Coleslaw Dressing Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (2024)

This Coleslaw Dressing is creamy and easy to make from scratch with just a handful of ingredients. Toss it with fresh shredded cabbage for the best homemade coleslaw, or use it to elevate the flavor of store-bought coleslaw mix.

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Summer side dishes are some of my favorite recipes to prepare. When fresh produce is at its peak, I can’t resist mixing up a Broccoli Salad, Corn Salad or a dish of creamy, crunchy coleslaw.

Sure, you could buy a bottle of coleslaw dressing at the grocery store, but fresh always tastes better! When you make this creamy dressing yourself, you can adjust the flavors to your preferences, making it a little sweeter or tangier so that it’s just how you like it. This coleslaw dressing is what makes my Coleslaw Recipe so irresistible!

Best Coleslaw Dressing

  • This homemade coleslaw dressing has the best flavor! It’s creamy and slightly tangy with a touch of sweetness.
  • You’ll need just five ingredients, plus salt and pepper, to make this from scratch.
  • This easy recipe takes just minutes to mix up. You can even make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.

I made this and another cole slaw dressing recipe and tried them both before I added the Coleslaw. So glad I did because this one was the hands-down winner!! Delicious!!

Michelle
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Ingredients and Substitutions

  • Mayonnaise: Use a good quality mayonnaise for the best taste. Vegan mayo can be used if desired. I often make this with plain Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a healthier dressing. The yogurt gives it a light, fresh flavor.
  • Honey: Honey brings a touch of sweetness to the dressing. Pure maple syrup is a good substitute, as is granulated sugar.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: This brightens the flavor and makes it a little tangy.
  • Dijon Mustard: I love the sharp, tangy flavor that a bit of Dijon brings. If you’re not a fan of mustard you can leave it out.
  • Celery Seed: Ground celery seed gives this coleslaw dressing its characteristic look with flecks throughout. The celery seed also adds a bit of an earthy flavor. If you don’t have celery seed on hand, the dressing can be made without it.
  • Salt and Pepper: I recommend tasting the dressing and adjusting the amount of salt and pepper to your tastes.
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How to Make Coleslaw Dressing

You can make this easy recipe in just two simple steps! Find the full recipe with measurements below.

Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until smooth.

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Taste and adjust the flavors as needed. You may want to add more honey for a sweeter dressing or more apple cider vinegar to make it tangier. Add more salt and pepper as needed.

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To Make Coleslaw

To make coleslaw, mix about 3/4 of the dressing with either 6 cups of shredded cabbage and shredded carrots or one 14 ounce bag of store-bought coleslaw mix. I don’t recommend adding all of the dressing from the start because you can always add more to reach your desired creaminess. The amount of dressing you use will depend on how creamy you like your coleslaw.

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More Ways to Use Coleslaw Dressing

  • Besides making the best classic coleslaw, this dressing is also perfect tossed with this Broccoli Slaw or Apple Slaw.
  • It makes a delicious dressing for any salad!
  • I love to serve coleslaw on top of an Instant Pot Pulled Pork sandwich or with Instant Pot BBQ Chicken or Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken.
  • Use this coleslaw dressing in place of the dressing in this Chicken Salad Recipe or as a sandwich spread.
  • Enjoy it as a dip for fresh cut veggies, like carrots, celery and cucumbers.

Storage Instructions

This dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For the best taste, chill the dressing before mixing it with your coleslaw mix.

Coleslaw is best served the day it is mixed with the dressing. If you want to make it ahead, I recommend storing the coleslaw mix and dressing separately in the refrigerator. Mix them together no more than a few hours before you plan to serve the coleslaw.

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More Homemade Dressings

You just can’t beat a homemade dressing to make your salads taste their very best. Here are a few more of my favorites:

  • Ranch Dressing
  • Vinaigrette Recipe
  • Blue Cheese Dressing
  • Honey Mustard Dressing
  • Italian Dressing
  • Greek Salad Dressing

4.96 from 22 ratings

Coleslaw Dressing

Servings: 8 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Total Time: 5 minutes mins

This creamy Coleslaw Dressing is easy to make from scratch with just 5 ingredients, plus salt and pepper. Toss it with fresh shredded cabbage for the best homemade coleslaw, or use it to elevate the flavor of store-bought coleslaw mix. You won't want to go back to store-bought dressing!

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup mayonnaise , or plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons honey*
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon celery seed, optional
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until well combined.

  • Taste the dressing and add more salt and pepper as needed. If you want the dressing sweeter, add a bit more honey. If you want it tangier, add a little more apple cider vinegar.

  • Dressing can be used immediately or refrigerated for up to 1 week in an airtight container.

  • To make coleslaw, toss about ¾ of the dressing with 6 cups of shredded cabbage and carrots, or a 14 ounce bag of coleslaw mix. Add more dressing as needed until the coleslaw is as creamy as you like it. Serve immediately or refrigerate. Coleslaw is best served the day it is mixed with the dressing.

Notes

  • Pure maple syrup or granulated sugar may be substituted for the honey.

Calories: 209kcal, Carbohydrates: 5g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 21g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 12mg, Sodium: 265mg, Potassium: 17mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 19IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 8mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is an estimate.

Cuisine: American

Course: Dressing, Salad Dressing

Tried this recipe?Mention @kristines_kitchen on Instagram or tag #kristineskitchenblog.

This site contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Kristine's Kitchen!

Coleslaw Dressing Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

What is the dressing made of in coleslaw? ›

What Is Coleslaw Dressing Made Of? This creamy, mayo-based dressing uses ingredients you likely have on hand: sugar, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, pepper, and of course, mayonnaise. The resulting dressing is just the right balance of sweet, tangy, creamy, and peppery!

