Copycat Hard Rock Cafe Coleslaw

The last Hard Rock Cafe we visited, in the Mall of America, is long gone. That is too bad since we loved the cool music-themed items. And the food. But hey, at least we can make a copycat Hard Rock Cafe coleslaw at home now. This is a big favorite in our house. It’s easy to make. Like crazy easy. And delicious. Creamy. A little sweet. Crunchy. It’s my kind of coleslaw.

Copycat Hard Rock Cafe Coleslaw

Good Things Take Time

As easy as this copycat Hard Rock Cafe coleslaw is to make, it cannot be rushed. It needs some quality time in the fridge for the flavors to get perfect. And they will. Sure, you can give it a taste or two moments after making it, and you’ll like it. But to love it, give it that overnight ‘soak’. Or more. Up to two days for maximum coleslaw love. It’s worth it.

Also try my fantastic copycat of Marzetti’s Classic Original Slaw dressing!

Copycat Hard Rock Cafe Coleslaw

Copycat Hard Rock Cafe Coleslaw

A deliciously creamy, slightly sweet slaw that is one of my favorites!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 day
Course Coleslaw
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 290 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Whisk together all of the ingredients except for the coleslaw mix in a large bowl until smooth.
  • Add the coleslaw mix and stir to coat.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 24-48 hours.

Notes

Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 1gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 17gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 256mgPotassium: 132mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 99IUVitamin C: 26mgCalcium: 36mgIron: 0.4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword coleslaw, creamy
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Creamy and Cheesy Ranch Salad Dressing

Maybe I don’t get out enough. Maybe I have been unlucky. Either way, I have never heard of putting cottage cheese into a salad dressing until I found this creamy and cheesy ranch salad dressing. It was a ‘wow’ moment for me. The cottage cheese adds a creaminess that really boosts this dressing. Packed with nutty Parmesan and hints of classic Ranch, this dressing is great on a salad.

Creamy and Cheesy Ranch Salad Dressing

The Skinny On Flavor

I didn’t go ‘skinny’ when I made this creamy and cheesy Ranch salad dressing. No low-fat cottage cheese. No light buttermilk. I was committed to having a nice-and-thick dressing that would stick to my salad and not make a ‘dressing lake’ on my plate. You go can that route if you want. I went big. And my efforts were rewarded!

To keep myself from overindulging, I served the dressing in these cups.

Also try my parmesan and peppercorn ranch dressing!

Creamy and Cheesy Ranch Dressing

Creamy and Cheesy Ranch Salad Dressing

A nutty, rich, creamy take on Ranch dressing!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Get happy time 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 5 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 46 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 2/3 cup buttermilk
  • 1 /4 cup chives chopped (you can use the green parts of green onions instead)
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • kosher salt to taste, optional
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients except for the salt (if using) and pepper into a food processor and process until smooth.
  • Add salt (if using) and pepper and pulse a few times.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 12 hours before serving.

Notes

Stir before serving.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 46kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 4gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 124mgPotassium: 73mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 297IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 66mgIron: 0.1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword Parmesan, Ranch
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Copycat Marzetti Classic Original Slaw Dressing

Boy, oh boy, did this copycat Marzetti Classic Original slaw dressing ever hit the spot. I was looking for that great Marzetti flavor but in a homemade version that, if I wanted to, I can play with a bit. A little less vinegary perhaps. A little sweeter maybe. Or just like the original. I can make the call. This is good stuff and it makes for a mighty good coleslaw!

Copycat Marzetti Classic Original Slaw Dressing

Mighty Good

This copycat Marzetti Classic Original slaw dressing is much like the great dressing you can find in your grocer’s refrigerated section (by the packaged salads and refrigerated salad dressings). Creamy with a bit of that vinegar ‘tang’ and a little sweetness. This recipe makes enough for a 14 ounce bag of slaw mix. By ‘makes enough’ I mean the slaw will be nicely dressed but not overly so. If you like a coleslaw with a whole lot of dressing, you’ll either have to make more or grab some at the store!

