When it comes to iconic fast-food sides, Raising Cane’s coleslaw stands out as a creamy, refreshing complement to their famous chicken fingers. This southern-style coleslaw recipe captures that same delicious flavor profile you love from the restaurant, but made fresh in your own kitchen.
Nothing beats the satisfaction of recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home. This Raising Cane’s coleslaw recipe delivers the perfect balance of creamy texture and tangy flavor that makes it an ideal side dish for grilled foods, barbecue, or any summer meal.
Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue or just want to enjoy restaurant-quality coleslaw at home, this recipe will become your go-to favorite. The combination of fresh cabbage, creamy dressing, and the perfect seasoning blend creates a side dish that’s both nostalgic and irresistibly delicious.
What Does Raising Cane’s Coleslaw Recipe Taste Like?
This Raising Cane’s inspired coleslaw delivers a perfect harmony of creamy and tangy flavors that dance on your palate. The mayonnaise and sour cream base creates a rich, velvety texture that coats each strand of cabbage and carrot, while the apple cider vinegar adds a subtle tang that cuts through the richness.
The fresh lemon juice brightens the entire dish, providing a citrusy note that complements the earthy sweetness of the cabbage. A hint of sugar balances the acidity, while the salt and black pepper add depth and a gentle kick that enhances all the other flavors.
The overall taste is refreshing and cooling, with a satisfying crunch from the fresh vegetables. It’s creamy without being heavy, tangy without being overpowering, and perfectly seasoned to complement grilled meats, fried chicken, or any barbecue dish you can imagine.
Ingredients Required for Raising Cane’s Coleslaw Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Raising Cane’s Coleslaw
- 1 bag (16 ounces) coleslaw mix (green cabbage and carrots)
- 2-3 leaves red cabbage, finely shredded
- ¾ cup Hellmann’s mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Fine mesh strainer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Serving bowl
Preparation and Cooking Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6-8 people
Recipe for Raising Cane’s Coleslaw
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Raising Cane’s Coleslaw at home
1. Prepare the red cabbage: Remove 2-3 outer leaves from the red cabbage. Stack the leaves together and roll them tightly from one side. Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled cabbage into very thin strips to create fine shreds similar to the coleslaw mix.
2. Combine the vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, add the coleslaw mix and the freshly shredded red cabbage. Stir gently to distribute the colors evenly throughout the mixture.
3. Make the dressing: In the same bowl, add the mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, salt, and apple cider vinegar. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice through a fine mesh strainer to catch any seeds.
4. Mix thoroughly: Using a wooden spoon or spatula, mix all ingredients together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Make sure no dry spots remain.
5. Chill the coleslaw: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the lemon juice and vinegar to react with the mayo and sour cream, creating the perfect creamy texture.
6. Final seasoning: Remove from refrigerator and add black pepper to taste. Give it one final stir before serving.
7. Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately as a side dish with your favorite grilled or fried foods.
Check my another favorite recipe, called Baskin Robbins Cotton Candy Ice Cream Recipe
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Raising Cane’s Coleslaw
Over the years, we’ve discovered countless ways to enjoy this creamy coleslaw beyond just serving it as a simple side dish. Here are our favorite pairings that never fail to impress:
1. Classic Fried Chicken Combo
Nothing beats the original pairing! We love serving this alongside crispy fried chicken tenders or wings. The cool, creamy texture perfectly balances the hot, crunchy coating.
2. BBQ Pulled Pork Perfection
We’ve found that this coleslaw is absolutely divine when piled high on pulled pork sandwiches. The tangy dressing cuts through the rich, smoky meat beautifully.
3. Grilled Burger Topping
Try using this as a burger topping instead of lettuce. We’ve been doing this for years, and it adds such a satisfying crunch and creamy flavor that transforms any ordinary burger.
4. Fish Taco Game-Changer
One of our favorite discoveries is using this coleslaw in fish tacos. The creamy texture and bright flavors complement grilled or fried fish perfectly.
5. Hot Dog Upgrade
We love piling this on top of grilled hot dogs or bratwurst. It’s especially good with spicy sausages where the cool coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast.
6. Barbecue Plate Essential
Whenever we’re serving ribs, brisket, or any barbecue spread, this coleslaw is always on the table. It’s the perfect palate cleanser between bites of rich, smoky meat.
7. Picnic Sandwich Filler
We’ve started using this as a filling for sandwiches and wraps. It adds incredible texture and flavor, especially in turkey or ham sandwiches.
8. Loaded Baked Potato Topping
This might sound unusual, but we’ve topped baked potatoes with this coleslaw along with some shredded cheese and bacon bits. It’s surprisingly delicious!
9. Grilled Shrimp Companion
The light, refreshing nature of this coleslaw pairs beautifully with grilled or blackened shrimp. We often serve it alongside seafood dishes during summer cookouts.
10. Breakfast Hash Side
We’ve even served this alongside hearty breakfast hash or breakfast sandwiches. The fresh, crisp vegetables provide a nice contrast to rich morning foods.
Some Tips on This Raising Cane’s Coleslaw Recipe
Here are our best tips to help you make this coleslaw taste amazing every time:
1. Let It Rest
Don’t skip the 30-minute wait time! This is the most important step. The coleslaw needs time to get creamy and tasty.
