This Raising Cane’s Coleslaw Recipe is the refreshing secret to a perfect fried chicken dinner at home today. It features a very creamy dressing a hint of sweetness and a crunch that cleanses your palate perfectly.
Learning how to make Raising Cane’s Coleslaw is a fast way to bring that famous restaurant flavor home. You only need basic pantry items and ingredients for Raising Cane’s Coleslaw Recipe to succeed with your meal.
This Raising Cane’s Coleslaw Recipe is famous for being incredibly fresh, chilled, and very simple to prepare.
My Story With This Comforting Raising Cane’s Coleslaw
I remember the first time I visited a Raising Cane’s on a very hot and humid summer afternoon. I was there for the chicken, but the small cup of cool coleslaw completely stole the entire show.
It was cold crunchy and provided the perfect balance to the salty and savory fried chicken fingers.
I sat there wondering exactly how they made such a simple side dish taste so bright and creamy. After many tries in my own kitchen, I finally found the perfect mix of vinegar and sweet cream.
Now, this recipe is a staple at every family barbecue and weekend chicken dinner in our happy home. It is a humble side that brings a lot of cool joy and crunchy satisfaction to our table.
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Small whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp chef’s knife or box grater
- Cutting board
- Large spoon for tossing
- Airtight container for chilling
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Raising Cane’s Coleslaw
- Servings: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins (plus chilling)
- Course: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American Fast Food
- Calories: 145 kcal per serving
Ingredients for Raising Cane’s Coleslaw Recipe
- 1 bag (14 ounces) shredded cabbage and carrot mix
- 1/2 cup high-quality mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instruction for Raising Cane’s Coleslaw Recipe
1. Prep the Vegetables
Empty the bag of shredded cabbage and carrots into a large mixing bowl on your kitchen counter today. If the pieces look too large, give them a quick rough chop for a better restaurant-style texture.
2. Whisk the Mayo
In a separate small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise until it is very smooth and completely free of lumps. Starting with smooth mayonnaise ensures your final dressing coats every piece of cabbage evenly for a perfect bite.
3. Add the Sweetener
Stir the granulated sugar into the smooth mayonnaise until it is fully incorporated and the mixture looks glossy. The sugar provides that classic sweet undertone that makes Raising Cane’s coleslaw stand out from others today.
4. Season the Dressing
Add the white vinegar, celery salt, black pepper, and onion powder to the sweet mayonnaise mixture very carefully. Celery salt is the “secret” ingredient that gives this slaw its very unique and addictive savory flavor.
If you enjoy building creamy, mayo-based dressings from scratch, you might also love our sweet and tangy dressing that uses a very similar pantry lineup and comes together in just minutes.
5. Taste for Salt
Add a tiny pinch of regular salt and stir the dressing one last time with your small whisk. Taste the dressing now to ensure it has the perfect balance of tangy vinegar and sweet, creamy sugar.
6. Pour the Sauce
Drizzle the creamy dressing over the large bowl of shredded cabbage and carrots using a rubber spatula today. Make sure you scrape every bit of the sauce out of the bowl to maximize the flavor.
7. Toss the Salad
Use a large spoon or salad tongs to toss the vegetables and dressing together very thoroughly and gently. Every shred of cabbage should be glistening with the white sauce to prevent any dry spots in your dish.
8. Cover the Bowl
Place a lid or plastic wrap tightly over the mixing bowl to keep the coleslaw fresh and moist. Sealing the bowl is important to prevent the cabbage from absorbing other smells from your refrigerator while chilling.
9. Chill the Slaw
Put the bowl in the refrigerator for at least two hours before you plan to serve your dinner. Chilling allows the cabbage to soften slightly and lets all the different flavors meld together into one.
10. Give a Final Stir
Just before serving, give the cold coleslaw one more quick toss with a spoon to redistribute the dressing. Serve it in chilled bowls next to your favorite hot fried foods for the best eating experience.
Cooking Tips and Simple Recipe Variations
- Use a “Tri-Color” slaw mix with purple cabbage to add a beautiful pop of color to the plate.
- Always chill the slaw for at least two hours because the flavor improves significantly as it sits today.
- Add a tiny splash of lemon juice if you want a more citrusy and very bright tang.