Also try my copycat of the classic (no, really!) McDonald’s Chef Salad!

Copycat Marzetti Classic Original Slaw Dressing

Copycat Marzetti Classic Original Slaw Dressing

A delicious copycat of the store favorite!
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Course Coleslaw
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 472 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the dressing

For the coleslaw

  • 14 ounces coleslaw mix with carrots, etc.

Instructions
 

For the dressing

  • Place all ingredients into a medium bowl and whisk until smooth.
  • Add the coleslaw mix and fold until well-combined and the sugar is dissolved.

Notes

Stir again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 472kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 2gFat: 42gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 25gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 384mgPotassium: 184mgFiber: 3gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 134IUVitamin C: 36mgCalcium: 49mgIron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword coleslaw, copycat, dressing
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Buttermilk Blue Cheese and Chive Salad Dressing

I’ve made a few salad dressings with tons of ingredients in them in my time. You know, the ones that take a little bit of time to put together. This buttermilk blue cheese and chive salad dressing isn’t one of those. A handful of ingredients makes for a great dressing. There’s nothing huge going on here. Just creamy buttermilk richness with a little blue cheese and a hint of oniony goodness.

Buttermilk Blue Cheese and Chive Salad Dressing

Dip Away!

This buttermilk blue cheese and chive salad dressing is a bit thinner than many. It pours out quite easily. You can add more blue cheese (or less buttermilk, depending on how you want to look at it) to make it thicker. I like it thinner because I like to dip my radishes and cherry tomatoes into it.

This dressing is also fantastic for dipping wings.

If you don’t have or can’t find chives, green onions work just as well!

Also try some of Brother Jimmy’s buttermilk ranch salad dressing.

Buttermilk Blue Cheese and Chive Salad Dressing

Buttermilk Blue Cheese and Chive Salad Dressing

The perfect buttermilk and blue cheese dressing. Great for salads or for dipping wings!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Get happy time 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 10 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 259 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients into a bowl and whisk until well-combined.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours.

Notes

Stir before serving.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 259kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 4gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 372mgPotassium: 86mgFiber: 0.03gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 209IUVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 112mgIron: 0.1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword blue cheese, buttermilk
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Rich and Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing

This rich and creamy blue cheese dressing is dangerous. It’s a bit too good. Too creamy. Too blue cheesy. Too rich. I had to really exercise self-control when I made a salad and this dressing. I could’ve easily ended up embarrassing myself. Self-control was difficult. I love this dressing. I can’t wait to make it again.

Rich and Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing

Give It A Rest

This rich and creamy blue cheese dressing gets better with time. It’s hard not to eat it as soon as you make it, but you gotta let it rest. Make it, cover it, and put it in the fridge and try not to think about it. Don’t go peeking at it. Don’t go ‘test tasting’ it. Just let it be. I found that going on a long walk helps. Something to get my mind off of the goodness that awaits.

This dressing is fantastic for dipping wings, too!

Next time I’m doubling the recipe. To keep myself from using it all at once, I serve it in these little cups.

I love this dressing on a homemade Subway oven-roasted turkey and ham sub in a tub!

Rich and Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing

Rich and Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing

A great, thick, delicious blue dressing!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Get happy time 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 10 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 137 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place the blue cheese into a small bowl. Using a fork, mash the cheese until it forms small crumbles (the size of petite peas).
  • Mix in the buttermilk, sour cream, mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, sugar and garlic powder.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Refrigerate for 12 hours before serving.

Notes

Stir again before serving.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 137kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 263mgPotassium: 75mgFiber: 0.01gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 214IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 116mgIron: 0.1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword blue cheese, creamy
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Thick and Creamy Blue Cheese Salad Dressing

It’s ‘put-an-obscene-amount-of-dressing-on-your-salad’ day! I’m going to celebrate with this thick and creamy blue cheese salad dressing. I’ll try to control myself but I know I won’t. This dressing is right up my alley. The right consistency. The right blue cheese ‘funk’. Creamy. Oh yes, I’m going to use too much. I knew that when I made it. Sometimes you just gotta enjoy things!

