Tangy Blue Cheese Coleslaw

Looking for an unforgettable twist on classic coleslaw? This Tangy Blue Cheese Coleslaw has the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and crunchy, making it everything you ever wanted in a side dish. If you’re into salads that pack a punch, this one’s got your name all over it!

Tangy blue cheese coleslaw isn’t a basic BBQ side. It has a killer balance of creamy dressing, tangy blue cheese, and the crunch of fresh cabbage, carrots, and celery. The homemade dressing is rich without being overpowering, and the blue cheese flavor (from real blue cheese crumbles) really makes this slaw extraordinary!

Especially if you love blue cheese, this easy coleslaw will become your new go-to side salad. It will quickly cool down any spicy dishes that it is paired with! Think smoked buffalo chicken wings or spicy Cajun pork ribs. Or, just whip up a batch of homemade blue cheese dressing!

Ingredients for Blue Cheese Coleslaw

• Cabbage — Napa cabbage is shown above, but any crunchy green cabbage will also work for this recipe.
• Carrots — Peeling is optional before grating, but just make sure they are washed first.
• Celery — Save some of the yellow leaves from the center of the stalk, they can be chopped up and added in for more flavor.
• Pistachios — Roasted and salted pistachios are recommended, but don’t let that stop you from exploring a spicy version.
• Lemon juice — Use a fresh lemon for the best flavor. Adding lemon zest boosts the flavor even more.
• Mayonnaise — This can be swapped out for a full-fat Greek yogurt if needed.
• Sour cream — Paired with mayonnaise, it adds a nice light tang to the dressing.
• Worcestershire sauce — A few dashes add a nice savory note.
• Blue Cheese — Use high-quality cheese for the best results, avoid the tub of blue cheese crumbles.

A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below

Recipe Variations

• Add some crunch — The pistachios in this blue cheese coleslaw elevate the dish with a crunchy texture! Always add a crunchy element to your slaws. If you don’t have pistachios on hand, you can switch them out with walnuts or a chewy ingredient like dried cranberries!
• Throw in bacon — Crispy, crumbled bacon would be a great topping here. It adds a deep, savory flavor and pairs well with tangy blue cheese! Try the Smoked Bacon Crumbles for extra flavor.
• Apples, anyone? — Julienned tart apples would brighten up the coleslaw if you want to add them in!

How to Make Tangy Blue Cheese Slaw

1. Combine vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, celery, leaves, scallions, and pistachios. Mix briefly and set aside.

2. Prepare the dressing: Make the dressing by combining lemon juice, mayonnaise, sour cream, and Worcestershire in a small bowl. Whisk to incorporate the ingredients, and then fold in most of the crumbled blue cheese, saving some for garnish if desired.
3. Mix & Chill: Fold the blue cheese dressing into the large bowl with the salad, making sure everything is well coated. Taste and adjust with fresh cracked pepper and salt. Let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving so the flavors have a chance to mingle.

Top Tips

• Use high-quality blue cheese. Blue cheese is the star of the show here. I recommend using high-quality blue cheese for the best results! If you aren’t a fan of blue cheese, try a different coleslaw recipe like my creamy Southwestern coleslaw or my fennel apple slaw with hot honey!
• Use the cabbage that you have on hand. Any firm cabbage can be substituted for Napa cabbage. Red cabbage will add a bitter flavor, so I would recommend combining it with green if using it!
• Make the dressing from scratch. Many coleslaw recipes out there use a store-bought blue cheese dressing. I would avoid using a store-bought dressing, though. The homemade dressing in my recipe really takes things up a notch with fresh flavors!

Serving Suggestions

I like to pair this creamy blue cheese coleslaw with anything spicy like my Nashville hot grilled chicken wings to balance out the flavors. It is a great match for rich BBQ meats, too, like smoked Southwest baby back ribs or juicy smoked pulled pork. It also pairs well with smoked burgers or a parmesan crusted steak!

You can also serve it with smoked chicken halves or you can use it as a topping on burgers, sandwiches and in wraps!

Frequently Asked Questions

More Sides to Try

• Spicy Curtido Cabbage Slaw
• Grilled Broccoli Crunch Salad
• Grilled Zucchini Squash Skewers
• Spicy Pork Belly Brussels Sprouts
• Jalapeño Carrot Slaw