Dairy Queen Coleslaw Recipe

If you’ve ever wondered how to recreate the Dairy Queen Coleslaw Recipe at home, you’re in the right place. This simple yet flavorful dish brings together crunchy vegetables and a creamy dressing, making it the perfect side dish for any meal.

Coleslaw from restaurants and supermarkets often tastes indulgent, but making it at home means you control the portions and freshness. No more half-empty tubs going to waste-just the right amount every time.

In just five minutes, you can prepare a delicious homemade coleslaw that pairs beautifully with fried chicken, barbecue, or even as a topping for burgers. Let’s dive into the quick and easy steps to whip up this creamy favorite in your own kitchen.

My Personal Experience With This Dairy Queen Coleslaw Recipe

The first time I tried making the Dairy Queen Coleslaw Recipe, I was amazed at how simple it was. Just a few ingredients and some basic chopping, and suddenly I had a restaurant-style side dish ready in no time.

I love how versatile it is. Sometimes I prepare a big batch for family barbecues, and other times I halve the recipe for a quick dinner side. It never disappoints, and the flavors are always fresh and satisfying.

What makes it special is the balance between the crunchy cabbage and carrots with the creamy, tangy dressing. Every bite feels like comfort food, and it always reminds me of classic family meals at the dinner table.

Ingredients Required for Dairy Queen Coleslaw Recipe

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

Vegetables

• ½ large white cabbage (julienned)
• 2 medium carrots (julienned)
• ¼ brown onion (grated)

Creamy Sauce

• 240g (1 cup) mayonnaise
• 3 tbsp sour cream
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tsp sugar
• ⅛ tsp mustard powder
• Pinch of white pepper

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Mandolin slicer or sharp knife
2. Large mixing bowl
3. Grater
4. Mixing spoon

Preparation & Cooking Time

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: None

Total time: 5 minutes

Copycat Dairy Queen Coleslaw Recipe

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

1. Prepare the Vegetables
Start by julienning half a large white cabbage into thin strips using a mandolin for uniform texture. If you don’t have one, a sharp kitchen knife will work just fine-it may just take a little longer. Place the shredded cabbage into a large mixing bowl.

2. Slice the Carrots
Next, julienne two medium carrots the same way. The carrots add both crunch and sweetness to the coleslaw. Add them to the bowl with the cabbage, creating a colorful vegetable base.

3. Grate the Onion
Take one-quarter of a brown onion and finely grate it. This will give the coleslaw a subtle sharpness without overpowering the creamy sauce. Add the grated onion to the vegetable mixture.

4. Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a separate small bowl, combine 240 grams (1 cup) of mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons of sour cream, 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar, ½ teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoons of sugar, ⅛ teaspoon of mustard powder, and a pinch of white pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

5. Combine Everything Together
Pour the prepared sauce over the vegetables in the large mixing bowl. Using a spoon, gently fold the ingredients together until the cabbage, carrots, and onion are evenly coated in the creamy dressing.

6. Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the coleslaw into a serving dish. It can be enjoyed immediately for a fresh crunch or chilled in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Dairy Queen Coleslaw

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

1. With Crispy Fried Chicken
Nothing beats the classic combo of fried chicken and coleslaw. The creamy crunch balances the crispy coating perfectly-we’ve served this at family dinners, and there’s never a spoonful left.

2. Tucked Into BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
One of our favorite discoveries! We love piling coleslaw into a soft bun with tender pulled pork. The tangy creaminess cuts through the richness of the meat beautifully.

3. As a Side for Grilled Burgers
Whenever we host a summer BBQ, we swap out chips for coleslaw as a side dish. It adds freshness and makes burgers feel so much lighter.

4. With Spicy Fried Fish Tacos
We’ve found that adding coleslaw to fish tacos creates the ultimate bite. The cool creaminess balances out the heat from the spices.

5. Alongside BBQ Ribs
Slow-cooked ribs dripping with sauce and a cold scoop of coleslaw-trust us, it’s a match made in heaven. The crunch is the perfect contrast to the sticky ribs.

6. Inside Wraps and Sandwiches
Whenever we make chicken wraps or deli-style sandwiches, we love sneaking in a layer of coleslaw. It adds texture and flavor without needing extra condiments.

7. With Grilled Hot Dogs or Sausages
Topping a hot dog with coleslaw was a game-changer for us. It gives a fresh bite and makes it feel gourmet, especially with spicy mustard.

8. As a Picnic Side Dish
We’ve packed this coleslaw countless times for picnics-it travels well and tastes even better after a couple of hours in the cooler. Perfect with cold fried chicken or sandwiches.

