Easy to Make Zaxby’s Coleslaw Recipe is So Delicious!

If you’re craving a creamy, tangy, and crunchy side dish, look no further than this Zaxby’s Coleslaw Recipe. Inspired by the popular fast-casual restaurant chain, this coleslaw brings together fresh vegetables and a creamy dressing that perfectly complements any meal. With a blend of shredded cabbage and carrots, all tossed in a flavorful, zesty sauce, this coleslaw is easy to make at home and brings a taste of Zaxby’s right to your dinner table. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a weekend BBQ, or just enjoying it as a quick and healthy side, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Zaxby’s – A Delicious Fast-Casual Restaurant

Zaxby’s is a beloved fast-casual restaurant chain founded in 1990 in Statesboro, Georgia. Known for its casual vibe and delicious Southern-style chicken dishes, Zaxby’s quickly became a go-to spot for chicken lovers across the U.S. With over 900 locations nationwide, Zaxby’s offers a wide variety of menu items, but one of the most popular items is their signature coleslaw. The creamy, tangy, and crunchy coleslaw pairs perfectly with their flavorful fried chicken and other menu offerings, making it a staple side dish in their restaurants. The Zaxby’s Coleslaw is particularly famous for its unique dressing, which is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and a touch of heat, making it an ideal addition to any meal.

Zaxby’s Coleslaw Recipe Ingredients

To recreate the delicious Zaxby’s coleslaw at home, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create the perfect balance of flavors. Here’s a rundown of the ingredients and their health benefits:

• Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the dressing, providing richness and texture. While high in calories, mayonnaise is a source of healthy fats when made with olive oil.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy and slightly spicy kick to the dressing. Mustard seeds have been linked to anti-inflammatory properties and are a great source of antioxidants.
• Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the tangy mustard and the vinegar. Brown sugar contains molasses, giving it a slightly higher nutritional value than white sugar.
• Hot Sauce: A small amount of hot sauce gives the coleslaw a mild heat, which complements the sweetness and tanginess of the dressing. Capsaicin, the compound responsible for the heat, has been shown to boost metabolism.
• Celery Seeds: These tiny seeds pack a big punch of flavor with a slightly earthy, aromatic taste. Celery seeds also have anti-inflammatory properties and are a good source of vitamins and minerals.
• Green Cabbage: The star ingredient! Shredded cabbage adds a crunchy texture and is low in calories while providing fiber, Vitamin C, and antioxidants.
• Carrot: Shredded carrots bring color and a slight sweetness to the coleslaw. They’re rich in Vitamin A and beta-carotene, which support eye health and immune function.
• Sugar: A little extra sugar balances out the tangy dressing. While it adds sweetness, it should be used in moderation for a healthier version of the coleslaw.
• Kosher Salt: This rougher salt adds a perfect salty flavor and helps to draw moisture out of the cabbage, making the coleslaw more flavorful.

Utensils You’ll Need for Zaxby’s Coleslaw Recipe

Before you start making this recipe, gather the following kitchen tools:

• Mixing bowls: One for the dressing and one for the vegetables.
• Whisk: To combine the dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Grater or food processor: For shredding the cabbage and carrots.
• Tongs or spoon: To toss the vegetables and dressing together.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To accurately measure your ingredients.
• Paper towels or clean cloth: For drying the vegetables after they’ve rested.

How to Make Zaxby’s Coleslaw Recipe

Making Zaxby’s coleslaw at home is surprisingly simple, and with just a few easy steps, you can recreate this fast-food favorite right in your own kitchen. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1 – Prepare the Dressing: Start by whisking together the mayo, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, hot sauce, and celery seeds in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy, and set aside.

Step 2 – Prepare the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrots. Add the sugar and kosher salt to the veggies, and toss them gently to coat evenly.

Step 3 – Let the Vegetables Rest: Allow the veggies to sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll notice some water will accumulate at the bottom of the bowl. This is normal! Just drain off the excess water and give the vegetables a quick pat dry with a paper towel.

Step 4 – Combine the Dressing and Vegetables: Pour the creamy dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture. Use a spoon or tongs to toss everything together until well combined.

Step 5 – Refrigerate: Cover the coleslaw and let it chill in the fridge for at least one hour. For the best flavor, let it sit for a full day before serving.

Step 6 – Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, your Zaxby’s-inspired coleslaw is ready to be served! Enjoy it as a side dish to your favorite meal.

Perfect Pairings for Zaxby’s Coleslaw Recipe: What to Serve with It

Zaxby’s Coleslaw is the perfect side dish for a variety of meals. Here are some of the best dishes to pair with this creamy, crunchy delight:

• Fried Chicken: This is the classic pairing! Zaxby’s Coleslaw complements the crispy, savory goodness of fried chicken, making it the perfect side dish for a Southern-inspired meal.
• Grilled Chicken Sandwiches: Whether you’re enjoying a grilled chicken sandwich or a chicken wrap, the refreshing crunch of coleslaw adds a delightful contrast to the warm, tender chicken.
• BBQ Ribs: The tangy, sweet flavors of Zaxby’s Coleslaw are the ideal complement to smoky, tender BBQ ribs. The creaminess of the coleslaw balances out the richness of the ribs.
• Pulled Pork: A Southern classic, pulled pork pairs beautifully with Zaxby’s Coleslaw. The coleslaw adds crunch and a bit of tang to balance the richness of the slow-cooked pork.

Perfect Occasions to Serve Zaxby’s Coleslaw Recipe

Zaxby’s Coleslaw is a versatile dish that works for many different occasions. Here are a few special events where this coleslaw would be a hit:

• Family Dinners: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this coleslaw makes for a perfect, easy side dish to complete your meal.
• BBQ Parties: Summer BBQs are the ideal time to serve Zaxby’s Coleslaw. It pairs perfectly with grilled meats and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
• Holiday Feasts: Zaxby’s Coleslaw can be a refreshing addition to your holiday spreads, whether it’s Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas.
• Picnics: Pack this coleslaw for a fun and refreshing side dish during your outdoor picnics and barbecues.

Conclusion: Why Zaxby’s Coleslaw Recipe is a Must-Try

Zaxby’s Coleslaw is the perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, and tangy, making it a fantastic side dish to complement a variety of meals. Whether you’re serving it with fried chicken, BBQ, or grilled sandwiches, it’s sure to be a hit at your table. Easy to make and packed with flavor, this coleslaw will become a staple in your home. So go ahead and give this recipe a try—it’s the ultimate Southern-inspired dish that’s both simple and satisfying!