Tony Roma's Inspired Coleslaw Recipe

This is a delightful recreation of the famous Tony Roma's coleslaw. It's a simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs well with any barbecue or picnic meal. The distinct taste comes from a combination of fresh ingredients and a touch of unique seasoning like the celery seed.

Photos of Tony Roma’s Inspired Coleslaw Recipe

This recipe requires quite common ingredients. However, celery seed might not be readily available in your kitchen pantry. It's a small but mighty ingredient that gives a distinct flavor to the coleslaw. You can usually find this in the spice aisle of your local supermarket.

Ingredients for Tony Roma's Inspired Coleslaw

Parsley: This herb provides a light, fresh flavor and eye-catching color.

Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice adds a tangy zest.

Onion: Minced for a subtle, yet essential flavor.

Celery seed: Provides a depth of flavor that's unique to this dish.

White pepper: It has a milder, more delicate flavor than black pepper and gives the slaw a nice kick.

Mayonnaise: This serves as the creamy base of the coleslaw dressing.

White vinegar: Adds a tangy flavor and tenderizes the cabbage.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Sugar: Balances out the tanginess of the vinegar and lemon juice.

Cabbage: The main ingredient of any coleslaw dish, provides a nice crunch.

Carrot: Adds a sweet flavor and vibrant color.

One reader, Emmet Oliva says:

This coleslaw recipe is a game-changer! The blend of fresh lemon juice and celery seed in the dressing gives it a zesty kick. It's the perfect balance of creamy and tangy, and the cabbage and carrots add a satisfying crunch. It's a must-try for any coleslaw lover!

Emmet Oliva

Techniques Required for Making Tony Roma's Inspired Coleslaw

How to prepare the dressing: Combine all the dressing ingredients in a large mixing bowl and blend with a wire whisk until well combined.

How to refrigerate the slaw: Refrigerate the prepared slaw for as long as possible, ensuring it is chilled for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

How to combine the dressing with the cabbage and carrots: Mix the prepared dressing with the cabbage and carrots in a large mixing bowl, ensuring thorough mixing.

How to refrigerate before serving: Refrigerate the mixed slaw for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to develop.

How to mix before serving: Just before serving, mix the slaw again to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.

How To Make Tony Roma’s Inspired Coleslaw

Serve a tangy side Tony Roma’s-style with this coleslaw recipe. The veggies are tossed in lemon juice and mayo dressing with celery seed and white pepper.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking:

Chill Time: 2 hours

Total: 2 hours 10 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

¾tspparsley,minced
1½tspfresh lemon juice
¼tspminced onion
⅛tspcelery seed
⅛tspwhite pepper
½cupmayonnaise
¾tspwhite vinegar
¼tspsalt
2tbspsugar
10ozcabbage,(½ head), cored and shredded
½large carrot,shredded

Instructions

Combine all dressing ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Blend with a wire whisk.
Refrigerate for as long as possible, but remember the slaw will have to be dressed for at least 2 hours before serving.
Combine the dressing with the cabbage and carrots. Mix thoroughly.
Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.
Mix together again just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 164.42kcal
Fat: 14.90g
Saturated Fat: 2.23g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3.73g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 8.91g
Carbohydrates: 7.64g
Fiber: 1.38g
Sugar: 5.99g
Protein: 0.68g
Cholesterol: 7.51mg
Sodium: 183.59mg
Calcium: 22.19mg
Potassium: 102.63mg
Iron: 0.28mg
Vitamin A: 53.12µg
Vitamin C: 18.37mg

Technique Tip for Making the Perfect Coleslaw

When preparing your coleslaw, it's important to remember that the longer the slaw is dressed, the more flavorful it will become. This is because the dressing has time to penetrate the cabbage and carrot, infusing them with flavor. However, be careful not to overdress the slaw, as it can become soggy. A good rule of thumb is to add just enough dressing to coat the vegetables, but not so much that they're swimming in it.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Coleslaw

Prep ahead: Chop and shred the cabbage and carrots in advance and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This will save you time when you're ready to make the coleslaw.

Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly and efficiently shred the cabbage and carrots, saving you time and effort compared to hand chopping.

