What Goes with Coleslaw – Over 25 Meal Ideas!

If you’ve ever wondered what goes with coleslaw, look no further. In this post, you’ll find over 25 dinner ideas that go perfectly your creamy coleslaw. From classic favorites like hamburgers, hot dogs, and pulled pork to other fun options such as tacos, grilled fish, and shrimp skewers, you’ll find a wide range of pairings to satisfy any hungry family.

Coleslaw is a great side dish to have on hand, especially during hot weather.

It has minimal ingredients, can be made quickly, and usually keeps for a couple of days. Sometimes it’s even better after a day or two!

But what do you serve with coleslaw?

My family consumes coleslaw like nobody’s business so I have lots of experience cooking up different main dishes to go with coleslaw.

Of course there are the traditional options like a pulled pork sandwich or ribs, but there are plenty of other great dinner ideas too.

Keep scrolling to read more about coleslaw (including some seriuosly tasty coleslaw recipes that my family loves) and to get inspired for what to make for dinner next!

What is traditional coleslaw made of?

Traditionally coleslaw consists of shredded cabbage and a dressing. Green cabbage is most often used, though other types of cabbage like purple or red cabbage, kale cabbage, or even shredded Brussels sprouts can be used too. Other common ingredients that are added include carrots, other types of cabbage, chopped fruit, or green onion.

What is the dressing on coleslaw made of?

In the US the dressing is usually made of mayonnaise, some type of vinegar, and a sweetener, with other ingredients like salt, pepper, or mustard often added. The dressing can also be more of a vinaigrette, without mayo.

For a more typical version, try this healthy coleslaw dressing. For a vinegar-based dressing, try this honey orange vinaigrette.

How to make coleslaw

While the primary ingredient for classic coleslaw is cabbage, there are lots variations and foods that can be added to coleslaw to zhuzh it up. In most cases, there are a couple basic steps to follow in a homemade coleslaw recipe.

1. Make the dressing.
2. Thinly slice the cabbage.
3. Slice whatever other vegetables or fruits you’re using.
4. Add everything together in a bowl and stir.

Of course you can always buy pre-cut coleslaw mix at the store, as well as coleslaw dressing if you prefer.

But if you’re wanting something a little different or to make it from scratch, check out the following coleslaw recipes:

• Apple Broccoli Slaw
• Pineapple Coleslaw
• Purple Cabbage Slaw
• Kale Coleslaw with Carrot

Dinner ideas

From the super common to the more original, there are lots of different options when thinking about what goes well with coleslaw. Here are just some ideas:

• Hamburgers
• Hot dogs
• Pulled pork
• Tacos
• Steak
• Smoked ribs
• Pork chops
• Carnitas
• Short ribs
• Brisket
• Sloppy joes
• Grilled brats
• Fried chicken
• Reuban sandwich
• Grilled chicken thighs
• Grilled chicken breast
• Grilled fish
• Shrimp skewers
• Mushroom burgers
• Pulled jackfruit
• Veggie skewers

To see more specific ideas for what meat goes with coleslaw, check out the following recipes and pick what works best for your family.

Grilled Pork Tenderloin

This Grilled Pork Tenderloin recipe is so simple to make and turns out incredibly juicy. The secret isn’t a marinade or seasoning, but an easy dry brine method. Put this on your BBQ and enjoy a delicious and healthy dinner.

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Juicy Grilled Hamburgers

These grilled gluten free burgers are the best, they turn out so juicy and delicious. Using sautéed mushrooms and onions as well as a blend of gluten free seasonings to pack in the flavor, they work well for a weeknight family dinner or your next cookout. Whether you're gluten-free or just looking for a delicious burger recipe, these beef hamburgers will not disappoint.

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Ground Pork Tacos

These Ground Pork Tacos are an easy and healthy paleo dinner option that’s quick to make for a weeknight. Topped with slaw and cooked with seasoning like paprika and chipotle, there’s just a hint of smokiness. They’re also Whole30 compliant when eaten as lettuce wraps!

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Marinated Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs

These grilled boneless chicken thighs use a 4 ingredient marinade that is so simple to make. They cook up in no time on your gas grill, turning out tender and juicy. This recipe is also gluten free, paleo, and Whole30 compatible, but families of any persuasion will still enjoy this slightly sweet chicken!

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Fish Tacos

Easy fish tacos that are also Whole30 compliant? Not too good to be true. These are simple to put together, making them great for a weeknight dinner. Cook them up quickly on the stove and add your favorite toppings.

