If you’re on the lookout for a sandwich that’s juicy, tangy, and downright satisfying, I can’t recommend this BBQ Turkey Sandwiches with Coleslaw Recipe enough. It’s that perfect combo of tender pulled turkey drenched in smoky-sweet BBQ sauce paired with a crisp, creamy homemade coleslaw – all nestled inside soft brioche buns. When I first tried this, it instantly became a family favorite and a go-to for casual get-togethers. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll be craving it all summer long.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Easy Prep: Most of the ingredients are simple staples, and you can use leftover turkey to save time.
Perfect Texture Balance: Creamy coleslaw adds a fresh crunch that makes every bite interesting.
Customizable Flavors: You can easily adjust the BBQ sauce and slaw ingredients to your liking.
Family Approved: My family goes crazy for this sandwich at summer barbecues and weeknight dinners alike.

Two sandwiches are placed on a large white plate with a white marbled surface. Each sandwich has a soft, shiny light brown bun on top and bottom. Inside, there is a layer of shredded, richly colored pulled meat in a reddish-brown sauce at the bottom. On top of the meat, there is a colorful layer of creamy coleslaw made with shredded purple and white cabbage and carrots. Two thick, round pickle slices with ridged edges sit on the coleslaw of each sandwich. Some small pieces of coleslaw are scattered around the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this BBQ Turkey Sandwiches with Coleslaw Recipe lies in using fresh cabbage and carrot for the slaw, combined with tender turkey and rich BBQ sauce. When shopping, look for fresh, crisp cabbage and may I suggest a good quality BBQ sauce that suits your taste profile – sweet, smoky, or spicy.

Green and red cabbage: A mix gives your slaw lovely color and texture contrast.
Large carrot: Adds natural sweetness and a bit of crunch when grated fresh.
Mayo: Use full-fat mayo for creaminess, or a lighter version if you prefer.
Apple cider vinegar: Gives your slaw tang and brightness.
Apple juice or granulated sugar: Balances the vinegar with a touch of sweetness.
Yellow mustard: Adds subtle zest and depth to the slaw dressing.
Ground celery seed: Brings out that classic coleslaw flavor – don’t skip this!
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning all components perfectly.
Shredded cooked turkey: You can use baked or leftover pulled turkey, just make sure it’s moist.
BBQ sauce: Homemade or store-bought, pick one you love because it’s the heart of the sandwich.
Hamburger buns: Brioche buns are my favorite for this sandwich – they’re buttery, soft, and stand up well to the fillings.
Dill pickle slices: For that tangy crunch that cuts through the richness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on the mood or what I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to tweak it to your tastes – that’s half the fun! Here are a few of my favorite variations to inspire you.

Add a spicy kick: I sometimes mix a bit of chipotle powder or hot sauce into the BBQ sauce for a smoky heat that the family adores.
Make it lighter: Swap mayo for Greek yogurt in the coleslaw to brighten it up without losing creaminess.
Use different meats: If turkey isn’t your style, pulled chicken or even pork work beautifully with the same coleslaw.
Go vegetarian: Skip the turkey and add smoked tofu or jackfruit for similar texture and flavor vibes.

How to Make BBQ Turkey Sandwiches with Coleslaw Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Coleslaw

Start by shredding your green and red cabbage finely, and grate the carrot. Mixing these fresh veggies is key for that classic coleslaw crunch. Then, whisk together mayo, apple cider vinegar, apple juice or sugar, mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper. Combine the dressing with the veggies and toss well to coat. I like to make this early and let it chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes – it really helps the flavors meld and the slaw soften just a bit, making it irresistible.

Step 2: Warm the Turkey and Mix with BBQ Sauce

If you’re using leftover turkey, shredding it before warming helps it soak up the BBQ sauce. Gently warm the turkey in a skillet over medium heat, then add your BBQ sauce and stir until everything is nicely coated and heated through. Be careful not to dry it out – a little extra sauce always helps keep the meat juicy. I usually add more sauce as I’m building the sandwiches if it looks like it needs it.

