If you have ever eaten at Long John Silver’s, you probably remember their famous creamy coleslaw. It is cool, slightly sweet, tangy, and packed with finely chopped cabbage that melts perfectly with the creamy dressing. Many people love it because it pairs perfectly with fried fish, shrimp, and other seafood meals.
The good news is that you can easily recreate this restaurant-style coleslaw at home with simple ingredients. This Long John Silver’s Coleslaw Recipe is quick to make, requires no cooking, and tastes very close to the original version. The secret is the finely chopped vegetables and the perfectly balanced sweet and tangy dressing.
In just 20 minutes, you can prepare a refreshing side dish that tastes just like the one from the restaurant. Whether you are making fried fish, grilled chicken, or a summer barbecue meal, this homemade coleslaw will be the perfect addition to your table.
What is Long John Silver’s Coleslaw?
Long John Silver’s coleslaw is a creamy cabbage salad served as a side dish in the popular American seafood restaurant chain Long John Silver’s. It is known for its smooth dressing, finely chopped vegetables, and slightly sweet flavor.
Unlike traditional chunky coleslaw, this version uses very finely chopped cabbage, carrots, and onions, which gives it a unique texture. The dressing is made with mayonnaise, milk, buttermilk, vinegar, sugar, and lemon juice. These ingredients create a rich, creamy, and slightly tangy flavor that balances perfectly with fried seafood.
Because of its refreshing taste and creamy texture, this coleslaw has become one of the most loved side dishes in American fast-food seafood restaurants.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There are many reasons to try this homemade version of Long John Silver’s coleslaw.
Quick and easy
This recipe takes only about 20 minutes to prepare and does not require cooking.
Simple ingredients
Most ingredients are common kitchen staples like cabbage, mayonnaise, milk, and sugar.
Restaurant-style flavor
The taste is very close to the famous coleslaw served at Long John Silver’s.
Perfect side dish
It pairs well with seafood, fried chicken, sandwiches, burgers, and barbecue meals.
Great for gatherings
This coleslaw is perfect for picnics, family dinners, and summer cookouts.
Equipment’s
You do not need special kitchen tools to make this recipe.
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Grater (for carrot)
- Plastic wrap or food cover
Ingredients with Amounts
Here are the ingredients needed to make this delicious coleslaw.
- 1100 grams cabbage (finely chopped)
- 1/6 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 8 tablespoons Sir Kensington’s Mayonnaise, Recommended
- 4 tablespoons buttermilk
- 1/4 cup white onion (finely minced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/3 cup carrot (finely shredded)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Wedderspoon Apple Cider Vinegar, Recommended
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by washing the cabbage and carrot thoroughly. Finely chop the cabbage into very small pieces. The pieces should be about the size of rice grains for the best texture.
Shred the carrot using a grater and finely mince the white onion.
Place the cabbage, carrot, and onion in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In another bowl, add the following ingredients:
- Granulated sugar
- Apple cider vinegar
- Ground black pepper
- Kosher salt
- Whole milk
- Mayonnaise
- Buttermilk
- Lemon juice
Whisk all the ingredients together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Pour the dressing over the chopped vegetables in the bowl.
Mix everything well so the cabbage, carrots, and onions are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1–2 hours. This allows the flavors to blend together and improves the taste.
Serve chilled.
Notes
- Finely chopped vegetables give the best restaurant-style texture.
- Chilling the coleslaw helps the dressing soak into the cabbage.
- If the coleslaw looks dry after refrigeration, you can add a tablespoon of milk and mix again.
- Fresh cabbage always gives the best flavor.
Variations
You can easily customize this coleslaw recipe based on your taste preferences.
Healthier version
Use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt instead of regular mayonnaise.
Extra crunchy version
Add chopped celery or green cabbage for more texture.
Sweeter coleslaw
Add an extra teaspoon of sugar if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
Tangier flavor
Increase the apple cider vinegar slightly for a stronger tangy taste.
Tips
These simple tips will help you make the perfect coleslaw every time.
Chop cabbage very finely
This is the key secret to achieving the authentic texture.
Mix the dressing well
Make sure the sugar dissolves completely in the dressing.
Let it chill
Allowing the coleslaw to rest in the refrigerator improves the flavor.
Use fresh ingredients
Fresh cabbage and carrots give the best taste and texture.
What to Serve with Long John Silver’s Coleslaw?
This creamy coleslaw pairs perfectly with many dishes.
Some great serving ideas include:
- Fried fish
- Fish sandwiches
- Fried shrimp
- Grilled chicken
- Barbecue ribs
- Burgers
- Fish tacos
- Grilled seafood
It is also a refreshing side dish for summer picnics and outdoor gatherings.
How to Store Long John Silver’s Coleslaw?
Proper storage will help keep the coleslaw fresh.
Refrigerator
Store the coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Do not freeze
Coleslaw should not be frozen because the vegetables will lose their texture and become watery.
Stir before serving
After storing, stir the coleslaw before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Long John Silver’s Coleslaw Recipe
Equipment & Tools
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Grater (for carrot)
- Plastic wrap or food cover
Ingredients
- 1100 grams cabbage finely chopped
- ⅙ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 8 tablespoons Sir Kensington’s Mayonnaise, Recommended
- 4 tablespoons buttermilk
- ¼ cup white onion finely minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅓ cup carrot finely shredded
- 1 ½ tablespoons Wedderspoon Apple Cider Vinegar, Recommended
Instructions
- Start by washing the cabbage and carrot thoroughly. Finely chop the cabbage into very small pieces. The pieces should be about the size of rice grains for the best texture.
- Shred the carrot using a grater and finely mince the white onion.
- Place the cabbage, carrot, and onion in a large mixing bowl.
- In another bowl, add the following ingredients:
- Granulated sugar
- Apple cider vinegar
- Ground black pepper
- Kosher salt
- Whole milk
- Mayonnaise
- Buttermilk
- Lemon juice
- Whisk all the ingredients together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Pour the dressing over the chopped vegetables in the bowl.
- Mix everything well so the cabbage, carrots, and onions are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1–2 hours. This allows the flavors to blend together and improves the taste.
- Serve chilled.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, it tastes better when prepared a few hours ahead because the flavors have time to blend together.
Can I use store-bought shredded cabbage?
Yes, you can use pre-shredded cabbage mix if you want to save time. However, finely chopping it will give a more authentic texture.
Why is my coleslaw watery?
Cabbage naturally releases water over time. Simply stir the coleslaw before serving to mix the dressing again.
Can I replace buttermilk?
Yes. If you do not have buttermilk, you can mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice with 4 tablespoons milk and let it sit for a few minutes.
Is this coleslaw sweet?
Yes, it has a mild sweetness balanced with tangy vinegar and lemon juice.
Conclusion
This homemade Long John Silver’s Coleslaw Recipe is a simple and delicious way to recreate a classic restaurant favorite at home. With finely chopped cabbage, creamy dressing, and a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy flavor, this coleslaw is a refreshing side dish that everyone will enjoy.
It is quick to prepare, requires simple ingredients, and pairs perfectly with fried seafood, grilled meats, and barbecue meals. Whether you are planning a family dinner, picnic, or summer cookout, this easy coleslaw recipe will surely become one of your favorite side dishes.
Try making it today and enjoy the classic taste of Long John Silver’s right in your own kitchen.
