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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Hard Eight BBQ Coleslaw

There are a lot of Texas BBQ joints on my bucket list. Hard Eight BBQ is one of them. I’d get there the minute they opened and stay until they closed that day. And it’d be one of the best days of my life. And guess what? I’d even eat their coleslaw while I’m there. Besides, man doesn’t live on brisket and smoked sauce alone, does he?

Hard Eight Coleslaw

Oh, The Dressing!

This Hard Eight coleslaw is vinegar-based. Not that creamy stuff you might be used to. And it’s a bit sweet, too. And as much as it’s great on the side, let me tell you, it’s amazing on anything grilled. I grilled up some chicken thighs, slapped them on some buns, and pilled on the slaw. And nothing else. The slaw was fantastic. I didn’t need anything else. The crunchy, the heat… just perfect. Next time you’re making a sandwich, burger or whatever, and you’re thinking you need maybe a little lettuce on it, stop. Make this slaw and use it instead. You’ll be more than happy you did. It’s about flavor and this coleslaw brings it.

Also try my Carolina coleslaw.

Hard Eight Coleslaw

Hard Eight BBQ Coleslaw

It's about flavor and this coleslaw brings it.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Coleslaw
Cuisine American
Servings 14
Calories 117 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the coleslaw

  • 2 pounds cabbage shredded or sliced thin, or substitute 2 bags slaw mix
  • 8 ounces pimentos drained, chopped
  • 2 cups green bell pepper seeded, chopped
  • 1 jalapeno seeded, minced (optional)

For the dressing

Instructions
 

  • Combine all of the coleslaw ingredients in a large bowl.
  • In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients until the sugar has dissolved. Pour over the slaw and stir to coat well.
  • Let set at least 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Stir again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 117kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.02gSodium: 514mgPotassium: 184mgFiber: 2gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 584IUVitamin C: 59mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Carolina Coleslaw

This is my kind of coleslaw. The kind that makes me happy. A little sweetness. A little of that ‘pucker up’ vinegar hit. And my favorite, celery seed. Celery seed adds so much to a slaw or whatever you use it in. Carolina coleslaw is crunchy great. It holds up too, making it perfect for taking to a pitch-in or picnic. No worries about serving soggy slaw.

Carolina Coleslaw

Great By Itself, Great On Hot Dogs

Of course you can serve this Carolina coleslaw on the side of whatever you’re having. But don’t hesitate to go a little further. If you’re having hot dogs, heap this coleslaw on top of them. You don’t need any mustard. The slaw adds everything you need. Ditto if you’re having pulled pork sandwiches. The slaw adds a great contrasting crunch to that tender BBQ.

If you want a spicier version, seed a jalapeno, chop it, and add it to the coleslaw mix before incorporating the dressing.

Also try my nice-and-tangy coleslaw.

Carolina Coleslaw

Carolina Coleslaw

A delicious, crunchy slaw with a slight sweet and sour flavor.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Course Coleslaw
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 206 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, green bell pepper and the onion.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients.
  • Pour the dressing over the slaw mix and stir to coat.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Notes

Stir again before serving.
For a little spicy kick, add a little diced seeded jalapeno!

Nutrition

Calories: 206kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 1gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.1gSodium: 210mgPotassium: 191mgFiber: 2gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 452IUVitamin C: 41mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Tangy Coleslaw

This tangy coleslaw screams ‘fresh’. It’s full of all sorts of great fresh things. Corn. Bell pepper. Onion. Cabbage. The dressing is a slightly sweet, tangy mix that really accentuates the freshness in every bite. Best made with fresh corn, this slaw can be made with canned or frozen, too.

Tangy Coleslaw

Coleslaw with a Kick

This tangy coleslaw does contain a little bit of jalapeno. Not that much that you’ll find it hot. But, if that scares you, you can leave it out or substitute a poblano pepper instead. I found that the sweetness in the dressing tamed the jalapeno to the point where I didn’t find it to be spicy, just enjoyable/

If you decide to use canned corn, just drain well. For frozen, just thaw. You can roast them by spreading the kernels out onto a sheet pan and placing under the broiler, stirring often, until lightly charred.