Thick and Creamy Blue Cheese Salad Dressing

Save The Light Stuff For Later

This thick and creamy blue cheese salad dressing isn’t light. It’s not lo-cal. It doesn’t even pretend to be. It’s supposed to be in-your-face bold and decadent. And it is. Hey, sometimes I want my dinner salad to be an event. Something memorable. And something that satisfies. Well this dressing is a great way to accomplish all of those things.

This stuff is great for dipping Buffalo wings. Big time great.

Also try some buttermilk blue cheese salad dressing.

Thick and Creamy Blue Cheese Salad Dressing

Thick and Creamy Blue Cheese Salad Dressing

Funky dressing with the perfect consistency.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 228 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place all of the ingredients into a food processor or blender.
  • Process until just smooth. You still want the cheese to be slightly chunky.

Notes

Stir before serving.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 228kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 3gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 426mgPotassium: 48mgFiber: 0.02gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 376IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 65mgIron: 0.1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword blue cheese
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

American Style Salad Dressing

It can be surprising sometimes how what might seem odd tasting actually ends up being delicious. This American style salad dressing is quite reminiscent of a sauce we make and use on our hamburgers. It’s crazy close to it in fact. So you might think (like we did) that no way would it ever be good on a salad. Well, it is. This dressing is creamy. Tangy. And a little complex. And yeah, it’s good on burgers too so make extra!

American Style Salad Dressing

Go Light

You can use light ingredients in this American style salad dressing. The mayonnaise and sour cream can be light. Or you can go big and use top-shelf mayonnaise (for me that’s Blue Plate) and full-fat sour cream. Good ole prepared mustard (the cheap stuff) is great. So is fru-fru Dijon. The expensive stuff. Even generic Worcestershire sauce will still make for a great dressing. This can be whatever and however you like it.

Oh and it’s also great on hot dogs!

Also try some classic homemade Thousand Island salad dressing.

American Style Salad Dressing

American Style Salad Dressing

Creamy smooth deliciousness!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 102 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients into a medium bowl and whisk until smooth.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Stir before serving.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 102kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 0.4gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 111mgPotassium: 30mgFiber: 0.05gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 88IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 0.1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword dressing, tangy
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Diner-Style Coleslaw

I do love a cold, creamy coleslaw. Nothing fancy. And maybe a little vinegary kick. But not much. This diner-style coleslaw is my kind of slaw. Perfect on a hot day, for lunch or dinner. Perfect on a cool day too. And crazy easy to make. This slaw reminds me of the ones you’d find in the glass cases in the diners of old. The ones with the sliding doors. Made early that morning, wrapped in plastic wrap, and chilled to perfection!

Diner-Style Coleslaw

Nice And Creamy

I use Blue Plate mayonnaise in all of my slaws. For me, it’s the best-tasting, creamiest mayonnaise around. You can use your favorite. Even though this diner-style coleslaw isn’t complicated, better ingredients make for a better slaw.

I didn’t have white balsamic vinegar on hand. I knew I didn’t want to use regular ole balsamic vinegar. Though it’d add the same flavor, it’d discolor the slaw. That wouldn’t be good. I used apple cider vinegar instead and the slaw come out fantastic. Problem solved!

Also try a delicious homemade chef’s salad!

Diner-Style Coleslaw

Diner-Style Coleslaw

Best served well-chilled!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Coleslaw
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 204 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl mix together everything except for the slaw mix.
  • Add the slaw mix and stir to coat.
  • Sprinkle with the parsley (if using) and stir.

Notes

Stir again before serving. Store leftovers in the fridge.
You can substitute two small heads of cabbage and 2 carrots, all shredded, for the bagged slaw instead.

