Best Coleslaw Dressing Recipe | Quick & Creamy
Updated Mar 06, 2025
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This is the best Coleslaw Dressing recipe — tangy, sweet, and creamy! It can be made in just a couple of minutes and it SO much better than anything you can buy from the store and will transform your ordinary cabbage into a crowd-pleasing side dish.
This is my go-to dressing for a classic coleslaw salad, 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 so quick and easy!
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!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Best Coleslaw Dressing Recipe
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of creamy mayonnaise, tangy vinegar, and just the right touch of sweetness creates a dressing that pleases both kids and adults alike.
- Quick 5-Minute Prep: With just a bowl and whisk, you’ll have this dressing ready in less time than it takes your kids to set the table.
- Versatile Beyond Coleslaw: While amazing on cabbage, this dressing doubles as a delicious topping for sandwiches, tacos, or even as a dip for fresh veggies.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare it up to a week in advance and keep it ready in the fridge for those hectic weeknight dinners.
🥗 This coleslaw dressing actually makes a fabulous all-purpose salad dressing — make it on Sunday during a meal prep session and serve it on veges all week!
Ingredients In Coleslaw Dressing
- Mayonnaise
- Apple cider vinegar — or white vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Sugar
- Celery seeds
- Salt
- Pepper
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities
Popular Substitutions and Variations
Mayo Alternative: 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.
Mustard Options: 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
Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, celery seeds, salt, black pepper, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
Step 2: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the amount according to your preference.
Step 3: Just before serving add the salad dressing and stir to combine.
Step 4: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the amount according to your preference.
Recipe FAQs
When stored in an airtight container, this dressing stays fresh for up to a week in the refrigerator. It might separate slightly – just give it a quick whisk before using.
Yes! While apple cider vinegar provides a lovely flavor depth, you can experiment with red wine vinegar, rice wine vinegar, or white wine vinegar for subtle flavor variations.
Absolutely! Substitute plain Greek yogurt for all or part of the mayonnaise for a lighter version with a protein boost. The tanginess of the yogurt complements the other flavors beautifully.
Expert Tips
- Whisk Don’t Stir: Use a proper whisk rather than a spoon to ensure all ingredients emulsify properly for that perfectly creamy texture.
- Taste and Adjust: Every family has different preferences, so don’t be afraid to add an extra dash of vinegar for tanginess or a bit more sugar for sweetness. We really like the celery seed flavor so I usually put in a bit more!
- Let Flavors Develop: For the best flavor, allow your coleslaw dressing to marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. If using for sturdy vegetables like cabbage and carrots in a classic coleslaw salad, mix the dressing with the salad and rest in fridge before serving. If serving as a dressing to top more tender greens, serve beside the salad after refrigerating for a bit.
- Sweet & Tangy: Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of acidity (vinegar) and sweetness (sugar) to your liking!
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 one large batch of coleslaw.
The dressing can be stored in an air-tight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
What To Serve With Coleslaw
- 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 Dressing
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 one 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
Great Coleslaw dressing! All the flavors are balanced.
Thanks so much Bob!
To much vinegar