Popeyes Coleslaw is a simple yet flavorful recipe that adds a refreshing crunch and a touch of tanginess to any meal.
For me, this coleslaw is unique because it puts a fresh spin on traditional coleslaw. The blend of sweetness from the pickle relish and a hint of tanginess from the yellow mustard create a perfect balance.
This recipe has a flavor profile that’s both comforting and distinctive, and it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
One of the things that I find unique about this recipe is the sweet, mayonnaise-based dressing perfectly complements its signature fried chicken, making it a favorite among Popeyes customers.
So, if you’re looking for a simple and refreshing yet crunchy and delicious dish that’s quick to prepare, this recipe is perfect for you, and the ingredients are likely already in your kitchen.
Equipments Required
- Large Mixing Bowls: usually use the ones with a non-slip base to prevent any spills or mess.
- Whisk: I find a whisk to be the best tool for combining the mayonnaise, vinegar, and other dressing ingredients to a smooth consistency.
- Cutting Board and Knife: These are essential for chopping the cabbage and onion.
- Grater: I like using a grater to shred carrots to a fine texture. A box grater or any hand grater will work.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key to getting the right balance of flavors, especially regarding sugar and vinegar. So, I recommend having a set of measuring cups and spoons handy.
Popeyes Coleslaw Ingredients And Substitutions
Note: This recipe for Popeyes Coleslaw will yield approximately 8 servings.
- 1 Cup Mayonnaise: If you’re out of mayo, you could substitute Greek yogurt, though it will be tangier. I’d also suggest adding a bit of olive oil to help mimic the creaminess.
- 1/4 Cup Sugar: In place of sugar, you can use honey or maple syrup.
- 2 Tablespoon Sweet Pickle Relish: If you don’t have sweet pickle relish on hand, I suggest using dill pickle relish for a tangier, slightly more savory profile and finely chopped bread-and-butter pickles for a sweet and briny flavor.
- 2 Tablespoon White Vinegar: I sometimes switch this with apple cider vinegar. It adds a slight fruitiness, but the tang is similar.
- 2 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil: If vegetable oil is unavailable, olive oil is a solid replacement.
- 1 Tablespoon Mustard: I suggest using yellow mustard for a more classic, subtle taste and Dijon mustard for a bold and spicy kick.
- 6 Cups Green Cabbage, Chopped: If you don’t have green cabbage, red cabbage or Napa cabbage works beautifully.
- 1/2 Cup Carrot, Shredded: If you’re out of carrots, you could consider adding jicama or shredded beets. Both these ingredients will add crunch without much flavor change. Radishes are also a good alternative.
- 1/4 Red Onion, Chopped: I recommend using green onions or even shallots, which have a milder, sweeter flavor. Another option is to soak the onions in cold water for 10 minutes to tone down their bite.
Preparation And Cooking Time
| Preparation Time | Chilling Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 Minutes | 2 Hours | 2 Hours 15 Minutes |
How To Make Popeyes Coleslaw At Home
Step 1
Start by putting the mayonnaise in a large mixing bowl and adding the sweet pickle relish. Mix well until the relish is fully incorporated.
Step 2
Next, add the mustard sauce and give it a good stir to blend it into the mixture.
Step 3
Pour in the vegetable oil and continue mixing until it becomes smooth.
Step 4
Add the sugar next and mix until it’s dissolved.
Step 5
Then, add the white vinegar and stir it into the dressing.
Step 6
Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, then set the bowl aside.
Step 7
In a separate large mixing bowl, add the chopped cabbage and shredded carrot.
Step 8
Toss in the chopped onion and mix everything together until well combined.
Step 9
Now, pour the prepared dressing over the cabbage mixture and mix thoroughly until every piece of cabbage and carrot is coated in the dressing.
Step 10
Refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together before serving. Enjoy!
Popeyes Coleslaw Recipe Video
Expert Tips That I Recommend
- If you have more time at hand, I suggest letting your coleslaw rest in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together more thoroughly, creating a more well-rounded taste.
- One trick I love for a lighter version of the dressing is to mix mayonnaise with plain yogurt. It still gives you the creaminess but with a bit of tang, which pairs so well with the crunchy vegetables.
- To achieve the perfect coleslaw texture, I recommend pre-salting the cabbage. Simply sprinkle some salt over the shredded cabbage and let it sit for 30 minutes. This process helps draw out excess moisture, resulting in a crunchier and less watery coleslaw. Once the cabbage has released its moisture, make sure to rinse off the excess salt and pat it with paper towels.
