Raising Cane’s Coleslaw Recipe

Raising Cane’s coleslaw is creamy, tangy, and perfectly crunchy—a classic side dish that pairs wonderfully with chicken fingers, sandwiches, or burgers. This homemade version is simple to make and tastes just like the restaurant favorite.

Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a family meal, or craving a fresh side, this coleslaw is quick, easy, and sure to impress. You’ll love the balance of creamy dressing and crisp vegetables in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to make in under 20 minutes
Uses simple, fresh ingredients
Creamy and tangy flavor that complements any main dish
Perfectly crunchy texture that doesn’t get soggy
Great for family dinners, picnics, or potlucks
Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge

What This Recipe Tastes Like

Creamy and rich without being heavy
Slightly tangy from vinegar or lemon juice
Mild sweetness balances the flavors
Crisp cabbage and carrots for perfect texture
Light and refreshing, ideal as a side dish

Ingredients Overview

4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded (about half a medium cabbage)
1 cup carrots, finely shredded (2 medium carrots)
1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat preferred)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for extra brightness)
1/4 teaspoon onion powder or celery seed (optional, for extra flavor)

Ingredient Notes and Helpful Tips

Cabbage: Use fresh, firm cabbage for the best crunch
Carrots: Shred finely so they mix evenly with cabbage
Mayonnaise: Full-fat mayo gives the closest taste to Raising Cane’s, but light mayo works too
Vinegar: Adds tang; adjust quantity to taste for more or less acidity
Sugar: Balances the vinegar; can reduce or replace with honey
Optional spices: Celery seed or onion powder gives a restaurant-style flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Shred 4 cups of green cabbage and 1 cup of carrots finely
Combine in a large bowl and mix evenly

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon onion powder or celery seed
Mix until smooth and creamy

Step 3: Combine

Pour the dressing over the shredded cabbage and carrots
Toss thoroughly to coat all the vegetables evenly
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld
Serve chilled with chicken, sandwiches, or fries

Pro Tips for Best Results

Shred vegetables finely for authentic texture
Mix dressing separately for a smooth consistency
Refrigerate before serving to enhance flavor
Adjust dressing gradually to avoid over-coating
Use a large bowl to toss evenly without crushing the vegetables

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Light version: Substitute 1/2 cup Greek yogurt for mayonnaise
Extra crunch: Add 1/4 cup shredded red cabbage or bell peppers
Spicy twist: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the dressing
Sweet twist: Add 1/4 cup diced apple or pineapple for subtle sweetness
Vegan option: Use plant-based mayonnaise instead of regular mayo

What to Serve With This Recipe

Chicken fingers or fried chicken
Burgers and sandwiches
BBQ dishes or grilled meats
Potato wedges or fries
Picnic-style meals and potluck platters

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store in an airtight container in the fridge
Keeps fresh for up to 3 days
Do not freeze—mayo-based coleslaw separates
Serve cold for the best taste

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Shredding vegetables too coarsely
Adding too much dressing at once
Skipping chilling time—flavors develop best after refrigeration
Overmixing, which can make coleslaw watery
When using old or soft cabbage, always choose firm, fresh cabbage

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time

Yes! Prepare it for a few hours or the night before. Keep covered and chilled for best results.

Can I substitute an ingredient?

Yes, vinegar can be replaced with lemon juice, and sugar can be replaced with honey. Adjust according to taste.

Is this recipe sweet?

It has a mild sweetness balanced with a tangy dressing. Adjust sugar if you prefer sweeter or less sweet coleslaw.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Double all ingredients and toss in a larger bowl for even coating.

Can I make it vegan

Yes, use a plant-based mayonnaise instead of regular mayonnaise. All other ingredients are already vegan-friendly.

Final Thoughts

This Raising Cane’s Coleslaw Recipe is creamy, tangy, and easy to make at home. Crisp vegetables, flavorful dressing, and a hint of sweetness make it an irresistible side dish. Serve it with chicken, sandwiches, or your favorite main dishes. Follow these simple steps to enjoy a restaurant-style coleslaw right in your kitchen.