- Shred your own cabbage from a fresh head if you want a much crunchier and cheaper version.
- Use a sugar substitute if you want to reduce the calories while keeping the sweet flavor profile.
- Do not add the dressing more than 24 hours in advance or the cabbage may become soggy.
Little History Behind This Comfort Food
Raising Cane’s is a famous chicken finger restaurant that started in Louisiana back in 1996. The founder wanted a simple menu that focused on doing a few things better than anyone else. Coleslaw was chosen as a key side dish to help balance the rich, fried flavors of the chicken. It represents the “Southern” tradition of serving a cool, creamy salad alongside hot and salty fried meats. Over the years, fans have fallen in love with its simplicity and its very clean, refreshing taste. Today, it is a legendary part of the “Cane’s” experience that people try to recreate everywhere.
What to Serve With This Dish
This Raising Cane’s Coleslaw Recipe is the natural partner for any style of crispy fried chicken or tenders. Serve it with a side of warm, buttery Texas toast — if you love baking your own, our golden, herb-crusted homemade bread is a wonderful companion that comes out of the oven perfectly crisp.
It also works wonderfully as a topping for a pulled pork sandwich or a spicy fish taco. If you are building a full Southern spread, a creamy, classic potato salad with a rich, tangy dressing is another crowd-pleasing side that sits beautifully right next to this slaw on the table.
For a drink, a large cup of sweet iced tea or fresh lemonade is the perfect match. The cool creaminess of the slaw helps refresh your mouth between every hot and salty bite of food.
Occasion or Event Ideas
Make this Raising Cane’s Coleslaw Recipe for your next backyard summer barbecue or family pool party today. It is a fantastic choice for a large potluck because it is very easy to transport in a cooler.
If you are putting together a whole spread for a crowd, a colorful, make-ahead layered salad that holds up beautifully in the fridge is another dish that travels just as well. This side dish is perfect for a casual Friday night “fakeaway” where you make fried chicken at home.
Use it as a fresh topping for hot dogs during a fun baseball game viewing party with friends. It is also a wonderful addition to a simple weeknight dinner of grilled fish or shrimp skewers. Any time you want a fast and reliable crowd-pleaser, this coleslaw is the perfect cold solution.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store any leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Do not freeze coleslaw as the mayonnaise will separate and the cabbage will become very mushy.
- If the slaw seems a bit watery after sitting, simply drain the extra liquid before serving again.
- Always keep the container in the coldest part of your fridge to keep it very crisp and safe.
- Stir the leftovers well before serving to bring the creamy dressing back to the top of the bowl.
- Never leave the coleslaw out at room temperature for more than two hours during a party or meal.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 145 kcal |
| Total Fat | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 1g |
Is This Dish Good for You?
This Raising Cane’s Coleslaw Recipe is a great way to add raw vegetables like cabbage to your daily diet. Cabbage is packed with Vitamin K and Vitamin C which are very good for your blood and skin. Making this at home allows you to use a light mayonnaise to reduce the fat and calories easily.
It is a wholesome way to enjoy a “fast food” favorite using fresh ingredients from your local market. Sharing a bowl of this crunchy salad can make a heavy meal feel much lighter and more balanced.
If you enjoy eating more chilled, crunchy vegetables in a light dressing, this refreshing cucumber salad with a bright vinegar base is another quick side that is just as easy to prep and just as cooling on a warm day. Enjoying a serving of this chilled classic is a refreshing and happy part of a healthy meal.
Raising Cane’s Coleslaw Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 bag 14 ounces shredded cabbage and carrot mix
- 1/2 cup high-quality mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Prep the Vegetables
- Empty the bag of shredded cabbage and carrots into a large mixing bowl on your kitchen counter today. If the pieces look too large, give them a quick rough chop for a better restaurant-style texture.
Whisk the Mayo
- In a separate small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise until it is very smooth and completely free of lumps. Starting with smooth mayonnaise ensures your final dressing coats every piece of cabbage evenly for a perfect bite.
Add the Sweetener
- Stir the granulated sugar into the smooth mayonnaise until it is fully incorporated and the mixture looks glossy. The sugar provides that classic sweet undertone that makes Raising Cane’s coleslaw stand out from others today.
