Tony Roma’s Sweet & Tangy Coleslaw Recipe is crunchy perfection with the wonderful flavor of celery seed. Easy to make and a great party hit!
When it comes to refreshing salads that serve as the perfect sidekick to your barbecue meals or sandwiches, Coleslaw sits on the throne alongside these other incredible salads, like our refreshing Asian Cucumber Salad, the dreamy Greek Orzo Salad, and the super healthy Three Bean Salad.
If you have ever wanted to learn how to make homemade coleslaw, look no further! Coleslaw, with its humble origins, has become a staple in picnics, barbecues, and delis across the globe. The balance of tang, sweetness, and creaminess in its dressing pairs wonderfully with the crispy freshness of shredded cabbage and carrots. Its versatility is unparalleled – from a BBQ side dish to a sandwich filler, this salad has a lot going for it.
Unique in its preparation, Coleslaw hinges greatly on its easy dressing. The use of white vinegar and lemon juice provides the necessary tang while the sugar and mayonnaise add sweetness and creaminess, respectively. The inclusion of seasonings like celery seed, white pepper, and parsley amplifies its flavors, making it truly special.
Originating from the Dutch term “koolsla,” meaning “cabbage salad”, Coleslaw has deep roots in European cuisine. A simple combination of shredded cabbage dressed in vinaigrette, it evolved over the years, especially in America, where mayonnaise found its way into the dressing. Perfect for summer picnics or as a winter side dish, its cooling nature and creamy consistency make it suitable for any season.
Serve your fresh coleslaw alongside pork sandwiches using your own homemade Easy Pulled Pork.
More Easy Coleslaw Recipes
How to Make Tony Roma’s Sweet & Tangy Coleslaw
Making Coleslaw at home is a breeze. With fresh ingredients and a bit of patience, you’re on your way to creating the perfect side dish. Let’s dive into making a homemade version that’s miles better than store-bought. Check it out!
- Step One: Begin by prepping your dressing. In a large bowl, combine parsley, lemon juice, minced onion, celery seed, white pepper, mayonnaise, white vinegar, salt, and granulated sugar.
- Step Two: Whisk the ingredients together using a wire whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Step Three: It’s crucial to allow the dressing to sit and meld the flavors. Refrigerate the dressing, ideally overnight, or at least for a couple of hours.
- Step Four: Now, bring in the heroes – the cabbage and carrot. Using a box grater, shred and then mix these veggies into the dressing until they’re well coated.
- Step Five: For best results, refrigerate the combined salad for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the cabbage and carrot to soak in the dressing flavors.
- Step Six: Just before serving, give the Coleslaw a good mix to ensure every bite is flavorful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Red cabbage, bell peppers, radishes, or even thinly sliced apples for added sweetness. All these can be delightful additions.
Apple cider vinegar can be a good substitute, but it will add a slightly different flavor profile.
You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier flavor. Vegan mayo works great too! You can also substitute the mayonnaise with a blend of silken tofu with a splash of olive oil, blended until smooth.
Coleslaw can release water due to the salt in the dressing drawing out moisture from the cabbage and carrots. To prevent this, consider salting your shredded cabbage and letting it sit for a bit to draw out excess moisture. Rinse, then pat dry before combining with the dressing.
Absolutely! While white vinegar gives a sharp, clean acidity, you can also use apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter and more rounded flavor.
When stored properly in an airtight container, the dressing can last up to a week in the refrigerator.
“Coleslaw” typically refers to a shredded cabbage salad with a creamy dressing. “Slaw” is a broader term, sometimes used for salads without cabbage or those with vinaigrette dressings.
Coleslaw primarily contains shredded cabbage, often mixed with carrots. The dressing can be creamy (often mayo-based) or vinaigrette-style, seasoned with ingredients like vinegar, sugar, and celery seed.
Coleslaw should sit for at least 2 hours in the fridge before serving, allowing flavors to meld. Overnight refrigeration often yields better results.
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Key Ingredients in Tony Roma’s Sweet & Tangy Coleslaw Recipe
Coleslaw showcases the fresh and crunchy textures of basic vegetables elevated by a tangy, creamy dressing. Check out the ingredients which can all be easily found in your local grocery store!
- Celery Seed: Related to the vegetable celery we are all familiar with, celery seed is a versatile spice that adds depth and a distinct celery flavor to coleslaw and other recipes. This is definitely worth going out of your way to get.
- White Pepper: While both white and black pepper come from the same plant, their differences in processing lead to variations in flavor, aroma, and appearance. The flavor of white pepper is milder and more delicate than black pepper.
