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Coleslaw Pasta Salad | Pasta Salad | Side Dish | Coleslaw pasta salad is a fun twist to traditional pasta salad. Loaded with texture, taste, and fabulous crunch. This is the perfect side dish for a summer bbq, picnic, or potluck! It can be made ahead of time too. #pastasalad #sidedish #saladrecipes #bbq #pastasaladrecipes

COLESLAW PASTA SALAD

Coleslaw Pasta Salad is full of amazing crunch, texture, and creamy flavor! I always love pasta salads at gathering or BBQ’s with family. I love the variety and I love to try new salads. 

This coleslaw pasta salad is always a winner wherever I take it. It’s so different then normal pasta salads and everyone loves this stuff. There is lots of chopping involved (you’ve been warned 🙂 ) but it’s worth it when you taste it. 

Coleslaw Pasta Salad | Pasta Salad | Side Dish | Coleslaw pasta salad is a fun twist to traditional pasta salad. Loaded with texture, taste, and fabulous crunch. This is the perfect side dish for a summer bbq, picnic, or potluck! It can be made ahead of time too. #pastasalad #sidedish #saladrecipes #bbq #pastasaladrecipes

HOW TO MAKE COLESLAW PASTA SALAD

Ditalini Pasta Salad – You could experiment using other pasta shapes if wanted but I have found that the ditalini pasta is the best. It’s small in size but still large enough to be able to compete with the other flavors going on. The pasta gets cooked according to package directions and then you will drain it and rinse with cold water in a colander. 

Coleslaw Mix – Head to the bagged salad area of the produce section to find this. There is a coleslaw with shredded carrots and purple cabbage you can use or get the bag with just plain shredded green cabbage. Either one will work. I love the one with carrot and red cabbage for the color. 

Sweet Onion

Celery

Chopped & Seeded Cucumbers – You can peel off the skin on the cucumber or leave it on, whatever you prefer. I like to peel it about 3/4 the way so that there is still some green peel showing for some awesome color in the salad. Either way works just fine. 

Green Pepper

Water Chestnuts – I drain the juice from the can and then dump it into a food processor and chop it until it’s chopped into small pieces. You can also just use a cutting board and a knife to chop. 

Hard Boiled Eggs – You can buy hard boiled eggs at the grocery store or use this super easy tutorial for Instant Pot hard boiled eggs that will change your life! I use it all the time and it’s perfect. The egg shell literally just falls off. 

Mayonnaise, Sugar, Apple Cider Vinegar, Salt & Pepper – Feel free to add whatever you want to the dressing. I love it as is and that’s how I’ve always made it. 

Coleslaw Pasta Salad | Pasta Salad | Side Dish | Coleslaw pasta salad is a fun twist to traditional pasta salad. Loaded with texture, taste, and fabulous crunch. This is the perfect side dish for a summer bbq, picnic, or potluck! It can be made ahead of time too. #pastasalad #sidedish #saladrecipes #bbq #pastasaladrecipes

MY TIPS FOR MAKING THIS RECIPE

– Prepare this salad ahead of time! It’s much better after it has had 4-5 hours of refrigeration time before serving. You can serve it right away, and maybe try it both ways to see what you prefer, but I think it’s much better cold. Do not prepare the night before as it will make the salad too thick because the dressing would have had lots more time to thicken up and stick to the pasta. 

– For best taste use full-fat, real mayonnaise. No substitutes please if you want it to taste amazing. 

– It is a lot of chopping! I know. Every time I make this I wonder why I do it because there is so much chopping. But then I taste it and I remember why I do all that chopping. Speaking of chopping, try to cut everything the same size so the salad is uniform and you get some of everything in every bite. 

– I don’t know why but I have seen 14 oz coleslaw bags and 16 oz sized bags. Just make sure you use between a 14-16 oz bag of coleslaw mix. Not sure why they make it so complicated?! 

Coleslaw Pasta Salad | Pasta Salad | Side Dish | Coleslaw pasta salad is a fun twist to traditional pasta salad. Loaded with texture, taste, and fabulous crunch. This is the perfect side dish for a summer bbq, picnic, or potluck! It can be made ahead of time too. #pastasalad #sidedish #saladrecipes #bbq #pastasaladrecipes

TRY THESE OTHER PASTAS SALAD RECIPES

Coleslaw Pasta Salad | Pasta Salad | Side Dish | Coleslaw pasta salad is a fun twist to traditional pasta salad. Loaded with texture, taste, and fabulous crunch. This is the perfect side dish for a summer bbq, picnic, or potluck! It can be made ahead of time too. #pastasalad #sidedish #saladrecipes #bbq #pastasaladrecipes
Together As Family Logo

Coleslaw Pasta Salad


Author Jessica
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes
Fridge Time 4 hours
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 16 people
Coleslaw Pasta Salad is a fun twist to traditional pasta salad. Ditalini pasta with coleslaw and lots of other delicious and crunchy mix-ins for pasta salad that is always a hit.

