Culvers Coleslaw Recipe

If you’ve ever loved the crisp, creamy taste of culvers coleslaw recipe from the restaurant, this homemade version is exactly what you’ve been craving. It recreates the classic balance of sweetness and tang that makes Culver’s coleslaw so memorable.

This copycat Culvers coleslaw recipe delivers the same refreshing crunch and smooth dressing you expect from the original. Made with simple ingredients, it’s quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Serve this Culvers copycat coleslaw recipe alongside fried chicken, burgers, or barbecue for a familiar, comforting side dish. It’s an easy way to enjoy authentic culvers coleslaw flavor at home.

What is Culvers Coleslaw and How Does it Taste?

Culvers coleslaw is a classic American-style creamy coleslaw that has become a beloved side dish at the popular Midwest restaurant chain. This traditional coleslaw recipe features finely shredded white cabbage and julienned carrots bound together in a luscious, mayo-based dressing that’s perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy.

The taste profile is creamy yet light, with a subtle sweetness from sugar, a gentle tang from white wine vinegar, and a hint of mustard that adds depth without overpowering the fresh vegetables. The texture is what sets Culvers cole slaw apart-crisp, crunchy vegetables that maintain their bite while being beautifully coated in the smooth dressing.

It’s not overly heavy or drowning in mayo like some coleslaw recipes, making it an ideal pairing for rich, savory dishes like pulled pork sandwiches or fried fish.

Culvers Coleslaw Recipe Ingredients and Kitchen Utensils

Ingredients

Vegetables:

• ½ large white cabbage (or 1 small white cabbage), finely shredded or julienned
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and julienned or finely shredded/grated
• ¼ brown onion (or small onion), finely grated

Dressing:

• 240 g (1 cup) mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons sugar (granulated or superfine/caster)
• ⅛ teaspoon mustard powder (dry mustard)
• Pinch of white pepper (or a small pinch of black pepper if white isn’t available)

Kitchen Utensils

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Mandolin slicer (optional, but recommended for even cuts)
3. Sharp chef’s knife
4. Box grater or julienne peeler
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Whisk or large spoon for mixing
7. Serving dish
8. Plastic wrap or airtight container

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Chilling Time: 30 minutes (recommended)

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 6-8 servings

Copycat Culvers Coleslaw Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

Using a mandolin slicer for fine, even strips or a sharp knife, julienne the half cabbage into thin strips. Aim for uniform thickness (about ⅛-inch) to ensure consistent texture. Place the shredded cabbage in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Prepare the Carrots

Julienne or grate the 2 medium carrots using either a mandolin, box grater, or julienne peeler. Add the prepared carrots to the bowl with the cabbage. The bright orange color adds visual appeal to your coleslaw.

Step 3: Grate the Onion

Finely grate the quarter onion using the smallest holes on your box grater. This releases more flavor without adding large chunks that might overpower the dish. Add the grated onion to the vegetable mixture.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Dressing

In the same large bowl (or a separate bowl if you prefer to mix the dressing first), combine all the dressing ingredients: 240 g (1 cup) mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons sour cream, 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar, ½ teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons sugar, ⅛ teaspoon mustard powder, and a pinch of white pepper. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Combine and Mix

Add the prepared vegetables to the dressing (if mixed separately) and stir everything together thoroughly. Mix well using a large spoon or your hands (with gloves) until the vegetables are evenly coated in the creamy dressing. Ensure no dry patches remain and every strand of cabbage is lightly coated.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Taste your coleslaw and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add a touch more sugar for extra sweetness, salt for balance, or vinegar for more tang according to your preference.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Transfer the coleslaw to a serving dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the cabbage to slightly soften while maintaining its signature crunch.

Serve cold as a refreshing side dish.

Customization and Pairing Ideas for Serving

1. Classic BBQ Pairing:

This Culver’s copycat coleslaw recipe is the perfect companion for pulled pork sandwiches, smoked brisket, or BBQ ribs. The creamy, tangy slaw cuts through the richness of smoky meats and adds a refreshing crunch that balances heavy barbecue flavors beautifully.

2. Fish Taco Topping:

Transform your coleslaw into a zesty fish taco topping by adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a pinch of cayenne pepper. The creamy coleslaw for fish tacos provides the perfect contrast to crispy fried fish or grilled shrimp, adding moisture and crunch in every bite.

