Red Robin Coleslaw: Taste, Calories, Price, and a Copycat Recipe
Red Robin's coleslaw is one of the quiet stars of the bottomless sides menu. It's creamy, a little sweet, and it has a soft mustard kick that sets it apart from plain grocery store slaw. In this guide, we cover what it tastes like, how many calories it has, what it pairs best with, and whether it's worth ordering. We also share a step-by-step copycat recipe so you can make it at home.
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What Is Red Robin Coleslaw?
Red Robin coleslaw is a cold side dish made from a mix of shredded white cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots. The kitchen tosses the vegetables in a creamy dressing built from mayonnaise and a hint of mustard. That small touch of mustard is what gives this slaw its signature tang. It is not sweet like some deli slaws, and it is not overly sharp either. It sits right in the middle, which is why so many guests order it again and again.
The coleslaw lives on Red Robin's Bottomless Sides menu. That means once you order it with a qualifying entrée, you can ask for a free refill. It is a simple side, but it plays a big role in balancing out a heavy burger meal.
Taste and Texture Review
We tested this slaw the way most guests eat it: fresh, cold, and served straight from the kitchen. Here is our honest take.
Flavor Breakdown
- First bite: Creamy and cool, with a light tang from the mustard.
- Texture: Crisp cabbage that still has crunch, not soggy or watery.
- Sweetness: Mild. It leans savory rather than sugary.
- Aftertaste: A soft mustard seed finish that refreshes your palate.
★★★★☆ — 4.2 out of 5
Most guests describe it as a refreshing break between bites of a rich burger. It works because it is not trying to be the main event. It's meant to cut through the grease from a Tavern Burger or the richness of a bacon-topped Gourmet Burger. The mustard note is subtle enough that even people who usually skip mustard tend to enjoy it here.
Calories and Nutrition
Coleslaw is one of the lighter sides on the Red Robin menu compared to fries or onion rings. Exact nutrition numbers can shift slightly by location and portion size, so always check the in-store nutrition guide or ask your server for the current figures before ordering if you're tracking macros closely.
| Nutrient | Approx. Amount | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal | 7% |
| Total Fat | 11 g | 14% |
| Sodium | 240 mg | 10% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 10 g | 4% |
| Sugars | 6 g | — |
| Protein | 1 g | 2% |
*Based on a 2,000-calorie daily diet. Values are approximate and can vary by location.
The slaw is vegetarian-friendly, though the dressing contains egg, so it is not a fit for a vegan diet. It also contains dairy-free mayo in most locations, but always confirm allergen details with your server, since recipes can vary slightly by region.
Price
Red Robin coleslaw sits on the Bottomless Sides list, so pricing depends on how you order it. As a standalone side, it typically runs a few dollars. When you order it alongside a qualifying burger or entrée, it often comes included as your free bottomless side choice, with unlimited refills at your table. Prices can shift by location and time of year, so check your local Red Robin or the printed menu for the exact number near you.
Best Burger and Meal Pairings
Coleslaw works best when it's balancing something rich. Here are the pairings that make the most sense on the menu.
- Tavern Burgers: The simple, classic patty gets a nice lift from the tangy slaw.
- Whiskey River BBQ items: The sweet and smoky BBQ sauce pairs well with the cool, crisp slaw.
- Fish and seafood entrées: Slaw is a traditional match for fried fish, and Red Robin's version holds up well here too.
- Chicken sandwiches and wraps: A lighter option next to grilled or crispy chicken.
If you want to explore more pairing options, take a look at the Red Robin Tavern Burger menu or the Gourmet Burger lineup for combos that go especially well with a side of coleslaw.
Burger Extras Worth Adding
If you're building a full meal around your burger and slaw, a few extras can round things out nicely:
- Extra pickle spear for more crunch and acidity
- A side of ranch or honey mustard for dipping the slaw
- A cup of Campfire Sauce, which many guests order alongside their burger
- A refreshing drink from the drinks menu to balance the richness of the meal
Is Red Robin Coleslaw Worth Ordering?
Yes, especially if you already lean toward heavier menu items. Coleslaw gives your plate a lighter, cooler contrast, and since it's part of the bottomless sides program, you get real value from it. It's not flashy, but it does its job well. If you usually order fries every time, swapping in the slaw once in a while is a simple way to change up your meal without losing flavor.
It's a smart pick for guests who want something that won't compete with the main dish, and it's a solid choice for kids too, since it's mild and not spicy at all.
Copycat Red Robin Coleslaw Recipe
Want to make this at home? This copycat version gets close to the real thing using simple pantry ingredients. It takes about 15 minutes of hands-on time, plus a short chill in the fridge.
Copycat Red Robin Coleslaw
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded white cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional, for texture)
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the white cabbage, red cabbage, and shredded carrots. Toss well so the colors mix evenly.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, mustard seeds, vinegar, sugar, and celery seed until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture. Use tongs to toss everything together until every strand of cabbage is coated.
- Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Add a touch more sugar if you prefer a sweeter slaw, or more vinegar for extra tang.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This lets the cabbage soften slightly and soak up the dressing flavor.
- Give the slaw one more toss before serving. Serve cold alongside a burger, sandwich, or fried entrée.
Tip: For a lighter version, swap half the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Red Robin coleslaw served hot or cold?
It is always served cold, straight from the kitchen's chilled prep station.
Does Red Robin coleslaw contain nuts?
The standard recipe does not include nuts, but always confirm with your server since kitchen practices can vary by location.
Can I get unlimited refills on the coleslaw?
Yes, coleslaw is part of Red Robin's Bottomless Sides program when ordered with a qualifying entrée, so you can ask for more.
Is the coleslaw vegetarian?
Yes, it is vegetarian, though the dressing contains egg, so it is not suitable for a strict vegan diet.
What does Red Robin coleslaw taste like?
It is creamy with a mild tang from mustard, and only lightly sweet, with a good amount of crunch from fresh cabbage.
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