Organize ingredients: Before you start, gather all the necessary ingredients and tools. Having everything organized and within reach will streamline the cooking process.

Multi-task: While the coleslaw dressing is chilling in the refrigerator, use that time to prepare other components of your meal to maximize efficiency.

Prep in bulk: Consider making a larger batch of coleslaw and storing it in the refrigerator for future use. This way, you'll have a ready-made side dish for upcoming meals.

Substitute Ingredients For Tony Roma’s Inspired Coleslaw Recipe

parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro has a similar fresh and bright flavor to parsley, and can be used as a substitute in coleslaw recipes to add a vibrant herbaceous note.
fresh lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can provide the same tangy acidity as lemon juice, adding a bright and refreshing flavor to the coleslaw.
minced onion - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder can be used as a substitute for minced onion, providing a milder onion flavor and ensuring even distribution throughout the coleslaw.
celery seed - Substitute with celery salt: Celery salt combines the flavor of celery seed with salt, providing a convenient substitute that adds a savory and slightly salty taste to the coleslaw.
white pepper - Substitute with black pepper: Black pepper can be used as a substitute for white pepper, providing a similar pungent and slightly spicy flavor to enhance the coleslaw.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise, providing a creamy texture and tangy flavor to the coleslaw dressing.
white vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can replace white vinegar, adding a slightly fruity and mellow acidity to the coleslaw dressing.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener in place of sugar, adding a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor to the coleslaw dressing.
cabbage - Substitute with shredded kale: Shredded kale can be used as a substitute for cabbage, providing a hearty and nutritious base for the coleslaw with a slightly earthy flavor.
carrot - Substitute with jicama: Jicama can be used as a substitute for carrot, adding a crisp and slightly sweet crunch to the coleslaw while offering a unique flavor profile.

Best Ways to Present This Coleslaw Recipe

Elevate the plating: Arrange the coleslaw in a neat and elegant manner on the plate, ensuring each component is visible and appealing.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Introduce a pop of color by garnishing the coleslaw with a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley for a fresh and vibrant touch.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of the coleslaw on the plate, ensuring it is presented in a visually appealing and precise manner.
Utilize fine dining techniques: Consider using a ring mold to create a structured and refined presentation of the coleslaw, adding an element of sophistication to the dish.
Emphasize texture: Incorporate a delicate and crispy element, such as a wafer-thin celery slice or a light dusting of celery seed, to add texture and complexity to the dish.
Highlight the freshness: Showcase the freshness of the coleslaw by serving it in a chilled bowl or on a bed of ice to maintain its crispness and vibrant flavors.
Add a touch of luxury: Elevate the coleslaw by incorporating a drizzle of a high-quality white wine vinegar reduction or a light, fragrant lemon juice vinaigrette for a luxurious and refined finish.
Consider the plate selection: Choose a sophisticated and complementary plate that enhances the visual appeal of the coleslaw, ensuring it stands out as a star on the plate.

Essential Tools for Making Coleslaw

Wire whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending and mixing ingredients together, typically made of metal wires or plastic.
Large mixing bowl: A deep bowl used for combining and mixing ingredients, usually made of glass, ceramic, or stainless steel.
Refrigerator: An appliance used for keeping food and ingredients cold, which is essential for chilling and storing the coleslaw.
Knife: A sharp utensil used for cutting and slicing the cabbage and carrots into the desired size and shape.
Measuring spoons: Utensils used for accurately measuring small amounts of ingredients, such as spices and seasonings.
Measuring cup: A kitchen tool used for measuring liquid and dry ingredients in specific quantities.
Food storage container: A container used for storing and preserving the coleslaw before and after serving.
Mixing spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring and mixing ingredients together in a bowl or container.

Random Fact About Coleslaw

Tony Roma's Inspired Coleslaw Recipe is a popular side dish that pairs well with barbecue and grilled meats. It's a refreshing and tangy coleslaw that can be prepared ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together for a delicious outcome.

Is Making Coleslaw at Home Economical?

This coleslaw recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, and the preparation is simple. The use of cabbage and carrots makes it a budget-friendly option. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $5-$7. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its simplicity, flavor, and affordability.