Ingredients
  

coleslaw pasta salad

  • 1 box (16 oz) ditalini pasta
  • 1 bag (14-16 oz) coleslaw mix
  • 1 sweet onion finely chopped
  • 2 celery ribs finely chopped
  • 2 cucumbers peeled, seeded, & chopped
  • 1 green pepper chopped small
  • 1 can (8 oz) sliced water chestnuts drained & chopped small
  • 3 hard boiled eggs chopped

dressing

  • 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain pasta and rinse in cold water.
    *Don't forget to add salt to the cooking water. I add about 2 teaspoons. 
  • Transfer pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add the coleslaw mix, onions, celery, cucumber, green pepper, water chestnuts, and eggs. Mix together.
  • In separate bowl combine the dressing ingredients and stir with a whisk. Pour over the pasta salad and stir well to combine.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 4-6 hours before serving.

Video

Notes

The is recipe has been updated (June 2020) with new helpful text and new pictures. The recipe is the same as it always has been. 
Plan ahead! This salad needs at least 4 hours of fridge time before serving. 
Store leftovers in the fridge. Surprisingly, the salad stays well in the fridge for a couple of days. And it even still retains the slight crunch too!

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 231mg | Potassium: 233mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 163IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg

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Recipe Rating




57 Comments

  1. Hi, this is a very interesting recipe but I have one question, please. “1/4 apple cider vinegar”, what is the quantity for that? I know this is a very strong ingredient and too much can be over whelming. Coleslaw is my “Church dish” so I try to find different ways to make and I love this!
    Thanks in advance,

    1. Together As Family says:

      Hi Sherry. I am very sensitive to vinegar as well, so I know what you mean. The original recipe actually called for white vinegar which is very over powering. I used apple cider instead because it is more subtle. The 1/4 cup is correct and it is not too over whelming. If you are worried you would be fine reducing it down to 3 tablespoons perhaps.

  2. HI, Do you think you could cut the sugar down and add honey instead?

    1. Together As Family says:

      Hey. I have never used honey so I am not sure. You could always try it but it may be too much liquid (?). Not positive on that but it seems like it would. You could also get away with reducing the sugar amount or even not adding it.

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  4. 5 stars
    This looks great! How many servings?

    1. Together As Family says:

      I never know how many servings to say for salads like this. It makes a lot. A big bowl. I would say it easily serves 12-15 for like a side dish, like at a potluck or something like that.

  5. Deborah Rose says:

    You could (gasp) even add shredded rotisserie chicken, tuna, tiny shrimp, shredded cheddar – whatever – to make this a full lunch or dinner rather than as a side. Looking forward to making this all summer!

    1. Together As Family says:

      Yummy, yes those would all be great additions! Thanks for the suggestions and I may just have to try a few. Thanks for visiting.

  6. Margaret P says:

    I have made the basic recipe two different times. Both were a big hit. This is a great tasty salad for a group. It is now my go to veggie pasta salad choice.

  7. 5 stars
    Hi! I just happened upon your blog when I did a search for search for for “recipes using quick cook steel cut oats” I plan to make the Energy Bites tomorrow, w/ almond butter, ground flax seeds & chocolate chips *they sound “yum~o~liciously* healthy! I am looking forward to making the Coleslaw Pasta Salad soon. My plan is to divide it in half & add canned salmon to one portion. I am anticipating a scrumptious summer double hitter 🙂

    1. Together As Family says:

      Sounds delicious! So happy to hear you found the energy bites recipe when you searched. Welcome to my blog and I hope you find some good stuff.

  8. I never know when people say mayo whether they mean Hellmann’s or kraft miracle whip.
    Which one did you use? This recipe sounds awesome, thank you. I’m using it for a party this week end!??

    1. Together As Family says:

      I always use Hellman’s because I think the taste is much better. But, I have used Kraft as well cause that’s what I had at the time. Both will work just fine but Hellman’s is a creamier more flavorful mayo, I think anyways 🙂

      1. Thanks! Hellmans it is!???

  9. Made this salad yesterday for a family birthday party. Was a great hit. Only thing I did different was added a red bell pepper that needed to be used.

    1. Together As Family says:

      The addition of red pepper is great! I am happy to hear it was a hit.

  10. 5 stars
    Make this recipe all of the time but I do cut down on the Apple Cider Vinegar to about 3 tablespoons. It is delicious and refreshing!

    1. I make this all the time especially for a crowd. I’ve gotten so many compliments on it.

  11. Linda Gilman says:

    5 stars
    I made this recipe for Easter and it was great. Totally delicious. I will make it again for Memorial Day weekend.

  12. 5 stars
    A guest brought this to my home last night for a party but forgot to take it out of the fridge when it was time to eat. Found it this morning and I am almost ashamed to say I ate more than half the bowl. Delicious!

    1. Together As Family says:

      haha, oh no! But yay for you 🙂 SO happy to hear you loved it!

    2. Helen, we must be twins separated at birth LOL

  13. Linda Gilman says:

    5 stars
    I have made this recipe twice. It is delicious. The recipe makes a lot. I would recommend cutting quality of ingredients in half.