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Smoked Pork Chops

These Smoked Pork Chops are so easy to make and come out flavorful and juicy. This recipes uses a brine to keep moisture in, plus a delicious rub, then the boneless chops get cooked on a pellet grill. With step by step instructions on how to prepare plus dinner side dish suggestions for what to serve with the chops, this has all the information you need to make the perfect meal!

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Pineapple Grilled Chicken Breast

This grilled pineapple chicken breast recipe is a perfect meal for busy weeknights. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful pineapple marinade and grilled alongside slices of pineapple. With only an hour of marinating time, this dish is quick and easy to make. Follow the simple instructions and tips to ensure juicy, tender grilled chicken every time.

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Smoked Skirt Steak

This smoked skirt steak on the Traeger is so simple and so delicious. Soaked in an easy marinade, it gets smoked on the pellet grill then a reverse sear is done to finish it off. Slice it up and serve it in tacos, fajitas, nachos, or just eat it on its own. Either way, your family is going to love this for dinner.

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Grilled Mexican Chicken Thighs

Grilled Mexican Chicken Thighs are a delicious and flavorful option for your next cookout. Using a tangy lime marinade, the meat turns out juicy and tender, bursting with vibrant, Mexican-inspired flavors. Whether you are serving a crowd or simply feeding your family, these boneless skinless chicken thighs are sure to become a hit.

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Grilled Shrimp Skewers

This healthy Grilled Shrimp recipe is great for dinner and so easy to make. Using a simple seasoning, these shrimp skewers cook up in minutes on your gas grill and are perfect for tacos, a salad, or on top of zucchini noodles. (Gluten Free, Paleo, & Whole30 compatible)

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Dry Rubbed Flank Steak

This Dry Rubbed Flank Steak recipe is an easy and healthy weeknight dinner that's great with a side of veggies or on a salad. The seasoning goes on as a rub, then add some oil and cook it on the grill. It's grilled steak perfection!

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Ground Chicken Burgers

These juicy Ground Chicken Burgers are an easy homemade recipe for a busy weeknight. Made with almond flour and no bread crumbs and using simple seasoning, they’re gluten-free, and paleo and Whole30 compatible when eaten without a bun.

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Smoked Pork Tenderloin

This smoked pork tenderloin recipe is super simple and packs a ton of flavor. Use your wood pellet grill to smoke the seasoned meat and slather on your favorite bbq sauce. An easy dinner idea that’s gluten free, paleo, and Whole30 compatible!

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Juicy Smoked Chicken Breast

This easy recipe for Traeger smoked chicken breast (boneless) results in the most moist, tender juicy chicken thanks to a super simple 8-hour wet brine—that consists of apple juice, water and kosher salt—plus homemade dry rub! Serve the smoked chicken with grilled onions or sautéed vegetables, or slice it up and serve it over a simple green salad.

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Asian-Inspired Marinated Flank Steak

Get out of the kitchen and onto the grill with this Gluten Free Flank Steak Marinade with Tamari. Cooks up in no time flat making it a perfect weeknight meal.

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25-Minute Grilled Salmon

Follow these simple steps at home to make the most moist, flaky salmon filets on a Traeger wood pellet grill. While grilling, the salmon filets are brushed with a simple sauce made with butter, garlic, and fresh herbs, among other things, which gives a great flavor to the dish. Ready within 25 minutes!

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Juicy Grilled Dijon Chicken Breasts

You have to try this juicy and flavorful grilled Dijon chicken breast that is the perfect meal for weeknights! This delicious and wholesome dish is made with a quick marinade and includes expert tips to ensure your chicken is never dry. Pair it with some sauteed veggies and coleslaw to cook up a mouth-watering dinner that the whole family will love!

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Grilled Flank Steak (Carne Asada)

This Carne Asada recipe uses an easy marinade to make a flavorful and delicious meal. With garlic and lime juice as the main ingredients, the flank steak is marinated overnight then grilled to perfection – perfect for tacos, fajitas, burritos, or just eaten plain. Includes step by step instructions and photos for how to make this gluten free, paleo, and Whole30 compliant dinner.

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Greek Grilled Chicken Recipe

This Greek grilled chicken breast is super simple to make and comes out incredibly juicy and moist – and you don’t need a marinade! It’s going to become one of your favorite grilled chicken recipes.

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Grilled Shrimp Tacos

These Grilled Shrimp Tacos are an easy and healthy way to enjoy a lighter version of tacos. Using a lettuce wrap instead of a tortilla helps keep this recipe low carb, gluten free, paleo, and Whole30 compliant. Piled with cabbage slaw and dressed with a tasty sauce, these tacos are ready for eating.

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