Season the Dressing
- Add the white vinegar, celery salt, black pepper, and onion powder to the sweet mayonnaise mixture very carefully. Celery salt is the “secret” ingredient that gives this slaw its very unique and addictive savory flavor.
- If you enjoy building creamy, mayo-based dressings from scratch, you might also love our sweet and tangy dressing that uses a very similar pantry lineup and comes together in just minutes.
Taste for Salt
- Add a tiny pinch of regular salt and stir the dressing one last time with your small whisk. Taste the dressing now to ensure it has the perfect balance of tangy vinegar and sweet, creamy sugar.
Pour the Sauce
- Drizzle the creamy dressing over the large bowl of shredded cabbage and carrots using a rubber spatula today. Make sure you scrape every bit of the sauce out of the bowl to maximize the flavor.
Toss the Salad
- Use a large spoon or salad tongs to toss the vegetables and dressing together very thoroughly and gently. Every shred of cabbage should be glistening with the white sauce to prevent any dry spots in your dish.
Cover the Bowl
- Place a lid or plastic wrap tightly over the mixing bowl to keep the coleslaw fresh and moist. Sealing the bowl is important to prevent the cabbage from absorbing other smells from your refrigerator while chilling.
Chill the Slaw
- Put the bowl in the refrigerator for at least two hours before you plan to serve your dinner. Chilling allows the cabbage to soften slightly and lets all the different flavors meld together into one.
Give a Final Stir
- Just before serving, give the cold coleslaw one more quick toss with a spoon to redistribute the dressing. Serve it in chilled bowls next to your favorite hot fried foods for the best eating experience.
Notes
- Use a “Tri-Color” slaw mix with purple cabbage to add a beautiful pop of color to the plate.
- Always chill the slaw for at least two hours because the flavor improves significantly as it sits today.
- Add a tiny splash of lemon juice if you want a more citrusy and very bright tang.
- Shred your own cabbage from a fresh head if you want a much crunchier and cheaper version.
- Use a sugar substitute if you want to reduce the calories while keeping the sweet flavor profile.
- Do not add the dressing more than 24 hours in advance or the cabbage may become soggy.
FAQs about Raising Cane’s Coleslaw Recipe
Why is my coleslaw watery?
Cabbage contains a lot of natural water that is released once you add salt and sugar to the bowl. To prevent this, you can salt the cabbage first, let it sit, and squeeze out the extra moisture.
Can I use apple cider vinegar?
You can use apple cider vinegar, but it will change the color and add a much fruitier taste profile. White vinegar is the best choice if you want the most authentic and clean Raising Cane’s flavor.
What is celery salt?
Celery salt is a simple blend of regular table salt and ground celery seeds that adds an earthy flavor. It is the secret to many famous fast-food recipes because it provides a “hidden” savory depth of taste.
How long does it stay crunchy?
The coleslaw will stay very crunchy for the first twelve hours after you mix the dressing into the bowl. After twenty-four hours, the cabbage will begin to soften, but it will still taste very delicious and sweet.
Can I add onions?
The original recipe uses onion powder for a very smooth flavor, but you can add finely diced green onions. This will add a bit of extra “bite” and color if you prefer a more traditional homemade style.
Final Thoughts
I hope you have a wonderful time making this Raising Cane’s Coleslaw Recipe in your kitchen today. It is a dish that proves how simple vegetables and a creamy dressing can be a legendary side.
There is nothing more satisfying than a cool, crunchy bite of slaw alongside a plate of hot fried chicken. If you love recreating fast-food favorites at home, this burger-inspired pasta salad loaded with creamy sauce, pickles, and cheddar is another fun recipe that brings that same nostalgic drive-thru spirit straight to your dinner table.
This recipe is reliable, easy to follow, and will certainly become a favorite for your own family traditions. Remember to let it chill in the fridge so the flavors can fully develop before you serve it.
Thank you for joining me to explore this fresh and very classic American side dish journey today.
Happy tossing and I hope you enjoy every single creamy crunchy and tangy bite of your homemade coleslaw!
Hi! I’m Livy Lane, the creator of LivyCooks.com. I share easy, delicious recipes anyone can make at home. Let’s cook, taste and enjoy every bite together!