Raising Cane’s Coleslaw Copycat Recipe

I never liked coleslaw as a kid. The soggy cabbage at picnics made me run away! But everything changed when I tried Raising Cane’s coleslaw last summer. The fresh crunch and perfect balance of flavors made me fall in love. Since then, I’ve been trying different coleslaw recipes at home. After many tries, I finally made a coleslaw that tastes just like Raising Cane’s!

Now I want to share this easy recipe with you. The secret is using fresh cabbage and adding a bit of lime juice for extra tang. Trust me – even if you think you don’t like coleslaw, this recipe might change your mind just like it changed mine.

You’ll Love This Copycat Version Raising Cane’s Coleslaw Because

I’m excited to share this Raising Cane’s coleslaw recipe with you! Here’s what makes it worth trying:

1. Quick Prep: You can whip up this coleslaw in just 10 minutes—perfect for busy days!
2. Simple Ingredients: Uses basic, everyday ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store.
3. Fresh Taste: The crisp cabbage and carrots stay crunchy, adding a refreshing bite to any meal.
4. Perfect Balance: It has just the right mix of creamy, sweet, and tangy flavors that everyone will love.
5. Money Saver: Making this at home is way cheaper than buying coleslaw from the restaurant.
6. Make Ahead: It tastes even better after chilling, so you can prepare it in advance for convenience.
7. Versatile: This coleslaw goes great with fried chicken, sandwiches, BBQ, or even as a side dish for tacos!

What Is in Raising Cane’s Coleslaw

Here are the ingredients you will need for this flavorful coleslaw:

• 1 pound of cabbage (or ¼ of a large cabbage), thinly sliced
• 2 small carrots, peeled and grated
• ¼ cup cilantro, finely chopped (optional, but highly recommended)
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Juice from 1 small lime
• ½ cup mayonnaise

Substitutions

1. Mayonnaise: Replace with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for a lighter or dairy-free version.
2. Sugar: Use honey or agave syrup if you prefer natural sweeteners.
3. Cilantro: If cilantro isn’t your thing, feel free to leave it out or swap it with parsley.
4. Lime Juice: Lemon juice works as an alternative if you don’t have lime on hand.

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Large mixing bowl
• Vegetable peeler
• Grater
• Measuring spoons

How To Make Raising Cane’s Coleslaw at Home

Now let’s get into the steps to make this delicious coleslaw!

Step 1 | Prepare the cabbage

Start by slicing 1 lb. of cabbage as thinly as possible. After shredding, chop the cabbage in half to avoid long pieces. Place the cabbage in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2 | Grate the carrots

Peel 2 small carrots and grate them using the side of your grater with larger holes. Add them directly into the bowl with the cabbage to save on dishwashing!

Step 3 | Chop the cilantro

If you’re using cilantro, remove the stems and finely chop about ¼ cup. Add this to the cabbage and carrot mixture.

Step 4 | Season the mix

Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of white sugar and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Squeeze the juice from a small lime over the cabbage mixture. Now, give that a good mix.

Step 5 | Add the mayonnaise

Finally, add ½ cup of mayonnaise. Stir everything together until the cabbage and carrots are evenly coated and the ingredients are well-mixed.

Step 6 | Serve Your Homemade Version Coleslaw

Once it’s all combined, give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Chill the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Recipe Note’s

1. For an extra crunch: Toss in a handful of shredded red cabbage or thinly sliced bell peppers for more texture and color.
2. Make it ahead: This coleslaw actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead dish for parties or BBQs.
3. Adjust sweetness and tanginess: Depending on your taste, you can tweak the sugar and lime juice amounts to make it sweeter or tangier.

Recipe Variations and Additions

This recipe is simple but customizable! If you want to experiment with different flavors, here are some ideas to try:

1. Spicy Coleslaw: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
2. Vinegar-Based Slaw: Swap the mayonnaise for apple cider vinegar to create a lighter, tangy vinegar-based coleslaw.
3. Herb Boost: Try adding fresh dill or parsley along with cilantro for a more herbal flavor.
4. Creamier Version: For an ultra-creamy coleslaw, increase the amount of mayonnaise by a couple of tablespoons.

Serving Suggestions

This Raising Cane’s coleslaw pairs wonderfully with various dishes:

1. BBQ meals: Serve it alongside smoked ribs, pulled pork, or grilled chicken for a refreshing balance to smoky, rich flavors.
2. Tacos: Coleslaw adds a perfect crunch to fish tacos or any type of street tacos.
3. Fried Chicken: Raising Cane’s is known for its fried chicken, and this coleslaw is the perfect complement!
4. Sandwiches: Use this coleslaw as a topping for sandwiches or burgers to add texture and flavor.

Storage Tips

Fridge: Store your coleslaw in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Coleslaw with mayonnaise doesn’t freeze well because the texture changes. It’s best to make only what you plan to eat within a few days.

Freshness tip: If you need to store it longer, keep the dressing separate from the cabbage and mix just before serving to avoid sogginess.

Raising Cane’s Coleslaw Recipe FAQs

1. Why is my coleslaw watery?

Watery coleslaw usually happens when the cabbage releases its natural moisture. To fix this, try these tips: pat the shredded cabbage with paper towels before mixing, add salt last, or let the cabbage sit with a little salt for 10 minutes then drain before adding other ingredients. This helps pull out extra moisture first.

2. What’s the best way to cut cabbage for coleslaw?

Cut the cabbage in half, then in quarters. Remove the core. Place each quarter flat side down and slice as thin as possible with a sharp knife. Try to keep the slices uniform – about ⅛ inch thick works best. After slicing, chop the long pieces in half for easier eating.

3. Can I use bagged coleslaw mix instead of fresh cabbage?

Yes, you can use pre-shredded cabbage to save time. One pound of fresh cabbage equals about 4 cups of shredded cabbage. Pick a package marked “fresh” and check the expiration date. Remember that fresh-cut cabbage usually tastes better and stays crunchier longer.

4. Why add lime juice to coleslaw?

Lime juice adds a fresh tang that balances the creamy mayo and sweet sugar. It also helps keep the cabbage crisp and prevents the mayo from tasting too heavy. The acid brightens all the flavors and makes the coleslaw taste more like Raising Cane’s version.

5. How can I make the coleslaw less sweet?

Start by using half the sugar called for in the recipe. You can always add more later if needed. Some people like to skip the sugar completely and let the natural sweetness of the carrots shine through. Taste as you go and adjust to what you like best.

6. Can I add other vegetables to this coleslaw?

Yes! Feel free to add shredded red cabbage, julienned bell peppers, grated broccoli stems, or thinly sliced red onions. Just keep the total amount of vegetables similar to the original recipe so there’s enough dressing to coat everything well.

Time to Make Your Own Raising Cane’s Coleslaw!

I hope you’re excited to try this Raising Cane’s Coleslaw recipe at home. It’s amazing how a few simple ingredients can make such a tasty side dish. The fresh crunch of cabbage, sweet carrots, and zesty lime create the perfect mix. Make it once, and I bet it becomes your go-to coleslaw recipe.

I’d love to hear how it turns out when you make it – share your cooking pictures with us! Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest for next time. Happy cooking!