Is Tony Roma's Inspired Coleslaw Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

The Tony Roma's inspired coleslaw recipe is a mix of healthy and unhealthy ingredients. On the positive side, the recipe includes:

Cabbage and carrots, which are nutrient-dense vegetables rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals
Parsley, a herb that provides a pop of color and a boost of antioxidants
Lemon juice and white vinegar, which add tanginess and help balance flavors

However, the recipe also contains some less healthy components:

Mayonnaise, which is high in fat and calories
Sugar, which adds empty calories and can contribute to blood sugar spikes
Salt, which can lead to increased sodium intake

While the coleslaw does include some nutritious ingredients, the dressing may overshadow the health benefits of the vegetables.

To make this coleslaw healthier, consider the following modifications:

Replace half or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a protein-rich, lower-fat alternative
Reduce the amount of sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
Add more colorful vegetables, such as red cabbage, bell peppers, or radishes, to increase the nutrient density
Use a salt substitute or reduce the amount of salt to lower sodium content
Incorporate additional herbs and spices, like dill or cumin, to enhance flavor without relying on salt or sugar

By making these adjustments, you can transform this coleslaw into a more balanced and nutritious side dish that still maintains its delicious taste and satisfying crunch.

Editor's Thoughts on Tony Roma's Inspired Coleslaw Recipe

This coleslaw recipe is a classic and refreshing side dish. The combination of fresh lemon juice, mayonnaise, and a hint of sweetness from the sugar creates a well-balanced dressing. The addition of celery seed and white pepper adds a subtle depth of flavor. Allowing the slaw to chill for at least 2 hours ensures that the flavors meld together perfectly. The crispness of the cabbage and carrots provides a delightful texture. Overall, this coleslaw is a delightful addition to any meal, providing a burst of freshness and flavor.

Enhance Your Tony Roma’s Inspired Coleslaw Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic and chives, topped with a dollop of butter.

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Fresh corn on the cob, grilled to perfection and slathered with a savory herb butter.

Garlic Bread: Warm, crispy garlic bread brushed with a blend of butter, garlic, and Italian herbs, perfect for dipping in the coleslaw dressing.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Tony Roma's Inspired Coleslaw

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the vegetables in a zesty herb dressing before grilling for a delicious and healthy side dish.

Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon: Coat the salmon in a sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze before baking for a flavorful and easy seafood dish.

Mango Salsa Chicken: Top grilled chicken with a refreshing and tropical mango salsa for a burst of flavor and color on your plate.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Simmer ripe tomatoes and fresh basil with cream for a velvety and comforting soup that's perfect for any time of year.

Berry Cobbler: Bake a medley of fresh berries with a buttery biscuit topping for a classic and irresistible dessert that's perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Why trust this Tony Roma’s Inspired Coleslaw Recipe:

This coleslaw recipe is a trusted restaurant-inspired creation, ensuring a delightful dining experience. The use of fresh lemon juice and celery seed infuses vibrant flavors, while the mayonnaise and white vinegar provide a perfect balance of creaminess and tanginess. The meticulous blending of parsley and minced onion adds depth to the dressing, enhancing the overall taste. The precise measurements and detailed instructions guarantee a successful outcome, making this recipe a reliable choice for a refreshing and flavorful coleslaw dish.

Share your thoughts and experiences with making Tony Roma's Inspired Coleslaw in the Recipe Sharing forum section.

FAQ:

What type of cabbage should I use for this coleslaw recipe?

You can use regular green or red cabbage for this coleslaw recipe. Both work well and provide a nice crunch and flavor.

Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this coleslaw ahead of time. In fact, it's best to let it refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Can I substitute the mayonnaise with a different ingredient?

If you prefer not to use mayonnaise, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a lighter option, or a vegan mayonnaise for a dairy-free alternative.

How long will this coleslaw last in the refrigerator?

This coleslaw will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container.

Can I add any additional ingredients to customize the coleslaw?

Absolutely! You can add ingredients like shredded apples, raisins, or even some chopped nuts to customize the coleslaw to your liking. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.