If you’ve ever had a side of crisp, sweet, tangy slaw at a restaurant and wished you could bottle that perfect balance of flavors and textures, then you’re going to love this Sweet Restaurant Slaw recipe. It’s that classic slaw everyone raves about—cool, crunchy cabbage tossed in a creamy, slightly sweet dressing with just the right amount of zing.
This slaw is so versatile it pairs beautifully with everything from fried chicken and pulled pork sandwiches to fish tacos and grilled burgers. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser at picnics, barbecues, and potlucks because it holds up well without getting soggy too quickly.
I’ve played around with many slaw recipes over the years, and this one nails the perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and creamy every single time. The best part? It’s quick to whip up and keeps beautifully in the fridge for days.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Restaurant Slaw
- Classic flavor everyone loves — sweet, tangy, and creamy all in one bite.
- Crunchy, fresh texture — crisp cabbage and carrots with just enough dressing to coat.
- Super easy to make — no fancy ingredients or equipment needed.
- Perfect make-ahead side — improves in flavor after resting a few hours.
- Pairs with tons of meals — ideal for BBQs, sandwiches, grilled meats, or even as a salad.
- Customizable — add apples, pineapple, or nuts for a twist.
- Kid-friendly — mild, slightly sweet flavors that kids tend to enjoy.
Ingredients for This Sweet Restaurant Slaw
Here’s what you’ll want on hand to recreate that classic restaurant-style slaw at home:
- Green cabbage — finely shredded for crispness.
- Carrots — grated for a pop of color and natural sweetness.
- Mayonnaise — the creamy base of the dressing.
- Sugar — just enough to balance the tang and add that signature sweet note.
- Apple cider vinegar — brings bright acidity and a bit of zing.
- Dijon mustard — for subtle depth and a little bite.
- Salt and pepper — essential for seasoning.
- Celery seed (optional) — a classic slaw spice that adds a subtle aromatic flavor.
(Exact quantities are included in the recipe card below.)
How to Make Sweet Restaurant Slaw – Step-by-Step
1. Prepare the vegetables.
Thinly shred the green cabbage and grate the carrots. You want the pieces to be small and uniform so every bite is perfectly balanced.
2. Make the dressing.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. If you’re using celery seed, stir it in here.
3. Combine and toss.
Pour the dressing over the shredded cabbage and carrots. Toss well to coat everything evenly. Use tongs or clean hands to make sure every bit is covered in that luscious dressing.
4. Chill for best flavor.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the slaw for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) before serving. This resting time lets the flavors meld and the cabbage soften just a little—perfect texture.
5. Taste and adjust.
Before serving, give the slaw a quick stir and taste. Add more salt, pepper, or a splash more vinegar if needed to brighten it up.
Helpful Tips for Sweet Restaurant Slaw
- Use a sharp knife or mandoline to shred the cabbage finely and evenly.
- Don’t over-dress—add the dressing gradually and toss gently to avoid sogginess.
- Make it a day ahead—the flavor deepens wonderfully with time.
- Swap in red cabbage or add shredded apple for extra color and flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Add crunch with toasted nuts or seeds sprinkled on top before serving.
FAQs About Sweet Restaurant Slaw
Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix?
Yes! It’s a great shortcut. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture before tossing with the dressing.
How long does Sweet Restaurant Slaw keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Can I make this slaw vegan?
Definitely. Use vegan mayonnaise or a creamy plant-based dressing alternative to keep it dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
What’s the best way to keep slaw from getting soggy?
Don’t dress the slaw too far in advance—dress it a few hours before serving. Also, avoid adding too much dressing at once.
Can I add other vegetables?
Sure! Thinly sliced red onion, bell peppers, or even shredded broccoli stems add great flavor and texture.
This Sweet Restaurant Slaw is a reliable, easy-to-make side that always impresses. I make it regularly for family dinners, barbecues, and whenever I want a fresh, crunchy contrast to rich or spicy main dishes. Give it a try and tell me what you think—let’s bring that classic restaurant slaw magic right to your kitchen!
Sweet Restaurant Slaw
Ingredients
- 1 16 oz bag coleslaw mix
- 2 tablespoons diced onion
- ⅔ cup creamy salad dressing such as Miracle Whip
- ½ cup white sugar
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon poppy seeds
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine coleslaw mix and onion: In a large bowl, mix together the coleslaw mix and diced onion.
- Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the creamy salad dressing, white sugar, vegetable oil, white vinegar, poppy seeds, and salt until well blended.
- Toss the slaw: Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Substitute mayonnaise for a tangier dressing if desired.
- Add shredded carrots or chopped celery for extra crunch.
- Pairs well with fried chicken, fish, or BBQ sandwiches.