- Green Cabbage: The main star of coleslaw, cabbage provides a delightful crunch and is packed with beneficial nutrients. When choosing, look for a firm head with crisp, tightly packed leaves.
- Carrot: This adds a hint of sweetness and a pop of color. The finer the shred, the better it integrates into the coleslaw mix.
- Mayonnaise: The base for the dressing. It’s creamy and has a mild flavor, making it perfect for coleslaw.
- White Vinegar: Gives that tangy kick. It’s sharp and clean, cutting through the creaminess of the mayo. We are using distilled white vinegar in our own mix at home.
- Sugar: Balances the acidity of the vinegar. It adds a touch of sweetness to the dressing.
Can Tony Roma’s Sweet & Tangy Coleslaw Recipe Be Made Ahead of Time?
Certainly! Coleslaw is one of those dishes that often tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld together. Prepare the dressing and vegetables separately and combine them at least two hours before serving. For the best flavor infusion, letting the mixed coleslaw sit overnight is ideal. With its creamy dressing, crunchy cabbage, and colorful carrots, it’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures that can elevate any meal.
Substitutions in Tony Roma’s Sweet & Tangy Coleslaw Recipe
- Mayonnaise: You can substitute it with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier flavor. Vegan mayo works great too!
- White Sugar: If you’re looking to use a different sweetener, honey or agave nectar can be used. Adjust to taste.
- White Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar can be used. Each offers a distinct flavor, so choose according to your preference.
- Cabbage: No green cabbage? Consider using shredded Brussels sprouts or kale as a unique twist.
- White Pepper: Black pepper is commonly used when white pepper is not available.
Variations on Tony Roma’s Sweet & Tangy Coleslaw Recipe
- Spicy Coleslaw: Add thinly sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
- Tropical Coleslaw: Mix in some thinly sliced pineapple or mango for a sweet tropical twist.
- Creamy Blue Cheese Coleslaw: Crumble some blue cheese into the dressing for a rich and tangy flavor profile.
- Nutty Coleslaw: Toss in a handful of toasted slivered almonds or sunflower seeds for an added crunch.
More Easy Summertime Sides
How to Store Tony Roma’s Sweet & Tangy Coleslaw Recipe
- Serve: Can be left out for about an hour at room temperature. If you’re serving it outdoors on a warm day, consider placing the serving bowl over a larger bowl filled with ice to keep it cool.
- Store: For best results, store your coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should remain fresh for up to 3 days. If you notice any excess liquid at the bottom, simply drain it off or give the coleslaw another good mix before serving.
- Freeze: Freezing coleslaw isn’t typically recommended as the mayo-based dressing can separate and the veggies might become soggy upon thawing. However, if you do wish to freeze, consider making and freezing only the dressing, then combining it with freshly shredded cabbage and carrot when you’re ready to serve.
Ingredients
- 3/4 teaspoon parsley , minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon onion , minced
- 1/8 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 cups mayonnaise
- 3/4 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 head cabbage , cored and shredded (about 10 oz)
- 1/2 large carrot , shredded
Instructions
- Combine all dressing ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
- Blend with a wire whisk.
- Refrigerate for as long as you can, but remember the slaw will have to be dressed for at least a couple of hours before serving. It is best to make the dressing the night before.
- Combine the dressing with the cabbage and carrots.
- Mix thoroughly.
- Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.
- Mix together again just before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
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Photos used in a previous version of this post.
OUTSTANDING!!!!??????????
Thank You so much Sabrina for this incredible Receipe!
It‘s exactly like Tony Romas Coleslaw! We have one here in Germany (Berlin).
Best,
Florian
Thanks so much for your kind review all the way from Berlin, Florian! Appreciate the five star review.
Bar none, this is absolutely the best Cole Slaw dressing. We add the dressing to the slaw @2 hours before serving. The only thing we do differently is just before serving we add more slaw. It adds a bit more crunch. And we love crunching!
So glad you liked the Cole Slaw Dressing! Thank you for the five star review, Dea!
Excellent and Perfect! Love it Much!!!
This is my favorite coleslaw recipe. I make it a lot in the summer. Thank you
Can Greek yogurt and sour cream be used in place of mayo?
Delicious!
Made exactly as instructed minus the onion.
Thanks for another great recipe.