How far ahead should I dress the coleslaw? ›

Never dress slaws too early or too much or they'll lose their crunch. No more than 20 minutes before serving, add dressing in small increments; toss gently before adding more.

Why does my homemade coleslaw go watery? ›

Cabbage contains lots of water. Alton Brown suggests salting the cabbage and letting the water drain for two hours, then rinsing the cabbage and spinning it dry before dressing it. That purges the excess water out of the cabbage before it is dressed, so it doesn't get watery.

What is traditional coleslaw made of? ›

What is traditional coleslaw made of? Traditional coleslaw is little more than shredded cabbage and a creamy dressing. This recipe adds a bit more flavor with shredded carrots and onion. The creamy dressing is made with mayonnaise, sugar, cider vinegar, salt, and pepper, for a just right tangy-sweet flavor.

Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar in coleslaw? ›

Flavor wise, chopped pickle relish, celery seeds, a touch of Dijon mustard, salt, pepper and sour cream are all common. Just mix everything together and go! Is there a good substitute for white vinegar in this recipe? Add apple cider vinegar if you do not like the white vinegar.

Why is KFC coleslaw so good? ›

Sugar: KFC's dressing is definitely sweet, so don't skimp on the sugar. It's a huge part of what makes this KFC coleslaw recipe work. Lemon juice and white vinegar: Balance the sweetness from the sugar with these acidic ingredients. Lemon juice adds brightness, and white vinegar adds a bold tang.

Is it best to make coleslaw the night before? ›

Food Stylist:Frances Boswell. This classic coleslaw recipe is also the simplest, with a light, creamy, tangy-sweet dressing spiked with celery seeds. For the best coleslaw, make it a few hours ahead and refrigerate it to allow all the flavors to marry and soak into the cabbage.

How much Marzetti coleslaw dressing to use? ›

Marzetti's Famous Coleslaw
  1. 1/2 medium-size head green cabbage.
  2. 1/4 medium-size head purple cabbage.
  3. 2 large carrots.
  4. 1 cup Marzetti® Original Slaw Dressing.
  5. 3 tablespoons lemon juice, or juice of 1 lemon.
  6. 2 teaspoons poppyseeds, plus more for sprinkling on top.
  7. Salt and pepper, to taste.

How long can coleslaw sit in dressing? ›

Coleslaw keeps well in the refrigerator for one to two days.

To save time, shred the vegetables a day or two in advance and store them in a resealable bag in the fridge. The coleslaw dressing lasts for up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Why does my homemade coleslaw taste bitter? ›

Cabbage Core:Issue: The core of the cabbage can be bitter, especially if it's not removed before shredding. Solution: Ensure that you remove the core of the cabbage before shredding it. Cut the cabbage in half, then cut out the triangular core from each half. Old Cabbage:Issue: Older cabbage may develop a bitter taste.

Why does coleslaw go bad so quickly? ›

Like the cabbage, these veggie add-ins can also become breeding grounds for bacteria when left unrefrigerated. Coleslaw dressing often includes vinegar that acidulates the mixture, making it a less hospitable environment for those pesky bacteria. But unfortunately, it's not enough to halt bacterial growth completely.

How Long Will homemade coleslaw last in the refrigerator? ›

Tip the dressing into the veg bowl, and mix everything together well with a large spoon. Stir so all the veg gets coated lightly in the dressing. Sprinkle with a few pinches of paprika, and serve straight away. Can be covered and chilled for up to 3 days.

Should you wash bagged coleslaw? ›

Bagged or ready-to-eat, fresh-cut produce

If the product is not labeled "washed," "triple washed," or "ready-to-eat," it must be washed before eating.

What is the difference between cabbage slaw and coleslaw? ›

Or coleslaws — what's the difference? Really nothing. Technically, coleslaw involves cabbage, whether green, red or napa, while the category of slaws can include all kinds of chopped or shredded crunchy vegetables. The two words are used interchangeably for the most part however.

Which country invented coleslaw? ›

The dish was initially created in the Netherlands. In fact, the term coleslaw originates from the Dutch expression koosla, which means “cabbage salad.” Recipes similar to coleslaw have been found and used in American homes from as early as 1770.

Is coleslaw made of mayo? ›

Homemade coleslaw dressing: Made with mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, and celery seeds.

What is creamy coleslaw made of? ›

Combine the shredded cabbage and carrots in a large bowl. Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, onion, sugar, vinegar, mustard, celery salt, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl, and then add to the cabbage mixture. Mix well to combine and taste for seasoning; add more salt, pepper, or sugar if desired.

What are the ingredients in shop bought coleslaw? ›

Ingredients. INGREDIENTS: Cabbage (47%), Carrot (16%), Rapeseed Oil, Water, Single Cream (Milk), Pasteurised Egg Yolk, Spirit Vinegar, Onion, Sugar, Salt, Stabilisers (Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum), White Wine Vinegar, Concentrated Lemon Juice.

What is in store bought coleslaw? ›

Ingredients: VEGETABLES: GREEN CABBAGE, RED CABBAGE, CARROTS; DRESSING: SUGAR, SOYBEAN OIL, WATER, WHITE WINE VINEGAR, CANOLA OIL, LESS THAN 2% OF MODIFIED CORN STARCH, SALT, EGG YOLK, EGG WHITES, DRIED ONION, GROUND MUSTARD, LEMON JUICE CONCENTRATE, NATURAL FLAVOR, DRIED GARLIC, PAPRIKA (COLOR).

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