Applebees Coleslaw Recipe

There’s something comforting about a bowl of crisp, creamy coleslaw, and Applebees Coleslaw Recipe has a flavor that keeps people coming back. It’s the perfect balance of tangy, slightly sweet, and refreshing – making it a side dish that complements almost any meal.

Whether you’re serving barbecue, fried chicken, or even grilled fish, coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that brightens up the plate. Best of all, this Applebee’s Coleslaw Recipe is incredibly simple to make at home with just a handful of ingredients.

In today’s recipe, I’ll walk you through how to recreate this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen. With fresh cabbage, carrots, cilantro, and a creamy lime-mayo dressing or Cajun Sauce, this dish will quickly become a staple at your family table.

What Is Applebees Coleslaw and What Does It Taste Like?

Applebees Coleslaw is a creamy cabbage salad with a fresh, tangy flavor that makes it stand out from the average slaw. Unlike some heavy coleslaws, this version has the perfect balance of creaminess and brightness.

The cabbage and carrots provide a crisp crunch, while the cilantro and lime juice add a zesty, refreshing twist. A touch of sugar balances everything out, giving it that sweet-but-savory taste Applebees Coleslaw is known for.

When combined with the mayonnaise base, the result is a smooth, flavorful slaw that pairs beautifully with savory mains. Each bite is crunchy, creamy, and just the right amount of tangy – no wonder it’s such a popular side dish.

Ingredients Required for Applebees Coleslaw Recipe

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

• 1 lb. cabbage (or ¼ of a large cabbage), finely shredded
• 2 small carrots, peeled and grated
• ¼ cup cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Juice from 1 small lime
• ½ cup mayonnaise

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Sharp knife & cutting board
3. Grater
4. Measuring cups & spoons
5. Mixing spoon

Preparation & Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: None

Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Copycat Applebees Coleslaw Recipe

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

1. Shred the cabbage – Begin by slicing 1 pound of cabbage (or a quarter of a large head) into thin shreds. If the pieces feel too long, cut them down the middle so the slaw has smaller, bite-sized strands. Place the cabbage into a large mixing bowl as the base of your coleslaw.

2. Grate the carrots – Peel two small carrots and grate them using the large holes of a box grater. Grating directly into the cabbage bowl saves you time and reduces dishes. Be sure to scrape off any leftover bits from the grater so nothing goes to waste.

3. Prepare the cilantro – Take a small bunch of cilantro, remove the stems, wash it thoroughly, and chop it finely. Measure about ¼ cup and add it to the bowl. This step is optional if you don’t enjoy cilantro, but it adds a bright, herbal freshness.

4. Add seasoning – Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of white sugar and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Squeeze the juice of a small lime directly over the mixture. Toss everything well so the flavors begin to blend evenly.

5. Mix in the mayonnaise – Add ½ cup of mayonnaise and stir thoroughly until every shred of cabbage and carrot is coated in the creamy dressing. Adjust seasoning if needed.

6. Chill and serve – For best results, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, giving you the perfect Applebees-style coleslaw.

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Applebees Coleslaw

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

1. With BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
We’ve found that nothing cuts through the richness of tender, smoky pulled pork like a scoop of this creamy coleslaw. Pile it right on top of the sandwich – the crunch and tang make every bite unforgettable.

2. Alongside Crispy Fried Chicken
Whenever we make fried chicken at home, coleslaw is a must. That cool, creamy bite balances out the hot, crunchy chicken perfectly. It feels like the ultimate comfort food duo.

3. Tucked into Fish Tacos
We love adding coleslaw inside fish tacos. The cabbage and lime bring such a refreshing crunch against the flaky, seasoned fish – it’s like a little burst of brightness in every taco.

4. Next to Grilled Burgers
There’s something about a juicy burger with coleslaw on the side (or even on top!). The creamy texture works beautifully with grilled beef or even a turkey burger.

5. As a Side for BBQ Ribs
Whenever we do ribs on the grill, this coleslaw is always there. The tangy lime and cilantro keep the meal from feeling too heavy, so you can enjoy those sticky, saucy ribs even more.