Perfection! This will now be my go to recipe for coleslaw. And yes, it did taste like Tony Roma’s coleslaw. On day one I wondered if there was too much sugar and celery seed on first taste, but waited to serve it after it had been sitting for 24 hours and the flavours all came together. I used two small bags (396 grams each or about 13 ounces) of preshredded coleslaw and tripled the dressing. I served it as a side dish to mesquite chicken. I lost track of how many helpings my husband had, so definitely a winner.
Thank you for sharing this recipe with us.
Other than the parsley( for what reason other than color) celery seed and milk it’s pretty much the KFC recipe huh? I use celery seed in the kfc also . It’s just plain good in Cole slaw.
Can I use greek yoghurt instead of mayonaise
Sure!
I’m from Altadena and this is Perfect!
Loved the cole slaw recipe except not sure if that was 2 Tablespoons or 2 teaspoons of sugar. I used 2 Tablespoons (Tbls) and it was too sweet. Did add additional red cabbage to it – made it so colorful. Will try with less sugar next time but this is definitely a great recipe for home made!! Thank you Sabrina.
It should be 2 tablespoons of sugar but feel free to adjust to your liking.
do you use the stronger white vinegar or the weaker distilled white vinegar in this recipe?
i was raised in Anaheim and we ate at Tony Romas all the time. Best plate was the Bountiful Beef (ribs). To die for. i order the TR Original Sauce on Amazon all the time. I went to the TR in San Jose every week at least once til they shut down. Sad Day for sure! Tony Romas is/was my all time favorite restaurant. I still go the the North Miami location whenever i visit there. Dont have the beef ribs anymore, but the flavors are the same.
I used distilled vinegar for this recipe. Hope this helps to relive more memories.
Greetings from Chile!
Your coleslaw tastes incredibly good! I’ve been searching for a recipe like this for a couple years… finally I found yours. Thank you very much, you’ll be on my kitchen for the rest of my life!!! ?
Excellent, but had to tweak a bit as I like mine with more celery seed, mayonnaise and vinegar. All and all though, this is the bomb!
I have been following your site and enjoying your wonderful recipes. I have posted comments and questions but reviews have not been listed. Is there something I am not doing in order to respond and ask questions about recipes. Thank you.
I’m so sorry that they haven’t been going through! I’m not sure why not. 🙁 I got this one though! Let me know what questions I can help with. Also you can always shoot me an email at contact@ dinnerthendessert. com and I will be happy to troubleshoot!
Thanks for being a reader and reaching out!
This is delish! Has become my families favorite. So easy to prepare and just the right amount of sweet/tangy. I’ve just added this to my recipe list along with several other recipes from your site. I’m surely glad I came across your website. Everything I have tried has been a “5 star”. recipe. Thank you.
So glad you enjoyed! This is one of my go-to coleslaw recipes and a family favorite! Thanks for coming back and letting me know!
Tastes really good.
Much better than those recipes that start with a “bag of cole slaw mix” and Miracle Whip. UGH!
It’s seriously delicious, and I thought that everyone made their coleslaw this way. My mom always did, and I do as well. We don’t usually measure ingredients (other than when we’re baking), but this is an old family favorite, which was in my grandmother’s handwritten cookbook. I doubt that she knew Tony Roma (ha, ha).
Probably not, haha! So glad it’s a family favorite.
Since moving to Palm Desert 4 years ago, Roma’s was just one of our go-to’s that we miss (the Encino or Universal City locations). This sounds great, have to try it. Many thanks!
I miss it so much! I also just miss the fun it used to be to go there, not just the flavors. Even the ones that stayed open lost all their magic. Hope you love the coleslaw it definitely captures the flavors!
I love this recipe! Goes together so fast and you know it’s going to taste great. There are so many different versions of cole slaw recipes and store bought is a hit or miss. This is a home run. Thank you!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Kat! Thanks for coming back to let me know!
just made this colesaw it tastes delicious!! ive been looking for a good one and this is it!! thankyou for posting!!
You’re welcome, Debbie! So glad you enjoyed it!
FINALLY! I have found a “go to” Cole Slaw. This was a hit with everybody! Thank you.
I tried this one and it’s not even close to Tony Roma’s coleslaw!!! Way to vinegary and over spiced. Their slaw is more simple and that’s what makes it best. When I make my Tony’s slaw as I call it, most people think I bout it at Tony Roma’s… but to prove I didn’t I make mine finer chopped.
Thanks for the feedback. I was testing it against the Original Tony Roma’s Slaw but glad you were able to get a better match.
How can it be too vinegary, with only 3/4 t.?