Step 3: Toast the Buns and Assemble

I always toast my brioche buns lightly — just a quick buttered toast in a pan or under the broiler gives them a slight crunch and keeps them from soaking up too much moisture. Then, pile on a generous amount of the warm BBQ turkey, top with a spoonful of that creamy coleslaw, and finish with dill pickle slices for the perfect tangy pop.

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Pro Tips for Making BBQ Turkey Sandwiches with Coleslaw Recipe

Use leftover turkey: It’s a great way to reduce waste and the shredded texture soaks up BBQ sauce beautifully.
Let the slaw rest: Allowing the coleslaw to sit in the fridge lets the flavors meld and keeps the cabbage tender.
Toast buns just right: Don’t over-toast; you want a golden exterior but still soft inside for the perfect bite.
Adjust BBQ sauce amounts: Everyone’s taste varies, so start with less—you can always add more to keep the sandwich juicy.

How to Serve BBQ Turkey Sandwiches with Coleslaw Recipe

The image shows two sandwiches on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. Each sandwich has a golden-brown soft bun on top and bottom. Inside, there is a layer of shredded meat covered in a reddish sauce at the bottom. On top of the meat is a colorful layer of coleslaw made of shredded purple and white cabbage and some carrots mixed with a creamy dressing. Two pickle slices with a slightly translucent green color and ridged texture rest on the coleslaw layer in each sandwich. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always add extra dill pickle slices on top for that vinegary crunch that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, a few fresh sprigs of parsley or a sprinkle of finely chopped green onions add a fresh pop of color and subtle flavor that I love. It’s those little touches that make the sandwich feel special.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp kettle chips or a simple potato salad for a classic picnic feel. Lately, I’ve been serving mine with grilled corn on the cob and baked sweet potato fries for a colorful, hearty spread everyone enjoys.

Creative Ways to Present

If I’m serving these at a party or gathering, I sometimes lay out all the components buffet-style so folks can build their own sandwiches. It’s fun and interactive. For a twist, try mini slider buns – they’re adorable and perfect finger food for casual entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover turkey and coleslaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the slaw crisp and prevents the buns from getting soggy. Turkey lasts about 3-4 days refrigerated, which is great for quick lunches during the week.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the shredded turkey mixed with BBQ sauce with good results. Just cool it completely before freezing in a sealed container. When you defrost, the texture stays tender and the flavor remains intact, making for easy meal prep.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the turkey mixture in a skillet on low heat, stirring occasionally to keep it moist. The coleslaw is always best served cold or at room temperature, so I add it to the sandwich after reheating the turkey to keep its crunch and freshness intact.

FAQs

Can I use leftover turkey from Thanksgiving for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover turkey works perfectly here. Just shred it well and warm it in BBQ sauce as the recipe directs. It’s a delicious way to reinvent your leftovers without feeling repetitive.
How long does homemade coleslaw keep?

When stored in an airtight container, homemade coleslaw stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Beyond that, the cabbage starts to soften too much, so it’s best to enjoy it sooner rather than later for the best crunch.
Can I make the BBQ sauce from scratch?

Definitely! Making your own BBQ sauce can be fun and you can adjust sweetness and spice to your preference. However, a good store-bought BBQ sauce also works great if you’re short on time or prefer a consistent flavor.
What’s the best type of bun to use for these sandwiches?

I’m a big fan of brioche buns for their buttery flavor and soft texture that complements the richness of the BBQ turkey and coleslaw. That said, regular hamburger buns or potato rolls also do the trick if brioche isn’t available.

Final Thoughts

Making these BBQ Turkey Sandwiches with Coleslaw has become one of my favorite easy crowd-pleasers. They hit all the right notes – tangy, sweet, savory, and crunchy – and I love how easy it is to whip them up any day of the week. If you’ve got leftover turkey or simply want a tasty twist on classic BBQ sandwiches, give this recipe a try. I promise, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked just like my family. Happy cooking, friend!