Sweet Restaurant Slaw Recipe

There's something irresistible about the crisp crunch and creamy sweetness of restaurant-style coleslaw. Every bite offers a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and creamy, making it the ultimate side dish for barbecues, picnics, or even a simple weeknight meal.

this Recipe

I first fell in love with this sweet slaw after tasting a version at my favorite southern diner. Determined to recreate it at home, I tested and tweaked until I landed on this foolproof recipe. Now, it’s a staple at every family gathering and backyard cookout.

Why You'll Love This Sweet Restaurant Slaw

Get ready to add a new favorite to your recipe box. This Sweet Restaurant Slaw isn’t just delicious—it’s everything you want in a quick and easy side dish.

First off, it’s incredibly quick and easy to make. You can whip it up in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or weeknight dinners when you want something simple yet satisfying.

It’s also wonderfully budget-friendly. With just a handful of affordable, everyday ingredients, you can make a large batch that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.

The flavor is spot on. The perfect balance of creamy mayo, tangy vinegar, and a touch of sugar creates that signature restaurant slaw taste everyone loves.

Finally, this recipe is extremely versatile. Serve it alongside grilled meats, pile it high on pulled pork sandwiches, or bring it to your next potluck—it's always a hit.

Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to make this crave-worthy slaw.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Sweet Restaurant Slaw lies in its simplicity. A few well-chosen ingredients come together to create that classic taste and texture you know and love.

The base of the slaw is shredded cabbage. I typically use a pre-shredded coleslaw mix from the grocery store for convenience. It includes both green and purple cabbage along with a bit of shredded carrot, adding color and a slight sweetness to the mix.

Mayonnaise is the creamy backbone of the dressing. Choose a good-quality mayo for the best flavor—Duke’s or Hellmann’s work beautifully. The mayo provides richness and smoothness, tying all the flavors together.

To balance the richness, apple cider vinegar adds the perfect amount of tanginess. It brightens the flavors and keeps the slaw from feeling too heavy. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand, white vinegar can be substituted, though the flavor will be slightly sharper.

Granulated sugar is what gives this slaw its signature sweet profile. It melds beautifully with the tang of the vinegar and the creaminess of the mayo to create that craveable sweet-tangy balance.

Finally, a touch of celery seed adds a subtle pop of savory flavor that elevates the whole dish. It’s a small ingredient, but it makes a big difference in achieving that restaurant-quality taste.

You won’t need any special equipment for this recipe—just a large mixing bowl, a whisk, and a spoon for tossing everything together.

How To Make This Sweet Restaurant Slaw

Creating this delicious Sweet Restaurant Slaw is as easy as it gets. Here’s how to make it:

Start by preparing your cabbage. If you're using a pre-shredded coleslaw mix, simply empty the bag into a large mixing bowl. If shredding fresh cabbage, thinly slice it using a sharp knife or a mandoline for even, fine shreds.

Next, it’s time to make the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and celery seed. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and the sugar has dissolved.

Once your dressing is ready, pour it over the shredded cabbage mixture. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss the slaw until all the cabbage is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.

At this point, give the slaw a quick taste. If you prefer a little more sweetness or tang, feel free to adjust by adding a bit more sugar or vinegar to suit your taste.

Finally, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly, resulting in that perfect restaurant-style texture.

From start to finish, the process takes about 10 minutes of active prep time, plus chilling. Once chilled, your slaw will be ready to impress.

Storage Options

This Sweet Restaurant Slaw stores beautifully, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy schedules.

If you have leftovers, transfer the slaw to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and crisp for up to 3-4 days.

For best quality, avoid freezing this slaw. The creamy dressing doesn't hold up well to freezing and thawing, as it can become watery and separate.

When you're ready to serve leftovers, simply give the slaw a quick stir to redistribute the dressing that may have settled at the bottom.

If the slaw seems a little dry after a day or two, you can refresh it with a small spoonful of mayo and a splash of vinegar before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Sweet Restaurant Slaw is how easily it can be customized to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

For a lighter version, you can substitute half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. This still gives a creamy texture while cutting down on fat and calories.

If you prefer a more savory slaw, simply reduce the amount of sugar or omit it entirely. The result will be closer to a traditional tangy slaw often found at barbecue joints.

Adding grated apple or pineapple brings a lovely fruity sweetness and a bit of extra crunch that pairs beautifully with grilled meats.

For a bit of heat, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce. The slight kick balances nicely with the sweetness.

You can also experiment with different types of vinegar like rice vinegar or white wine vinegar for subtle flavor variations.

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