If you’re craving a deliciously tangy and sweet side that pairs perfectly with just about any meal, this Sweet Restaurant Slaw Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s bright, crisp, and bursting with flavor from the perfect mix of shredded green and red cabbage, sweet carrots, and a luscious, creamy dressing. Every bite delivers that irresistible balance of sweet and tangy that you often find only at your favorite eateries, but now you can whip it up easily at home to impress friends or elevate weeknight dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sweet Restaurant Slaw Recipe is so simple with just a handful of ingredients, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the classic slaw flavor you love. The fresh cabbage brings crunch and color, while the dressing adds that signature sweetness and tang that ties everything together beautifully.
- Green cabbage: Provides a mild, crunchy base that holds up well in the slaw.
- Red cabbage: Adds vibrant color and a slightly earthier flavor to balance the dish.
- Carrot: Brings a subtle sweetness and bright orange hue for visual appeal.
- Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy texture that coats every shred with flavor.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds a refreshing tang that cuts through the creaminess.
- Sugar: Sweetens the slaw for that perfect balance against the vinegar.
- Celery seed: Offers a hint of warm, subtle spice that enhances the overall taste.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out natural flavors.
- Dijon mustard (optional): A tangy kick for those who love a bit more depth in their dressing.
How to Make Sweet Restaurant Slaw Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by shredding the green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrot. Use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for even, thin slices. This creates the perfect texture that holds the dressing well and makes every bite crisp and refreshing.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, celery seed, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard if you’re using it. Whisk everything until smooth and creamy. This dressing is the heart of the Sweet Restaurant Slaw Recipe and brings all the elements together with its tangy-sweet flavor.
Step 3: Toss and Coat
Pour the dressing over the shredded veggies and gently toss until every piece is well coated. Take your time here to ensure even coverage, so each bite bursts with delicious dressing.
Step 4: Chill for Flavor
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the slaw for at least 1 hour. This resting time lets the cabbage soften slightly and the flavors meld into that classic sweet and tangy goodness you expect in a restaurant-quality slaw.
Step 5: Ready to Serve
Once chilled, give the slaw a final toss and adjust seasoning if needed. Now it’s ready to brighten up your plate!
How to Serve Sweet Restaurant Slaw Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top before serving. These add freshness and a bit of color contrast that’s visually inviting and delightful on the palate.
Side Dishes
This slaw shines alongside grilled meats like BBQ chicken or pulled pork, but it’s just as fantastic with fish tacos, burgers, or even as a stand-alone salad. The sweet and tangy profile complements a variety of flavors and adds a refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the slaw in small individual cups for a fun appetizer, or layer it over homemade picnic sandwiches. Another great idea is to pair it with crispy tortilla chips for a light snack that feels indulgent and fresh.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sweet Restaurant Slaw Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Remember, the slaw may release some liquid over time, so give it a quick stir before serving.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for slaw because the cabbage will lose its crispness and the texture of the dressing will change. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days refrigerated.
Reheating
Sweet slaw is always best served cold or at room temperature. Avoid reheating as it can wilt the cabbage and alter the bright, fresh flavors that make this recipe so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cabbage?
Absolutely! While green and red cabbage give the best color and flavor balance, you can also mix in Napa cabbage or savoy cabbage for a different texture and taste experience.
Is there a way to make this slaw vegan?
Yes! Substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayo alternative, and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly. This simple swap keeps the creamy texture without any animal products.
How long can I prepare the slaw in advance?
You can prepare this Sweet Restaurant Slaw Recipe up to a day ahead. Just keep it refrigerated and toss it again before serving to refresh the flavors and texture.
Can I adjust the sweetness or tanginess?
Definitely. You can tweak the sugar or vinegar amounts to match your taste preferences. Start with the recipe measurements, then adjust gradually to find your perfect balance.
What are some ways to add more crunch?
Adding chopped nuts like pecans or toasted sunflower seeds can elevate the texture and add a new layer of flavor. Just sprinkle on top before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Restaurant Slaw Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that brings that beloved restaurant-quality taste to your own kitchen with so little fuss. It’s fresh, colorful, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect companion to many meals or a tasty light dish on its own. Once you try it, I’m sure you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and time again, just like I do!
Print
Sweet Restaurant Slaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sweet Restaurant Slaw is a classic, refreshing side dish featuring a crunchy mix of green and red cabbage with shredded carrot, tossed in a tangy and sweet homemade dressing. Perfectly chilled and full of vibrant flavors, it’s an ideal accompaniment to barbecues, sandwiches, or any meal that could use a crispy, flavorful crunch.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium green cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 medium red cabbage, shredded
- 1 carrot, shredded
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a tangy kick)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, shredded red cabbage, and shredded carrot to create the base of your slaw.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, celery seed, salt, black pepper, and Dijon mustard if using, until smooth and well blended.
- Toss the Slaw: Pour the prepared dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture, then toss thoroughly to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated with the sweet and tangy dressing.
- Chill the Slaw: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the slaw for at least 1 hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the cabbage to soften slightly.
- Serve: Serve the slaw chilled for a refreshing and crisp side dish that complements a variety of meals.
Notes
- For best texture, shred the cabbage and carrot uniformly.
- Adjust sugar to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet slaw.
- Dijon mustard is optional but adds a nice tangy contrast.
- Slaw can be prepared a day ahead and kept refrigerated to enhance flavor.
- Celery seed adds a subtle earthy note; omit if unavailable or not preferred.
