been left out before freezing and it's thawed slowly in the fridge. Now, will your coleslaw be just as good once it's thawed? No, most definitely not.

    What do you do with coleslaw? ›

    • 01 of 12. General Tso Fried Chicken Sandwich. ...
    • 02 of 12. Pulled Pork Egg Rolls, Baked or Fried. ...
    • 03 of 12. Crock Pot Pulled Chicken. ...
    • 04 of 12. Danilo's Corned Beef Sandwich. ...
    • 05 of 12. Chicken Shawarma Sliders. ...
    • 06 of 12. Memphis-Style Pulled Pork. ...
    • 07 of 12. Asian Steak Tacos. ...
    • 08 of 12. Cajun Fish Sandwiches With Crunchy Slaw.
    Apr 4, 2020

    Why does my homemade coleslaw go watery? ›

    Cabbage contains lots of water. Alton Brown suggests salting the cabbage and letting the water drain for two hours, then rinsing the cabbage and spinning it dry before dressing it. That purges the excess water out of the cabbage before it is dressed, so it doesn't get watery.

    What to add to store bought cole slaw? ›

    Minced red bell pepper, minced dill pickle or cornichon, minced parsley, some sour cream, white balsamic and a little lemon juice to cut through the often way-too-sweet storebought stuff.

    Why did KFC stop selling coleslaw? ›

    The fast food chain was forced to stop selling its coleslaw tubs when a supply issue meant the slaw would have to be served up without the dressing. “We are currently experiencing a supply issue with our KFC coleslaw dressing,” a KFC spokesperson said. The slaw is made up of cabbage and carrots coated in mayonnaise.

    Does bagged coleslaw go bad? ›

    Coleslaw has a short shelf life, but you can keep it fresh longer. Some foods last forever, but coleslaw isn't one of them. Your best bet is to serve it immediately or refrigerate it for no longer than five days.

    Can you freeze bags of coleslaw mix? ›

    You can keep coleslaw in the freezer for up to 1 month. Any longer than that, and the texture will change too much. I find it helpful to add a use-by date to your bags before putting them in the freezer. Dates help me keep track of what needs eating up without having to do too much mental arithmetic!

    Can you eat coleslaw 2 days out of date? ›

    Well, like most things if it looks okay, smells okay and tastes okay, it's probably okay to eat. Signs to look out for might include the texture getting noticeably softer instead of crispy, any discoloration at all (areas or spots of gray or brown), and obviously anything growing on it.

    Why is KFC coleslaw so good? ›

    KFC coleslaw has a sweet and tangy taste, with a creamy texture. The dressing is made with a blend of mayonnaise, buttermilk, vinegar, sugar, and spices, which gives it its distinct flavor. The coleslaw also contains shredded cabbage and carrots, which add a crisp and fresh texture to the dish.

    What's the difference between coleslaw and slaw? ›

    Or coleslaws — what's the difference? Really nothing. Technically, coleslaw involves cabbage, whether green, red or napa, while the category of slaws can include all kinds of chopped or shredded crunchy vegetables. The two words are used interchangeably for the most part however.

    Is it okay to eat coleslaw everyday? ›

    Coleslaw is a healthy dish that can be enjoyed as a side or main course, as long as it is homemade in a healthy way. It's perfect for any occasion and can help you reach your daily recommended intake of fiber and vitamins like vitamins A, C, and K.

    Should you wash bagged coleslaw? ›

    Bagged or ready-to-eat, fresh-cut produce

    If the product is not labeled "washed," "triple washed," or "ready-to-eat," it must be washed before eating.

    Why does my homemade coleslaw taste bitter? ›

    Cabbage Core:Issue: The core of the cabbage can be bitter, especially if it's not removed before shredding. Solution: Ensure that you remove the core of the cabbage before shredding it. Cut the cabbage in half, then cut out the triangular core from each half. Old Cabbage:Issue: Older cabbage may develop a bitter taste.

    Why did my coleslaw turn pink? ›

    Red cabbage, red radishes, and red onions have pigments that bleed into the slaw and turn it pink after several hours. Red cabbage can also stain plastic bowls. Red cabbage slaws also look bleached out after several hours. As a result, leftovers of slaws with these ingredients can look funny.

    What to add to store-bought coleslaw to make it taste better? ›

    Carrots: Grated carrots add a touch of sweetness and a pop of color to your coleslaw. They're a common addition and provide a pleasant crunch. Bell Peppers: Sliced or diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow) contribute a sweet and slight.

    How do you fix bland coleslaw? ›

    Celery, brussels sprouts, beets, carrots, and radishes also work well. For a greater boost, add produce with unique flavors like fennel or celery root, and don't be shy with aromatics like onions (including red onions for color), scallions, and leeks.

    What is the best premade coleslaw? ›

    Freshness Guaranteed Coleslaw

    With its nice, thick dressing, Walmart's deli coleslaw is the best creamy coleslaw of the bunch. The dressing is heavy on the mayo, which makes it the best coleslaw to slather on a burger or pulled pork sandwich, and the copious amounts of shredded carrot will contribute some crunch, too.

    How far in advance should you dress coleslaw? ›

    Then you add vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds. A bit of salt and pepper finishes off a classic, creamy, tangy dressing. When should you dress coleslaw? For the ideal coleslaw, add dressing to coleslaw no more than 30 minutes before serving.

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