    1. Together As Family says:

      Yes it does make a lot! Perfect for big gatherings or potlucks.

    2. Tamala Henry-Green says:

      5 stars
      Just made this salad and it turned out great. I had to make a lot of adjustments do to availability. I had vegetable rotini so I put a small amount at a time in the food processor to make the pasta smaller. I didn’t have apple cider vinegar so I used white wine vinegar. I left out the green peppers & eggs and used extra salad pickles. Everyone loved it. Will make for my next potluck.

  14. What is the measurement for apple cider vinegar?

  15. 4 stars
    I made this for Father’s Day campout and it was a hit! We had 11 people and plenty leftover for another meal. Didn’t know the exact measurement of apple cider vinegar. Please update recipe.

    1. Together As Family says:

      Thanks for letting me know about the vinegar. I will go check that out right now. So glad it was a hit!

  16. 5 stars
    This is by far my favorite pasta salad! I add 8oz of cubed cheddar cheese which takes it over the top…… adds a nice bit of Salty-ness. Makes a lot so it’s a great salad to take for a crowd. Make it ahead as it’s better the next day after flavors meld. Soooo good!!

    1. Together As Family says:

      I agree! It’s so good the next day. And I have to say I will definitely be trying cheese when I make it again. I’ve heard that from several people now how amazing it is with cheese.

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  18. I have to tell you that this salad is absolutely delicious, and I can’t wait to make it for a family gathering or barbecue. And frankly, I didn’t even notice that the vinegar amount didn’t specify 1/4 “cup”. I halved the recipe for just my husband and me and that still made a good amount. Thanks for sharing such a great recipe! It is definitely a keeper.

  19. Kelly Kroeplien says:

    5 stars
    My family loves this recipe!

  20. 5 stars
    it took some time to chop all the veggies, but it was well worth the effort! great salad, will be serving this at the next family gathering!

  21. Dale Hutcheson says:

    5 stars
    This is one of my all time favorite recipes. I have made it many times for events and always come away with recipe requests. I make two very slight alterations to the recipe. I use 3 cups of uncooked pasta as I like a creaminess to the salad and when using the full box it loses that. I also use 1/8 cup apple cider vinegar and 1/8 cup white wine vinegar which is a little odd but I am not a big apple cider fan so that could be just me. Also red pepper instead of green gives it some color as I use the mini cucumbers which gives me the green. Love this recipe. Make and enjoy!!!

    1. Together As Family says:

      So glad this salad is always a hit for you! Nice job. Thanks for leaving your comment and review. I appreciate it.

  22. Love, love this salad…..I .add cubed cheddar or cheese crumbles and no celery or eggs. I make it at least once a month. Delicious, addicting and healthy!

  23. Cheryl Gilbertson says:

    This pasta salad was just wonderful. I went to a friends house for the 4th of July lunch and she served this as a side salad. Mmmmmmmmm

  24. I have made his for years!! I put tomatoes and cucumbers in mine also!! This is amazing!! MY KIDS LOVE IT!! Big hit at any outing or cookout!!

  25. Great inspiration. I used whole wheat pasta, half a bag of Sam’s Club coleslaw, 1 English cucumber, 2 large handfuls marinated olives, 2 cans of beautiful wild salmon, 1 pouch tuna, about 1 cup homemade mayo, about 1/2 c milk kefir, several T kombucha vinegar, granulated garlic, fresh dill & lovage, lots of sea salt & cracked pepper. Thank youI!

  26. 5 stars
    I have made this recipe about 5 times. I add 1/4 cup sour cream and rdishes.
    So delicious !

  27. Donna Wood says:

    5 stars
    Looks great! Do you think this is enough for 13 adults or should I double it?

    1. Together As Family says:

      Oh for sure there is more than enough for 13 adults.

  28. Cant WAIT to try this recipe! Also, so many variations and ideas on ingredients. Yummy!

  29. This is a must try recipe. Since my knife skills are bad, the food processor attachment for my blender is used for chopping. Appreciate the forewarn about the chopping.

    1. Together as Family says:

      Thank you Dolores! I love the idea of using a food processor to lessen the chopping!

  30. Just wondering it would it be ok to make the night before and let it sit out for a few hours before serving?

    1. Together as Family says:

      That should work out great, I’ve even had this cold and it was still delicious!

  31. This is definitely a keeper. My changes: grated my own cabbage, left out the waterchestnuts and eggs. I don’t know why anyone would put eggs in a salad. Really enjoyed my version.

    1. Together as Family says:

      Thanks for sharing what you enjoyed!

  32. 5 stars
    this is an awesome recipe and a huge hit every time I make it. I find it a bit too dry after sitting so I always do 1 1/2 batches of the sauce and that seems nice.

    1. Together as Family says:

      So glad it’s a hit! Thanks for sharing your suggestion with the sauce!

  33. Could rice be substituted for pasta to make it gluten free?

    1. Together as Family says:

      I think that would be fine, but it would be preferable to use a gluten free pasta instead.