Coleslaw Dressing

5 from 3 votes

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This simple and creamy homemade Coleslaw Dressing can be made in just a couple of minutes and it SO much better than anything you can buy from the store.

coleslaw ingredients in wedge sections in a white bowl with a POV of a hand pouring in the coleslaw dressing on the top
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This is my go-to dressing for coleslaw but it also tastes really great with lots of different salads. It is one that I like to make often because it is yummy and we use it so much.

This homemade coleslaw dressing is creamy with just the right amount of tanginess. It only contains a few ingredients like mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, celery seeds and salt and pepper. It is quick to whisk up and it really makes the coleslaw if you ask me. I love making this dressing at home versus buying it at the store because I know exactly what is going into it! 

clear bowl with coleslaw dressing and a spoon with all of the raw veggies around it including carrot - white and purple cabbage - and green onion

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Homemade coleslaw is often prepared with crisp, freshly shredded cabbage and other vegetables, providing a delightful crunch and vibrant taste that store-bought versions may lack.
  • Homemade coleslaw allows you to personalize it to suit your taste preferences. Whether it’s adjusting the level of sweetness, tanginess, or spiciness in the dressing, or adding unique ingredients like apples, raisins, or nuts, homemade coleslaw allows for creative culinary expression.
  • Homemade coleslaw complements a wide range of dishes, from barbecues and picnics to sandwiches (like pulled pork) and tacos, making it a versatile and beloved side dish in various culinary contexts.

Recipe Ingredients

  • Mayonnaise: Creamy and rich, mayonnaise adds a luscious texture to your dishes.
  • Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar: A splash of vinegar brings tangy brightness to your recipes.
  • Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard provides a zesty kick of flavor to elevate your dishes.
  • Sugar: A touch of sweetness balances flavors and enhances the taste.
  • Celery seeds: Tiny but mighty, celery seeds add a unique, aromatic twist to your recipes.

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities 

clear bowl with coleslaw dressing ingredients un-mixed and all of the raw veggies around it including carrot - white and purple cabbage - and green onion
  1. Swap out mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to create a healthier and tangy coleslaw dressing. It offers a creamy consistency and a boost of protein while reducing the calorie content.
  2. For a sweeter and slightly milder flavor, substitute Dijon mustard with honey mustard. It adds a delightful touch of sweetness to your coleslaw dressing.

How to Make Coleslaw Dressing

clear bowl with coleslaw dressing and a whisk in the bowl with all of the raw veggies around it including carrot - white and purple cabbage - and green onion

Step #1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, celery seeds, salt, black pepper, and Dijon mustard until well combined.

coleslaw dressing in a bowl with a spoon

Step #2. Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the amount according to your preference.

close up of coleslaw ingredients before it is tossed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is coleslaw dressing made of?

Coleslaw dressing only uses a handful of ingredients like mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, celery seeds and salt and pepper. There are other variations but this is the most classic dressing in my book.

Why do people put coleslaw on BBQ sandwich?

Don’t knock it til you’ve tried it! Though traditionally served as a side dish, Coleslaw on a barbecue sandwich gives some crunch that you would miss out on otherwise. It adds so much flavor too. Try putting coleslaw on your next pulled pork sandwich-you will not be sorry! We have even put it on our grilled chicken sandwiches.

How long does coleslaw dressing last?

It will stay fresh in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one week. 

Can I use a sugar substitute instead of the sugar when making coleslaw dressing?

Feel free to substitute the sugar in the dressing with Splenda or swerve. Use the same amount as you would sugar. If you want a less sweet dressing, decrease the amount by just a tad.

bowl of coleslaw that is dressed with cutlary

Expert Tips

  • For the best flavor, allow your coleslaw to marinate in the dressing for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together, and the cabbage and other vegetables to soften slightly, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful dish.
  • Achieving the perfect balance between sweetness and tanginess in your coleslaw dressing is crucial. Taste as you go, gradually adding sugar and vinegar (or lemon juice) until you reach the desired flavor profile. This balance can vary based on personal preference and the coleslaw’s intended pairing with other dishes.
close up - crispy deep fried snacks and a lemon with a dish of coleslaw as the center

How to Store Coleslaw Dressing

Store your coleslaw dressing in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to a week and use as you’d like for a salad dressing or to make 1 large batch of coleslaw. Once you’ve added your coleslaw dressing to your salad or cabbage. Store in an air-tight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

What To Serve Coleslaw With

  • Barbecue: Coleslaw is a classic accompaniment to barbecue dishes such as pulled pork sandwiches, smoked ribs, or grilled chicken. Its cool and crunchy texture balances the richness of barbecue meats.
  • Fried Chicken: Crispy fried chicken and coleslaw are a classic combination. The refreshing coleslaw helps cut through the fried chicken’s richness.
  • Burgers and Sandwiches: Coleslaw adds a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor to burgers, sandwiches, and sliders. It’s often used as a topping or a side dish for these handheld delights.
  • Tacos and Wraps: Coleslaw can be a tasty filling or topping for tacos, burritos, and wraps. It provides a refreshing contrast to the savory fillings and adds texture and flavor.
  • Seafood: Coleslaw pairs nicely with seafood dishes such as fried fish, shrimp po’boys, or fish tacos. Its light and tangy character complements the flavors of the ocean.

More Salad Dressing Recipes to Consider

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coleslaw ingredients in wedge sections in a white bowl with a POV of a hand pouring in the coleslaw dressing on the top
5 from 3 votes

Coleslaw Dressing

This classic coleslaw dressing recipe is made with mayo, a little vinegar, sugar, and a few simple secret spices and it's perfect to top your favorite coleslaw recipe or any other salad that you like.
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients 

  • 3/4 cups mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoons celery seeds
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions 

  • Add the mayo, vinegar, mustard, sugar, celery seeds, salt, and black pepper to a small bowl.
  • Whisk to combine.
  • Serve over your favorite salad.
  • This is a perfect amount of dressing for a 14 ounce bag of coleslaw salad mix or about 8 cups of chopped cabbage.
  • You can find my full coleslaw recipe, using this dressing recipe here.
  • Store in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to a week and use as you’d like for a salad dressing or to make 1 large batch of coleslaw.

Notes

  • You can use this on any kind of salad, cabbage, or mixed greens that you like. It’s a delicious general salad dressing.
  • Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to a week.
  • Salad dressings are a great place to experiment with different kinds of vinegar. Any kind of mild flavored vinegar, such as red wine vinegar, rice wine vinegar, or white wine vinegar would be delicious in this recipe.
  • Don’t forget that you can also substitute plain Greek yogurt for the mayo if you don’t like it.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 of 8 servings, Calories: 156kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Protein: 0.3g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0.04g, Cholesterol: 9mg, Sodium: 431mg, Potassium: 10mg, Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 15IU, Vitamin C: 0.05mg, Calcium: 7mg, Iron: 0.2mg
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