Nutrition

Calories: 204kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 1gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 163mgPotassium: 133mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 169IUVitamin C: 26mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 0.4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword coleslaw, diner
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Buttermilk Blue Cheese Salad Dressing

I’ve made a few complicated salad dressings in my time. You know, a long list of ingredients. A little bit of time. This buttermilk blue cheese salad dressing isn’t one of those. A handful of ingredients makes for a great dressing. There’s nothing complicated here. Just creamy buttermilk richness with the tang of blue cheese. Perfect for my dinner salad.

Buttermilk Blue Cheese Salad Dressing

Dip Away!

This buttermilk blue cheese salad dressing isn’t crazy thick. It pours out easily. You can add more blue cheese (or less buttermilk, depending on how you want to look at it) to make it a bit thicker if you like. I like it thinner. It’s perfect for taking that radish or cherry tomato and dipping. Big time dipping. Get-some-blue-cheese-chunks-on-it kind of dipping.

This dressing is also fantastic for dunking wings.

Also try some homemade garlic ranch salad dressing.

Buttermilk Blue Cheese Salad Dressing

Buttermilk Blue Cheese Salad Dressing

An easy, tasty dressing perfect for salads (and wings!)
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 5 minutes
Course Salad Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 259 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients into a medium bowl. Whisk until combined.
  • Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Notes

Stir again before serving.
Need ideas for putting together the ultimate salad? Check out my salad inspirations!

Nutrition

Calories: 259kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 4gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 372mgPotassium: 83mgFiber: 0.01gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 176IUCalcium: 112mgIron: 0.1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword blue cheese, buttermilk
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Copycat McDonald’s Chef Salad

If I had to choose a salad as my favorite, this copycat McDonald’s Chef Salad would be it. Not because it’s fancy. But because it reminds me of diner salads. The kind that would be in a refrigerated glass case, wrapped in plastic wrap. Premade that morning. McDonald’s served these for a few years. They came in plastic containers with a packet of your favorite dressing. Nothing fancy but reminiscent of the classic.

Copycat McDonald's Chef Salad

Oh the Ham and Turkey!

I often slice sandwich meats to top my salads. This copycat McDonald’s Chef Salad called for something a bit more. Roasted turkey and smoked ham cut into thin almost-matchstick-like strips. They make this salad better. A lot better. Don’t skimp on the meats. Grab some good stuff out of the meat case. It’s more than worth it.

Great Eggs

To make the perfect hard-boiled eggs for my salads, I ‘cheat’. I use an egg cooker. I laughed when my mom gave us one of these cookers years ago. Well, I don’t laugh now. I love it. Every single time I get perfectly cooked eggs. And they shell easy. I have to say I’ll never make boiled eggs in a pot again.

Great Cheese

You really need to shred your own cheese for this salad. Or any salad. Or any dish. It makes a big difference. The cheese is creamier. Tastier. It doesn’t have that ‘stuff’ on it that keeps it from sticking together like you’ll find in bagged pre-shredded cheese. This shredder makers it super-easy to shred cheese and it’s easy to clean too. It also grates cheese!

Also try my loaded chef’s salad.

Copycat McDonald's Chef Salad

Copycat McDonald’s Chef Salad

A tasty classic!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 1
Calories 289 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup iceberg lettuce chopped
  • 1 cup green leaf lettuce chopped. I like a combination of green and red leaf lettuce
  • 1/4 cup roasted turkey cut into thin strips
  • 1/4 cup smoked ham cut into thin strips
  • 1 radish sliced thin
  • 6 slices cucumber
  • 4 quarters tomato or use 3 halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1/4 cup Monterey jack cheese shredded
  • 3 halves hard-boiled eggs
  • kosher salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • your favorite salad dressing to taste

Instructions
 

  • Combine the chopped lettuces and place onto a plate.
  • Add the remaining ingredients and serve.

Notes

Best served on a cold plate!

Nutrition

Calories: 289kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 22gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 894mgPotassium: 410mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 3607IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 449mgIron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword chef’s salad, copycat
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!