Also try my spicy Buffalo wing coleslaw!

Tangy Coleslaw

Tangy Coleslaw

A deliciously fresh coleslaw with a wonderful citrus dressing.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Coleslaw
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 108 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Begin by roasting the corn. You can do this under your broiler or on your grill. Just lightly char the corn on all sides, cooking until just done.
  • Let the corn cool slightly before cutting off all of the kernels.
  • Combine the corn, coleslaw mix, cilantro, jalapeno and onion in a large bowl.
  • Whisk together the vegetable oil, red wine vinegar, honey and lime juice in a small bowl and pour over the slaw mix. Stir to combine.
  • Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Notes

Stir again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 108kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.05gSodium: 11mgPotassium: 171mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 588IUVitamin C: 47mgCalcium: 32mgIron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

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!

Cajun Rainbow Coleslaw

Usually, you’ll find me around the creamy coleslaw at a picnic or get-together. You know the kind. This Cajun rainbow coleslaw isn’t that slaw. But you’ll still find me near it because it disappears off my plate, and fast, just like the traditional stuff. It’s different. And amazingly enough, I like it even though it contains horseradish! Super-crunchy, and packed with flavor, this is not the usual by any stretch of the imagination!

Cajun Rainbow Coleslaw

Cajun-Approved?

Well, I’m not sure if Cajun rainbow coleslaw passes the mustard (so to speak) with the Cajun crowd, but I think it should. Cajun seasoning and good ole Creole mustard team up with in-your-face horseradish and creamy mayo to make a delicious dressing. And the slaw ain’t no slouch, either. Crunchy and packed with bell pepper, it’s the perfect canvas for the kicked up dressing.

My favorite way to eat a good slaw is heaped on top of a smoked pulled pork or brisket sandwich. I love the contrast between the crunchy slaw and the BBQ. You just can’t beat it.

Also try some Buffalo wing coleslaw.

Cajun Rainbow Coleslaw

Cajun Rainbow Coleslaw

Super-crunchy, and packed with flavor.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Course Coleslaw
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 242 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the dressing

For the slaw

  • 12 ounces broccoli slaw mix
  • 1 small red bell pepper seeded, minced
  • 1 small orange bell pepper seeded, minced
  • 3 green onions chopped

Instructions
 

For the dressing

  • Add the Cajun seasoning, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon and horseradish to a medium bowl. Whisk until well combined.

For the slaw

  • Add the slaw ingredients and stir and toss to coat well.

Notes

Stir again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 242kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 4gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 319mgPotassium: 456mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2108IUVitamin C: 137mgCalcium: 67mgIron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Charleston-Style Coleslaw

I have never ever put anything citrusy into my coleslaw. Never even thought about it actually. My slaws are usually creamy, and often sweet. Citrus in a slaw really changes how it tastes. It gives it a lighter feel. Brighter. The addition of a sweet onion also makes this Charleston-style coleslaw different than your traditional version. I liked the crunch of the onion and the crispness of the cabbage and carrots in the slaw. This was different, and delicious!

It Doesn’t Have To Be Sweet

Add a few minced jalapenos for a little extra kick in your Charleston-style coleslaw. Or for a sweeter variation, add a small can of (drained) pineapple chunks. Me, I rather liked the way it was. A lot. But pineapple would definitely make it pop even more. And the jalapeno? Not all slaws need to be tame. Just remember that if you’re making it for a crowd not everyone might appreciate your efforts and you might have to save the jalapeno for yourself. For later.

Also try my fantastic country coleslaw recipe!