2. Use Cold Ingredients
Keep your mayo and sour cream cold. This helps make the coleslaw taste fresh and crisp.
3. Don’t Over-Mix
Mix it just enough to coat all the cabbage. Too much mixing makes it mushy.
4. Add Pepper Last
Always add black pepper right before you serve it. This keeps it from getting too
strong.
5. Taste as You Go
Start with less salt and pepper. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out.
6. Cut Cabbage Small
Make sure your red cabbage pieces are tiny. They should look like the stuff in the bag.
7. Drain Watery Veggies
If your coleslaw gets watery, drain the extra liquid before serving.
8. Use Fresh Lemon
Fresh lemon juice tastes way better than the stuff in a bottle. It makes a big difference.
9. Keep It Cold
Always keep coleslaw in the fridge. It tastes best when it’s nice and cold.
10. Make It Your Own
Try adding things you like. Some people add a bit of celery seed or onion powder.
How to Store and Reheat Raising Cane’s Coleslaw
Store leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture will soften slightly over time, but the flavors will continue to develop. Give it a good stir before serving leftovers. This coleslaw is best served chilled and does not require reheating.
Raising Cane’s Coleslaw Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the red cabbage: Remove 2-3 outer leaves from the red cabbage. Stack the leaves together and roll them tightly from one side. Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled cabbage into very thin strips to create fine shreds similar to the coleslaw mix.
- Combine the vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, add the coleslaw mix and the freshly shredded red cabbage. Stir gently to distribute the colors evenly throughout the mixture.
- Make the dressing: In the same bowl, add the mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, salt, and apple cider vinegar. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice through a fine mesh strainer to catch any seeds.
- Mix thoroughly: Using a wooden spoon or spatula, mix all ingredients together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Make sure no dry spots remain.
- Chill the coleslaw: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the lemon juice and vinegar to react with the mayo and sour cream, creating the perfect creamy texture.
- Final seasoning: Remove from refrigerator and add black pepper to taste. Give it one final stir before serving.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately as a side dish with your favorite grilled or fried foods.
Video
Notes
Common Queries on This Raising Cane’s Coleslaw Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Raising Cane’s Coleslaw Recipe that people often ask. Over the years of making this coleslaw recipe, we’ve received countless questions from readers. Here are the most common ones we encounter, along with our tried-and-true answers:
1. Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?
Absolutely! We actually prefer making this coleslaw a few hours ahead of serving. The flavors meld together beautifully, and the texture becomes even creamier. We’ve made it up to 24 hours in advance with great results, though it’s best consumed within 3 days.
2. What can I substitute for sour cream?
We’ve experimented with several alternatives over the years. Greek yogurt works wonderfully and adds a slight tang. Buttermilk creates a lighter texture, while cream cheese (softened) makes it extra rich. For dairy-free options, we’ve had success with cashew cream or vegan sour cream.
3. Why does my coleslaw turn out watery?
This usually happens when you skip the 30-minute chilling step. We learned this the hard way! The resting time allows the dressing to properly bind with the vegetables. Also, make sure your vegetables are completely dry before mixing.
4. Can I use regular vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar?
Yes, we’ve used white vinegar many times when we’re out of apple cider vinegar. The flavor is slightly sharper, but it still works perfectly. Rice vinegar is another great option that we’ve tried – it’s a bit milder and slightly sweet.
5. How do I prevent the coleslaw from getting soggy?
From our experience, the key is not overdressing it initially. We always start with slightly less dressing than we think we need, then add more if necessary. Also, serving it within a few hours of making prevents the vegetables from releasing too much moisture.
6. Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! We’ve added shredded bell peppers, thinly sliced radishes, and even diced apples for sweetness. Just keep the total vegetable volume similar to maintain the proper dressing ratio. We particularly love adding a bit of fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
7. Is there a way to make this coleslaw less creamy?
We’ve made lighter versions by reducing the mayo to 1/2 cup and adding an extra tablespoon of vinegar and lemon juice. You can also substitute half the mayo with additional sour cream or yogurt for a tangier, less heavy result.
8. What’s the best way to shred cabbage for this recipe?
We’ve found that a sharp knife gives the best results for achieving those thin, restaurant-style shreds. A food processor with a slicing disc works too, but we prefer the knife method for better control. The key is rolling the cabbage leaves tightly before slicing.
9. Can I freeze this coleslaw?
We don’t recommend freezing this coleslaw. The mayo-based dressing separates when frozen and thawed, and the vegetables lose their crisp texture. We’ve learned it’s best to make only what you’ll consume within a few days.
10. How can I make this coleslaw spicier?
We love adding heat to this recipe! A few dashes of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or finely diced jalapeños work wonderfully. We’ve also tried adding a small amount of horseradish for a different kind of kick. Start small and adjust to your taste preference.
This homemade Raising Cane’s Coleslaw Recipe brings the beloved restaurant flavor straight to your kitchen table. The creamy, tangy combination of fresh vegetables and perfectly seasoned dressing creates a side dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
Try this recipe at your next barbecue or family dinner, and watch it disappear from the serving bowl. Don’t forget to share your results in the comments below and let us know how this coleslaw paired with your favorite main dishes! Feel free to share your experience with this recipe by trying it out. Don’t forget to drop a comment and provide your feedback on the blog for us to read.
Looks Delicious
Thanks for the recipe
Welcome Amelia