Freshly grated cabbage and carrots are a must for authentic homemade coleslaw. The texture is un-mistakeable in an old fashioned coleslaw side dish recipe. 2. Allow the coleslaw to chill in the fridge at least 4 hours, overnight preferred, to allow the flavors to mingle. 3. Properly stored coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator lasts 3 to 5 days. 4. Enjoy sweet, creamy, and tangy Southern coleslaw with a variety of foods from fried chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, seafood, hot dogs, grilled burgers and more. It's a great side for cookouts with family and friends. 5. Use the best quality ingredients: fresh vegetables, a good quality mayonnaise, and quality seasonings to ensure that your coleslaw has the best flavor.