Charleston-Style Coleslaw

Charleston-Style Coleslaw

A creamy slaw with a lively citrus twist.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Coleslaw
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 151 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoon lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest
  • 2 tablespoon sugar
  • 6 cups coleslaw mix
  • 1 cup carrots shredded. not needed if your cabbage slaw mix already has carrots
  • ½ cup sweet onion chopped
  • jalapenos to taste. stemmed, seeded and minced (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Place the mayonnaise, salt, pepper, lime juice and zest and sugar into a large bowl and whisk until smooth.
  • Add the remaining ingredients and stir to coat.
  • Refrigerate for 2 hours.

Notes

Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 151kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 1gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 327mgPotassium: 112mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1832IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 22mgIron: 0.3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Buffalo Wing Coleslaw

Oh how I absolutely loved this Buffalo slaw. It is no doubt one of my favorite almost-traditional slaws. By that I mean it’s in many ways like a old-time mayonnaise-based slaw. But in others, it’s not. It is creamy, and smooth, thanks to mayonnaise and sour cream (and blue cheese crumbles). There’s a great celery crunch, which I really appreciate. And there’s a (good) hint of Buffalo wing flavor. A little spiciness to wake you up!

Buffalo Wing Coleslaw

Nice And Blue Cheesy

Served cold, this Buffalo wing coleslaw complements any meal, and specially, something hot off of the grill! Blue cheese goes great with burgers, so heap this up alongside your favorite burger creation. The crunchy and heat make it perfect on top of grilled hot dogs or bratwurst, too. And of course, this makes for the perfect side for your chicken wings! Just skip the usual carrot and celery sticks, everything you want is in the slaw!

Also try my delta coleslaw.

Buffalo Wing Coleslaw

Buffalo Wing Coleslaw

Creamy slaw with a nice spicy Buffalo-inspired kick!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Coleslaw
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 235 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Add the coleslaw mix to a large bowl.
  • In a small bowl whisk the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar and salt until smooth.
  • Add the wing sauce and celery and stir to combine.
  • Pour the sauce over the cabbage mixture and gently stir until combined.
  • Add cheese crumbles, to taste, and stir.

Notes

Stir again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 235kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 2gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 555mgPotassium: 195mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 228IUVitamin C: 28mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 0.5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Keyword Buffalo wing, coleslaw
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!

Delta Coleslaw

This Delta coleslaw is definitely one of my top 10 favorites. It’s got that classic vinegar sauce but with a slight sweetness. And it has plenty of one of my favorite slaw ingredients: celery seed. Lots of fresh crunchy vegetables make this the perfect side dish, but it’s also fantastic on a pulled pork sandwich. I also enjoy it over grilled hot dogs and even Sloppy Joe sandwiches.

Delta Coleslaw

Dressed For Success

I recommend only dressing enough of this Delta coleslaw that you plan on serving. You want to keep that crunchiness as long as possible. If you’re making this today, to eat tomorrow, don’t add the dressing until tomorrow morning at the earliest. You can store the unused coleslaw and dressing separately, in the fridge, until it’s go-time. I found this technique also works great for keeping any slaw good and fresh throughout the week, perfect for my lunches!

Try some good ole down-home Arkansas slaw, too!

Delta Coleslaw

Delta Coleslaw

A delicious, slightly sweet, vinegar-based slaw with tremendous crunch.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Coleslaw
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 266 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Combine the slaw mix, bell pepper and onion in a large resealable container.
  • Add salt and pepper and stir.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
  • Meanwhile, combine the vinegar, sugar, mustard powder, and celery seeds in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil.
  • Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
  • Remove from heat and let cool while the slaw mix is in the fridge.
  • Remove slaw mix from fridge.
  • Drizzle with the sauce.
  • Add the oil, green onions, and parsley and toss.
  • Cover and return to refrigerator for 2-3 hours before serving.

Notes

Stir again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 266kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 2gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.1gSodium: 607mgPotassium: 290mgFiber: 4gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 693IUVitamin C: 64mgCalcium: 66mgIron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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