Popeyes Coleslaw
Popeyes Coleslaw is a refreshing, creamy and tangy side dish that pairs perfectly with fried chicken and summer cookouts. This copycat Popeyes coleslaw recipe features crunchy cabbage and carrots tossed in a lightly sweet, creamy dressing with just the right balance of tang and spice. If you love restaurant-style coleslaw, you can now make this Popeyes favorite at home anytime.
🔍 COPYCAT SECRETS UNCOVERED!
I figured out the secret to the Popeyes Red Beans and Rice in 2020 and I can do it again with Popeyes Coleslaw! After researching and testing side-by-side with the real thing, I found that paprika and turmeric are key to recreating the signature color and flavor of Popeyes coleslaw. This gives it that distinct look and taste that sets it apart from KFC coleslaw.
What is Popeyes Coleslaw
Popeyes coleslaw is a creamy cabbage salad made with finely chopped cabbage and carrots mixed with a lightly sweet and tangy dressing. Unlike sweeter coleslaws, Popeyes coleslaw has a more balanced flavor with subtle spices and a slightly tangy finish.
Why You’ll Love This Popeyes Coleslaw
🥬 Perfect copycat – tastes just like the restaurant version
🍗 Made for fried chicken – the ultimate side dish
⏱ Quick and easy – ready in minutes
🥡 Great for meal prep – even better the next day
Popeyes Coleslaw Ingredients
Coleslaw is one of my favorite side dishes in the spring and summer – it’s cool and crisp with a nice creamy texture (I’m not a fan of vinegar-y slaws). This Popeyes Coleslaw recipe is very easy and basic – but the seasonings you add are what makes it Popeyes!
- Cole Slaw Mix – Using a mix with green cabbage and carrots (but no purple cabbage) helps match the look and texture of Popeyes coleslaw.
- Duke’s Mayonnaise – this is the good stuff, Hellman’s will work as well
- Milk – doesn’t matter what kind – I used 2%
- Dill Pickle Relish – Adds a subtle tang that balances the creamy dressing without making it overly sweet. (very different taste than the Sweet Pickle Relish)
- Spices – sugar, celery salt, lemon juice, paprika, turmeric, white pepper
How to Make Copycat Popeyes Coleslaw
Here’s a step most people miss when making coleslaw – they don’t chop the bagged slaw! That stuff is big chunks and long pieces of cabbage. Take the extra 3 minutes and dice it up! So much easier to eat. Let’s get started:
- CHOP – Empty bag of coleslaw mix onto cutting board and chop it into a fine dice and scrape into a large mixing bowl. This is essential to get the Popeyes texture!
- WHISK – In separate bowl, add remaining ingredients for the dressing and whisk together
- POUR dressing mix onto coleslaw mix and toss to combine
- REFRIGERATE – cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 30 minutes (or more) and serve
Tips Tricks & FAQs
More Summer Side Dish Recipes
- Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad (copycat)
- Jarlsberg Cheese Dip
- Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad (copycat)
What to Serve with Popeyes Coleslaw
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Popeyes Coleslaw
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 oz coleslaw mix (with carrots) finely diced
- 3/4 cup Duke’s mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp celery salt
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 2 tbsp dill relish
Instructions
- Empty bag of coleslaw mix onto cutting board and chop it into a fine dice and scrape into a large mixing bowl.16 oz coleslaw mix (with carrots)
- In separate bowl, add remaining ingredients and whisk together3/4 cup Duke’s mayonnaise, 2 tbsp milk, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp celery salt, 1/2 tsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp turmeric, 1/4 tsp white pepper, 2 tbsp dill relish
- Pour dressing mix onto coleslaw mix and toss to combine
- Refrigerate and chill for 30 minutes (or more) and serve
