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Apr 20 2013

Pittsburgh Slaw

Find the recipe card at the end of the post. Make sure to read the content as it contains chef tips, substitution options, and answers to FAQs to help you succeed the first time around!

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This Pittsburgh coleslaw is tangy with just the right amount of bite. It’s perfect on pulled pork and pretty much any sandwich you get while visiting the ‘Burgh!

So in an upcoming recipe, you’ll see exactly how this magical slaw is used (other than simply eaten with a fork).  This slaw was my nemesis for quite some time.  Most people, when they think of coleslaw think of that creamy mayo buttermilk stuff.  While that’s great in it’s own right, we here in Pittsburgh have an iconic sammich slaw. It’s vinegar based and while simple, the flavors are magical. This slaw MAKES the sammich.

Pittsburgh Slaw

These simple ingredients haunted me forever! I couldn’t for the life of me get it right. After some digging, googling, and honest-to-goodness trial and error, I finally nailed it. 

So those of you that have been to the ‘Burgh, tasted one of these sammiches but then decided to live elsewhere, here ya go!  Your very own version of Pittsburgh.  But wait.. there’s more on the horizon, so stay tuned *wink*

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Pittsburgh Slaw

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4.9 from 7 reviews

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  • Author: The Kitchen Whisperer

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cabbage, cut into thin strips
  • 1 large (or 2 medium) carrot(s), shredded
  • 1/4 cup red onion, minced
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery seed, crushed (can use celery salt in place but reduce the kosher salt by at least a 1/4 teaspoon)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl add the cabbage, carrots and onion.
  2. Stir with a fork just to mix up.
  3. In a smaller bowl add the vinegar, oil, salt, pepper, sugar and crushed celery seed.
  4. Whisk to combine.
  5. Pour over the cabbage mixture and mix to incorporate.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Notes

This is a tangy vinegary slaw. You can reduce the vinegar to 1 tablespoon and increase the sugar slightly.

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Save For Later!

Make it a meal!

Pairs Perfectly With:

  • Tots and Pulled Pork Sandwich

    Tots and Pulled Pork Sandwich

  • Ultimate Pressure Cooker BBQ Coke Pulled Pork – Break out the Instant Pot folks!

    Ultimate Pressure Cooker BBQ Coke Pulled Pork – Break out the Instant Pot folks!

  • Pittsburgh Steak & Fries Grilled Cheese with Coleslaw

    Pittsburgh Steak & Fries Grilled Cheese with Coleslaw

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13 responses

  1. Peggy
    March 17, 2025

    Finally made this slaw for “Georgia Reubens” tonight. YUMMMMMM

    Reply
    1. Lori
      March 17, 2025

      Oh what are Georgia Reubens? So happy you loved the slaw!

      Best Kitchen Wishes!

      Reply
  2. Linda
    May 13, 2022

    Perfect! Love this slaw. It’s great on a sandwich, as is, and I enjoy it with grilled seasoned Mahi. Kinda reminds me of eating a fish taco without all the taco. I bet serving grilled chicken on a bed of it too would be delicious!

    Reply
  3. Kelly
    June 28, 2020

    This was perfect with pulled pork. I did cheat a bit and used a bag of angel hair coleslaw, added carrots and very thinly sliced red onion. Even the “creamy” coleslaw people enjoyed it!😉

    Reply
  4. Cindy
    April 4, 2020

    I made this last night and it was wonderful! It is a good change of pace from creamy cole slaws. Definitely a keeper.

    Reply
    1. TKWAdmin
      April 4, 2020

      Thank you so much Cindy! So happy you loved it!

      Best Kitchen Wishes!

      Reply
  5. Carolyn
    February 2, 2020

    Add cucumbers too!!

    Reply
  6. Michelle
    July 22, 2019

    It was delicious. I added a 1/2 tsp of honey to cut the vinegar.

    Reply
  7. JoeW
    November 13, 2018

    Lori,
    Made this for dinner on Sunday, Very good, and very well received, even by the one who doesn’t much care for cabbage. Far superior to the standard mayo-based versions.
    Passed it on to another mayophobiac (you’ll recognize yourself in that noun, I trust), with a strong recommendation.

    Thanks,
    JOe

    Reply
    1. TKWAdmin
      November 14, 2018

      Thank you so much Joe! LOL mayophobiac – love it! So happy everyone loved it!

      Best Kitchen Wishes!

      Reply
  8. JoeW
    November 13, 2018

    Made this for dinner on Sunday. Very good, and very well received. Far superior to the mayo-based versions.
    Passed it on to another mayophobiac, with a strong recommendation.

    Thanks, Lori.

    Joe

    Reply
  9. Julie
    April 20, 2013

    mmmm have been there and do remember this!!

    Reply
    1. TKWAdmin
      April 20, 2013

      This slaw is probably one of the best I’ve had (if I do say so myself). If you’ve been to that sammich shop then you MUST MUST MUST check out this recipe *wink*

      Pittsburgh Steak & Fries Grilled Cheese with Coleslaw

      Best Kitchen Wishes!

      Reply

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I’m Lori, The Kitchen Whisperer®! Let me help you tame the kitchen one bite at a time.

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