I was wondering if there is a special brand to use on these ingredients? If you don’t use the right brand then the flavor can change. The coleslaw also had poppy seeds in it when I used to eat it. It was my absolute favorite. I still compare Tony Romas coleslaw to everyone else too. Also, I grew up in N. Miami and my Tony Romas was about 20 feet from the railroad tracks. So as a kid we couldn’t wait for the next train to come by and feel the whole place rumble it was so exciting, fun and the best ribs in town!
It’s so nostalgic, isn’t it?! I didn’t use any special brands, just what I had already in my pantry. Definitely give it a try and then come back and let me know what you think!
The one in North Miami was the original one. I used to go there frequently. I have made this several times and it is very good. I too judge every other cole slaw against this one.
This is the best cole slaw I have ever had! And it’s the only one I’ll make from here on out.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for coming back to let me know!
Ok…I have to ask – what city near Pasadena? I grew up in San Marino! But back to the recipe – it looks great & I can’t wait to try it!
Thanks! I grew up in Glendale, and I used to come to your neck of the woods every time we went to the Rose Bowl!
I grew up only 10 minutes away in Arcadia and we ALWAYS went to that Tony’s ! I have been craving this cole slaw for a while and I am so happy to have found it. Thanks again!
Absolutely!! I bet you remember the insane lines too? right?
My husband has fond memories of Tony Roma’s, too. I’ll have to save this to try when he’s home this summer.
Oh how exciting! PLEASE PLEASE come back and tell me if it made him feel nostalgic! I am loving all the responses of people who grew up eating there!
I remember Tony Roma’s well from growing up too! There’s not one near us where I live now…mainly because there’s nothing near us at all really where I live now. 🙂 This certainly sounds fantastic!!
I am loving seeing the comments of people who remember eating at Tony Roma’s. Had you ever tried the onion loaf?
I haven’t been to Tony Roma’s in years, it was a favorite restaurant of ours years ago before the one near us shut down. I’m totally trying this recipe next time I make ribs.
How exciting to find another Tony Roma’s fan! I hope you enjoy it!
I am a frequent visitor to Tony Roma’s. Just like you, I often try to reverse engineer the recipes that I am eating. This recipe looks great.
Yay, another Tony Roma’s fan! Have you ever tried to recreate a recipe like this one? I’d love to know how it turned out!
Oh my gosh it all looks delicious! I think we need to have a BBQ.
Yes! BBQ season is definitely here!
This would have been SO good at our BBQ yesterday. I love a tangy slaw on my hotdog!
Yum! Me too!!
I love Tony Roma’s! Especially there coleslaw! Thanks for showing me how to make it at home!
Yay! So glad I passed the data on to a fellow Tony Roma’s lover!
That food looks so yummy. I am sure my husband will love it when I make it for him.
I hope you love it!
I am always searching for a good cole slaw recipe!
I hope you enjoy this one!
Oh wow, all I can say is YUM! My stomach is rumbling! I need to try this.
Thanks! I hope you like it if you try it 🙂
I wouldn’t mind trying this at all. I think it sounds absolutely delicious. I do love a good slaw.
This looks and sounds amazing! I would love trying to make this sometime. Thanks for sharing.
I hope you love it if you get to make it 🙂
Beautiful pictures! My husband would love this coleslaw- it reminds me of where he is from in North Carolina.
Thank you! I think NC slaw does use celery seed too!
This looks delicious. I love coleslaw and this one sounds amazing.
Thank you!
That looks so good! I love coleslaw. It’s good with just about everything!
Yum! It looks amazing. The whole plate does. What a lovely, delicious looking meal!
I am so delighted to get this recipe for Tony Roma’s coleslaw. You included the white pepper, which is usually the secret ingredient that’s left out – thanks for including it.
On a side note, I was born in a small maternity home at Griffith Park and lived in South Pasadena off and on for my first five years of life. Also got married at Knott’s Berry Farm. It is always a shame when an icon blinks out for whatever reason.
I used to go to Griffith Park with my grandparents all the time! They lived in Los Feliz! So many memories back there. I even tried going to a different Tony Roma’s location, and it just isn’t the same. That magic it had when I was a kid was so special 🙂
My family loved Tony Romas! I was never a big red meat eater, so I always ordered a ceaser salad or their shrimp skewers. I will have to try this recipe and see if my brothers recognize it.:)
Was it a hugely popular location for you too? We ALWAYS started with the onion loaf, got ribs with fries and cole slaw. Not the healthiest of meals, but a few times a year we didn’t give it a second thought!
How many servings does recipe serve?
I would say about 6 servings.