9. Alongside Baked Potatoes
A warm baked potato with a scoop of creamy coleslaw on the side is pure comfort food. Sometimes we even spoon it right on top for a cool-meets-warm combo.

10. With Grilled Steak
This one surprised us. A juicy grilled steak with coleslaw on the side lightens up the meal and makes it feel complete without being overly heavy.

Some Notable Tips and Tricks on This Dairy Queen Coleslaw

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

1. Use fresh veggies – Fresh cabbage and carrots make the coleslaw extra crunchy.

2. Cut it small – Slice the cabbage and carrots into thin strips. Small pieces mix better.

3. No mandolin? No problem! – A sharp knife works fine if you don’t have a slicer.

4. Grate the onion – A little onion gives big flavor, but keep it small so it blends in.

5. Mix the sauce first – Stir the mayo, sour cream, and seasonings together before adding to the veggies.

6. Taste and adjust – Want it sweeter? Add a pinch more sugar. Want it tangier? Add a drop more vinegar.

7. Chill before serving – Pop the coleslaw in the fridge for 30 minutes. It tastes even better cold.

8. Make it your own – Add a handful of raisins, chopped apples, or even pineapple for a fun twist.

9. Don’t make too much – This coleslaw is best eaten fresh, so make only what you need.

10. Keep it crunchy – Don’t over-mix. Stir just enough so everything is coated in the creamy sauce.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Dairy Queen Coleslaw Properly?

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

Store the coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Do not reheat; simply serve it chilled for the best flavor and crunch.

FAQs on this Copycat Dairy Queen Coleslaw Recipe

When you give this Dairy Queen 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. What are the ingredients of coleslaw?

From my experience, a classic coleslaw needs just a few simple ingredients-cabbage, carrots, and onion for crunch, plus a creamy dressing made of mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and seasonings. In this Dairy Queen Coleslaw Recipe, we use cabbage, carrots, onion, mayo, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and a touch of mustard powder for that extra zing.

2. What is KFC coleslaw made of?

KFC’s version is quite similar-it’s made with finely chopped cabbage, carrots, and onion, mixed into a sweet and tangy dressing. The key difference is that their dressing tends to be a little sweeter than Dairy Queen’s. After trying both, I find that Dairy Queen coleslaw has a slightly creamier balance.

3. Why is KFC’s coleslaw so good?

It’s the texture and the sweetness that make KFC’s coleslaw addictive. Everything is chopped finely, which gives you a consistent crunch with every bite. From my own experience, though, when you make coleslaw at home (like this Dairy Queen-style version), you can get the same creaminess and crunch-without the extra sugar.

4. How to make the perfect coleslaw?

For me, the perfect coleslaw is all about balance: crisp veggies, creamy dressing, and the right amount of tang. I recommend julienning the cabbage and carrots thinly so they stay crunchy. Then, mix them with a dressing that’s creamy but not overly heavy. The Dairy Queen Coleslaw Recipe nails this balance beautifully.

5. Can I make Dairy Queen coleslaw ahead of time?

Yes, and I often do. In fact, I’ve found that making it a few hours ahead allows the flavors to meld together. Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a stir before serving.

6. How long does homemade coleslaw last in the fridge?

Based on my experience, it usually lasts about 2–3 days when stored properly. Any longer and the veggies lose their crunch. I prefer eating it fresh on the first or second day for the best texture.

7. Can I use red cabbage instead of white cabbage?

Absolutely! I’ve tried it with red cabbage, and it works well-it adds a pop of color too. Just know that the flavor is slightly earthier, but still delicious.

8. Is Dairy Queen coleslaw sweet?

It has a mild sweetness thanks to the sugar in the dressing, but it’s not overpowering. Personally, I think it strikes the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and lightly sweet, unlike some supermarket versions that are overly sugary.

9. What can I serve with Dairy Queen coleslaw?

From my kitchen to yours, I can say coleslaw pairs wonderfully with fried chicken, BBQ ribs, burgers, or even as a topping for pulled pork sandwiches. My family especially loves it with crispy fried chicken.

10. Can I make this coleslaw recipe lighter or healthier?

Yes, and I’ve done it! You can swap the mayonnaise for a lighter version or Greek yogurt, and cut back slightly on the sugar. It won’t taste exactly like the Dairy Queen classic, but it will still be creamy, crunchy, and refreshing.

And that’s it-your very own Dairy Queen Coleslaw Recipe made right at home in just minutes. It’s creamy, crunchy, and perfect for pairing with fried chicken, BBQ, or even as a refreshing burger topping.

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with friends and family, and let me know in the comments how you enjoyed it. Try it out today and bring restaurant-style flavor straight to your kitchen!

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