6. Paired with Fried Catfish or Seafood
Crispy seafood and coleslaw just belong together. We’ve tried it with fried catfish and even shrimp, and the combination never disappoints.

7. In a Pulled Chicken Wrap
We once tucked leftover coleslaw into a wrap with shredded chicken, and it turned into a quick, satisfying lunch. The creamy crunch really made the wrap exciting.

8. Served at a Backyard Cookout
At summer barbecues, this dish disappears fast. It pairs with everything on the grill – from sausages to steak – and adds that refreshing bite guests always appreciate.

My Personal Experience and Some Tips on This Applebees Coleslaw Recipe

I love making this Applebees Coleslaw at home. The first time I tried it, I was surprised at how fresh and tasty it was. The lime juice and cilantro gave it a happy, bright flavor that made me smile. It reminded me of summer days when food feels light and fun.

Now, I like to make this coleslaw for my family, and they always ask for more. It’s crunchy, creamy, and makes every meal feel special.

7 Tips for Applebees Coleslaw Recipe

1. Cut the cabbage thin – thin slices taste better and are easier to eat.

2. Grate carrots fresh – it makes the coleslaw sweet and crunchy.

3. Use fresh lime juice – it gives a bright and tangy flavor.

4. Don’t skip chilling – letting it sit in the fridge makes it taste even better.

5. Taste before serving – add more pepper, sugar, or lime if you like.

6. Mix gently – so the veggies stay crunchy.

7. Make small batches – coleslaw is best when it’s fresh.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Applebees Coleslaw Properly?

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

Store coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not freeze, as the texture will change. Stir well before serving again to refresh the flavors.

FAQs on this Applebees Coleslaw Recipe

When you give this Applebees 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 many calories are in Applebees coleslaw?

From our experience making this recipe at home, a serving of Applebees-style coleslaw comes to around 150–180 calories per cup. The exact number depends on how much mayonnaise you use and the size of the serving.

2. Is Applebees coleslaw good?

Yes, absolutely! Applebees coleslaw is one of those sides that surprises you with how refreshing it is. The balance of creamy mayo, crunchy cabbage, and zesty lime makes it light but flavorful. When we make it at home, it always disappears fast.

3. What is the main ingredient in a coleslaw?

The star of any coleslaw is cabbage. It provides the crunchy texture and neutral base that carries the flavor of the dressing. In this Applebees version, the cabbage pairs beautifully with carrots, cilantro, and lime.

4. How many calories are in coleslaw with mayonnaise?

Traditional mayo-based coleslaw usually contains 150–200 calories per serving, depending on how much mayo is added. In our homemade Applebees coleslaw, we keep the mayo to ½ cup, which helps keep it on the lighter side.

5. Can I make Applebees coleslaw ahead of time?

Yes, and in fact, we recommend it. Letting the coleslaw chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors come together. We often prepare it in the morning for dinner, and it tastes even better.

6. Can I skip the cilantro in this recipe?

Definitely. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, just leave it out. We personally love the freshness it adds, but the coleslaw still tastes great without it. Sometimes we swap in a bit of parsley for a milder flavor.

7. How long does homemade Applebees coleslaw last?

From our experience, coleslaw keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s stored in an airtight container. We don’t recommend freezing because the cabbage gets watery once thawed.

8. What can I serve with Applebees coleslaw?

This slaw goes perfectly with BBQ ribs, fried chicken, burgers, pulled pork, or even grilled fish. Honestly, we make it as a side for almost any summer meal, and it always works.

9. Can I make Applebees coleslaw healthier?

Yes! We’ve tried swapping the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and mayo. It still turns out creamy, but with fewer calories and a little extra protein.

10. Why does Applebees coleslaw taste different from regular coleslaw?

It’s the little touches – like the fresh lime juice and cilantro. Those ingredients add brightness and a hint of freshness that makes it stand out from heavier, traditional coleslaws. We started using this trick in all our coleslaw recipes now.

This Applebees Coleslaw Recipe is quick, refreshing, and the perfect side dish for everything from summer cookouts to weeknight dinners. With its crisp cabbage, zesty lime, and creamy mayo dressing, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

We’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Give it a try, then drop a comment below to share your thoughts and tips with us.

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