3. Fried Chicken Side:

Serve this traditional coleslaw recipe alongside Southern fried chicken, chicken tenders, or Nashville hot chicken. The cool, crisp coleslaw provides relief from spicy heat and complements the crispy coating perfectly, making it an essential part of any chicken dinner.

4. Burger Topper:

Pile this creamy cole slaw directly onto hamburgers, pulled pork sliders, or veggie burgers for added texture and flavor. The coleslaw adds moisture and a tangy element that elevates a simple burger into something restaurant-quality.

5. Picnic and Potluck Star:

Double or triple this coleslaw recipe for summer picnics, family reunions, or potluck gatherings. It travels well, feeds a crowd economically, and pairs with virtually every outdoor cooking favorite from hot dogs to grilled corn.

6. Seafood Feast Addition:

Serve your Culver’s coleslaw alongside fried catfish, fish and chips, lobster rolls, or crab cakes. The creamy dressing and crunchy vegetables complement delicate seafood flavors without overwhelming them, making it a seafood shack staple.

7. Wrap and Sandwich Filling:

Use this coleslaw as a filling for wraps, pita pockets, or as a layer in deli sandwiches. The coleslaw adds substance, flavor, and nutritional value to vegetarian wraps or pairs wonderfully with deli meats like turkey, ham, or roast beef.

Expert Tips for Perfect Coleslaw

1. Choose the Right Cabbage Cut:

For authentic Culver’s coleslaw texture, invest in a mandolin slicer to achieve paper-thin, uniform cabbage strips. Consistent thickness ensures even coating of dressing and prevents some pieces from being soggy while others remain too crunchy. If using a knife, take your time to slice as thinly and evenly as possible-this small detail makes a significant difference in the final texture and presentation of your copycat coleslaw.

2. Salt Your Cabbage (Optional Technique):

For an even crunchier coleslaw that releases less water over time, lightly salt your shredded cabbage and let it sit in a colander for 30 minutes before making the recipe. Rinse thoroughly and pat completely dry with paper towels. This technique draws out excess moisture, preventing your creamy dressing from becoming watery and helping the coleslaw maintain its texture longer, especially important if you’re making it ahead for gatherings.

3. Balance Your Dressing Ratios:

The secret to this Culvers cole slaw recipe signature taste lies in the perfect balance of mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, and sugar. If you find traditional coleslaw recipes too heavy, the sour cream lightens the mayo-based dressing while adding tanginess. Start with the recipe proportions, but don’t be afraid to adjust-add more sugar if you prefer sweeter coleslaw, more vinegar for tanginess, or extra mustard powder for depth.

4. Let it Rest for Flavor Development:

While you can serve this coleslaw immediately, the flavor dramatically improves after refrigeration. The 30-minute minimum chilling time allows the dressing to penetrate the vegetables, the sugar to dissolve completely, and all the flavors to marry together. For meal prep, making your coleslaw 2-4 hours ahead (or even the night before) results in even better flavor, though the texture will be slightly softer.

5. Keep Ingredients Cold:

For the crispest, most refreshing coleslaw for pulled pork or any dish, ensure all your ingredients start cold. Chill your cabbage and carrots before shredding, use cold mayonnaise and sour cream, and mix everything in a chilled bowl if possible. Cold ingredients maintain better texture and the coleslaw stays crisp longer, especially important for outdoor summer meals.

6. Don’t Overdress Your Slaw:

Start with the dressing amount specified in this copycat Culver’s coleslaw recipe, but remember you can always add more-you can’t take it away. Mix thoroughly, then assess if you need additional dressing. Some people prefer heavily coated coleslaw while others like it lighter. The vegetables should be evenly coated but not swimming in dressing, maintaining their crunch rather than becoming soggy.

7. Customize the Crunch Factor:

While this traditional coleslaw recipe uses finely shredded vegetables, you can adjust the texture to your preference. Use a coarser grater for chunkier, more substantial coleslaw, or stick with fine julienne for delicate, restaurant-style texture. You can also add extra crunch with ingredients like thinly sliced celery, chopped bell peppers, or even diced apple for a sweet twist on the classic recipe.

Storage and Reheating Guidance

Store your Culvers coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The coleslaw will soften over time as the vegetables release moisture, so it’s best enjoyed within the first 48 hours for optimal crunch. No reheating needed-this coleslaw recipe is always served cold and refreshing.