Culvers Coleslaw Recipe

When it comes to the perfect side dish, nothing quite hits the spot like a fresh Culvers Coleslaw Recipe. This creamy, crunchy, and slightly tangy slaw is the ideal complement to barbecue, fried chicken, or even as a topping for sandwiches and tacos. It’s simple, refreshing, and made with everyday ingredients you probably already have at home.

What makes this coleslaw stand out is the balance between crisp cabbage, sweet carrots, zesty lime juice, and the creaminess of mayonnaise. Unlike store-bought coleslaw that often feels heavy or too sweet, this homemade version is light yet flavorful, offering just the right amount of tang.

Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ or just need a quick side for a weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers the fresh taste of Culvers coleslaw in every bite. Get ready to impress your family and guests with this easy-to-make dish!

My Personal Experience With This Culvers Coleslaw Recipe

The very first time I tried Culvers coleslaw, I was amazed by how fresh and vibrant it tasted compared to other coleslaws I had eaten. I knew I had to recreate that same flavor in my own kitchen. After a few attempts, I discovered that the key lies in the thinly shredded cabbage and the touch of lime juice.

One little twist I’ve added to my version is cilantro. A dear friend introduced me to this idea, and it completely elevated the flavor. The freshness of the herb combined with the creamy base gives the coleslaw a unique brightness that I can’t get enough of.

Now, this Culvers Coleslaw Recipe has become a staple in my home. Whether I’m serving it alongside smoked ribs or tucking it into tacos, it never fails to bring compliments. It’s one of those recipes that makes you look like you put in a lot of effort, even though it comes together in just minutes.

Ingredients Required for Culvers Coleslaw Recipe

Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Culvers Coleslaw

• 1 pound cabbage (or ¼ large cabbage), finely shredded
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and grated
• ¼ cup cilantro, finely chopped (optional but recommended)
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• Juice of 1 small lime
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of salt (to taste)

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Sharp knife & cutting board
3. Grater (large-hole side)
4. Measuring spoons & cups
5. Mixing spoon or spatula

Preparation & Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4–6

Copycat Culvers Coleslaw Recipe

Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of Culvers Coleslaw in a delicious way.

Step 1: Prepare the cabbage
Take one pound of cabbage (or ¼ of a large cabbage) and slice it as thin as possible. After shredding, run your knife through the pile again to cut the strands into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Grate the carrots
Peel two fresh carrots and grate them using the large-hole side of your grater. Add the grated carrots directly into the bowl with the cabbage. This keeps cleanup easy and adds a sweet crunch to the mix.

Step 3: Add cilantro
Wash and finely chop about ¼ cup of fresh cilantro, removing the stems. Toss the chopped cilantro into the cabbage and carrot mixture. If you’re not a cilantro fan, feel free to skip this step.

Step 4: Make the dressing
In a separate bowl, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, the juice of one small lime, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Mix the coleslaw
Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetables. Use a spatula or large spoon to toss everything thoroughly, ensuring the cabbage and carrots are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 6: Chill and serve
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend beautifully. Serve cold as a side dish, sandwich topping, or with your favorite BBQ.

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Culvers Coleslaw

Here are some Variations and Customizations ideas you can try to enjoy this Culvers Coleslaw deliciously

1. With BBQ Ribs
There’s nothing like a plate of smoky, tender BBQ ribs with a scoop of fresh coleslaw on the side. The tangy crunch cuts through the richness of the meat, making every bite even better.

2. Stuffed in Pulled Pork Sandwiches
One of my favorite ways to enjoy this coleslaw is tucked inside a pulled pork sandwich. The creamy crunch balances the savory, saucy pork so beautifully-it’s the ultimate comfort food combo.

3. As a Topping for Tacos
We often add this slaw to fish tacos or chicken tacos at home. That extra crunch and lime-cilantro freshness make the tacos taste restaurant-worthy.

4. Alongside Fried Chicken
I don’t know about you, but fried chicken feels incomplete without coleslaw. The crispy chicken skin with the cool creaminess of this slaw is a match made in heaven.

5. With Grilled Burgers
Sometimes I skip the lettuce and just add coleslaw to my burgers instead. It adds flavor, crunch, and moisture-no need for extra condiments.

6. Next to Hot Dogs or Brats
At summer cookouts, we love piling coleslaw onto hot dogs or bratwursts. It turns a simple grilled sausage into something really special.

7. As a Side with Grilled Fish
A flaky piece of grilled fish tastes so much lighter with a fresh scoop of coleslaw. I especially like it with salmon or tilapia.

8. On BBQ Chicken Pizza
This might sound unusual, but try topping a slice of BBQ chicken pizza with coleslaw. That creamy tang balances the sweet, smoky sauce perfectly.