FAQs About Popeyes Coleslaw
Nutritional Information Per Serving
Popeyes Coleslaw is a refreshing and crunchy side dish, but its creaminess can make it less healthy due to the calories and fat in the dressing. So, if you’re watching your calorie intake, I recommend enjoying it in moderation.
| Calories | 149 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Cholesterol | 4 mg |
| Sugar | 11 g |
| Sodium | 316 mg |
| Potassium | 129 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Recipe Variations For Different Diets
- Keto-Friendly or Low-Carb Diet: I recommend swapping out the sugar for a keto-approved sweetener like stevia. I also recommend using full-fat mayonnaise to keep the carb count low and maintain a creamy texture.
- Vegan Diet: I suggest substituting the mayonnaise with a plant-based mayo. You can find several vegan mayo options at the store or make your own using ingredients like silken tofu, lemon juice, and olive oil. Replace the sugar with a vegan sweetener like agave or maple syrup to keep it vegan-friendly.
- Paleo Diet: I recommend using a homemade mayonnaise made from avocado oil or another paleo-approved oil. Replace the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup in minimal amounts, keeping the overall sweetness balanced.
Storing This Recipe
- Refrigeration: I recommend storing leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days if kept well-sealed. Since coleslaw doesn’t freeze well and can compromise its texture, it’s best to enjoy it cold and fresh. If you have any leftovers, pop them in the fridge and stir them before serving to revive that crunch.
What To Serve With This Recipe
To make your meal special, I suggest trying these serving suggestions that pair beautifully with the coleslaw.
- Grilled Chicken: I love pairing this coleslaw with grilled chicken. The smoky flavor of the chicken complements the crisp and tangy slaw perfectly.
- Baked Beans: For a classic Southern spread, coleslaw pairs beautifully with baked beans, offering a refreshing contrast to the sweet and savory beans.
- Fish Tacos: Adding coleslaw to fish tacos is one of my favorite tricks. The slaw’s crispiness and tangy flavor complement the delicate fish and bring a delightful contrast to every bite.
- Cornbread: A side of coleslaw and cornbread makes for a hearty, comforting meal. The sweetness of the cornbread complements the tangy slaw nicely, creating a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
- Grilled Shrimp: I also enjoy serving coleslaw with grilled shrimp. The light, citrusy notes of the slaw pair well with the smoky, charred shrimp, making it a vibrant and flavorful combination.
- Chicken Wings: I love enjoying coleslaw with crispy chicken wings. The creamy crunch of the slaw is the perfect match for the spicy, savory wings, creating a well-balanced and satisfying bite.
Printable Version
Popeyes Coleslaw Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Mayonnaise
- 1/4 Cup Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Sweet Pickle Relish
- 1 Tablespoon White Vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Mustard
- 2 Cups Cabbage Chopped
- 1 Cup Carrot Shredded
- 1/2 Onion Chopped
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Cutting Board and Knife
- Grater
- Measuring Cups And Spoons
Instructions
- Start by putting the mayonnaise in a large mixing bowl and adding the sweet pickle relish. Mix well until the relish is fully incorporated.
- Next, add the mustard sauce and give it a good stir to blend it into the mixture.
- Pour in the vegetable oil and continue mixing until it becomes smooth.
- Add the sugar next and mix until it’s dissolved.
- Then, add the white vinegar and stir it into the dressing.
- Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, then set the bowl aside.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, add the chopped cabbage and shredded carrot.
- Toss in the chopped onion and mix everything together until well combined.
- Now, pour the prepared dressing over the cabbage mixture and mix thoroughly until every piece of cabbage and carrot is coated in the dressing.
- Refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together before serving. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
-
If you have more time at hand, I suggest letting your coleslaw rest in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together more thoroughly, creating a more well-rounded taste.
-
One trick I love for a lighter version of the dressing is to mix mayonnaise with plain yogurt. It still gives you the creaminess but with a bit of tang, which pairs so well with the crunchy vegetables.
-
To achieve the perfect coleslaw texture, I recommend pre-salting the cabbage. Simply sprinkle some salt over the shredded cabbage and let it sit for 30 minutes. This process helps draw out excess moisture, resulting in a crunchier and less watery coleslaw. Once the cabbage has released its moisture, make sure to rinse off the excess salt and pat it with paper towels.
Nutrition
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Conclusion
I think trying copycat recipes from your favorite restaurant is always a fun and rewarding experience. This recipe for Popeyes Coleslaw brings that restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen.
It offers a fresh, flavorful crunch that’s satisfying on its own, but it also elevates any meal when paired with other dishes.
Once you’ve tried this recipe, free to leave a comment and let me know how your coleslaw turned out or if you made any unique variations. I’d love to hear your thoughts and see how this recipe fits into your dining experiences.
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