9. Paired with Homemade Tacos de Carnitas
Whenever we make carnitas at home, I can’t resist serving this slaw on the side-or right inside the tortilla. The lime and cilantro in the coleslaw tie it all together.

10. With Freshly Made Tortillas and Salsa
One of my all-time favorite ways to enjoy coleslaw is the simplest-just with warm, homemade flour tortillas and fresh salsa. It feels rustic, yet incredibly satisfying.

Some Notable Tips and Tricks on This Culvers Coleslaw Recipe

Here are some tips and tricks you should follow when trying this recipe.

1. Cut the cabbage small. Big chunks are hard to chew. Small, thin pieces taste better.

2. Use fresh carrots. They make the coleslaw sweet and crunchy.

3. Don’t skip the lime juice. It makes the coleslaw bright and tasty.

4. Taste before you serve. If it needs more salt or sugar, add just a little.

5. Mix it gently. Stir until the mayo covers everything, but don’t smash it.

6. Let it chill. Put it in the fridge for a bit. Cold coleslaw tastes the best.

7. Add cilantro if you like. It gives a fresh and yummy flavor.

8. Don’t make it too early. It can get watery if it sits for days.

9. Use a big bowl. It’s easier to stir without making a mess.

10. Have fun with it! Coleslaw is simple-try it with tacos, BBQ, or even sandwiches.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Culvers Coleslaw Properly?

If you have any leftover (hopefully you don’t have) you can process them properly as follows,

Store leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving to refresh the texture. Avoid freezing, as mayonnaise-based dressings don’t thaw well.

FAQs on this Copycat Culvers Coleslaw Recipe

When you give this Culvers Coleslaw Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

1. How do you make Culver’s coleslaw with mayonnaise and sour cream?

From my experience, using both mayonnaise and sour cream makes the coleslaw extra creamy and slightly tangier. I usually replace half of the mayo with sour cream. So, for this recipe, I’d use ¼ cup mayo + ¼ cup sour cream. It gives the dressing a lighter, fresher taste that balances beautifully with the lime juice.

2. What are the ingredients of coleslaw?

Classic coleslaw is very simple. It usually includes cabbage, carrots, a creamy dressing made of mayo (sometimes sour cream), sugar, black pepper, and something acidic like vinegar or lime juice. In my Culvers-style version, I also add cilantro for an extra burst of freshness.

3. Is Culvers coleslaw good?

Absolutely! Culvers coleslaw is one of my favorites because it’s light, creamy, and not overly sweet. It’s crunchy, refreshing, and pairs perfectly with barbecue, fried chicken, or even burgers. Making it at home lets you enjoy that same fresh taste anytime.

4. Why is KFC coleslaw so good?

KFC coleslaw is famous because of its finely chopped cabbage and very creamy, slightly tangy dressing. It’s sweeter than Culvers coleslaw, which gives it that nostalgic “fast food” flavor. I personally prefer the freshness of Culvers’ version, but if you like a sweeter slaw, KFC’s style is hard to beat.

5. Can I make Culvers coleslaw ahead of time?

Yes, and honestly, it tastes even better when it sits for a few hours in the fridge. The flavors from the lime juice and cilantro really soak into the cabbage. I usually make it 2–4 hours before serving for the best taste.

6. How long does homemade coleslaw last?

In my kitchen, coleslaw usually lasts about 3 days in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container. The cabbage will stay crunchy for a couple of days, but after that, it starts getting soggy.

7. Can I make this recipe without mayonnaise?

Yes, you can! I’ve tried replacing mayo with Greek yogurt, and it worked surprisingly well. It gives a tangier flavor and keeps the slaw light. If you’re avoiding mayo altogether, a vinaigrette with olive oil and lime juice also works for a fresher, lighter version.

8. What can I serve with Culvers coleslaw?

This coleslaw goes beautifully with barbecue ribs, grilled chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, or even fish tacos. My personal favorite is pairing it with homemade tortillas and smoky BBQ-it’s the perfect balance of creamy and tangy with rich meats.

9. Can I use pre-shredded cabbage for this recipe?

Definitely! I often grab a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix when I’m short on time. It works just as well. The only thing I like to do is chop it down a bit so the pieces aren’t too long.

10. How can I make Culvers coleslaw healthier?

From experience, I usually cut back on the mayo and add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream instead. You can also reduce the sugar or skip it if you prefer a less sweet coleslaw. The fresh lime juice already adds a nice brightness, so it still tastes delicious.

This Culvers Coleslaw Recipe is the perfect side dish for any occasion-light, creamy, and bursting with fresh flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and 15 minutes of prep, you’ll have a refreshing slaw that pairs beautifully with BBQ, grilled meats, or even as a sandwich topping. Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turned out-I’d love to hear your twist on it!

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