This homemade coleslaw dressing recipe gives everyone’s favorite crunchy cabbage salad a tangy bite with creamy mayonnaise and cider vinegar zing.
Backyard bbqs and summer potlucks wouldn’t be the same without coleslaw on the table.
It’s the perfect sidecar for grilled chicken, grilled salmon, my very favorite turkey burgers, not to mention it’s an absolute necessity for pulled pork sandwiches.
I use this classic coleslaw dressing recipe when I make my favorite creamy coleslaw, but it can be used for even more than just lushing up shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix, and that’s why it’s worthy of a recipe post of its own.
Heidi’s Tips for Recipe Success
- This is an old-fashioned coleslaw dressing like Grandma used to make using real mayonnaise. Since the mayo is the star ingredient, choose a quality brand (we love Hellman’s).
- Note that “lighter” mayo substitutions, like Greek yogurt or Miracle Whip, will alter the taste and texture of this easy dressing. Personally, I don’t use them.
- For even more tangy flavor, add some Dijon mustard to this creamy dressing.
- Make this dressing ahead of time, then dress the coleslaw mix 30 minutes before serving for the flavors to mix and mingle.
Coleslaw Dressing Ingredients
The full recipe, with amounts, can be found in the recipe card below.
- Mayonnaise — If using salad dressing (like Miracle Whip) instead of mayo, omit the sugar below.
- Apple cider vinegar — The tang of cider vinegar is stronger than white vinegar and is best used here.
- Sugar — A small amount of sugar as a sweetener balances the pucker of the vinegar and mayo (you could also use honey).
- Celery salt — This herby salt is what gives the dressing its distinct flavor.
- Green onion — Onion adds the heat and a bite of spice to this dressing, but green onion is more mellow and palatable than regular yellow or white onions.
- Fresh parsley — I always use flat-leaf parsley but curly parsley gives the needed brightness too.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper — Kosher salt’s larger granules make this salt less iodine tasting, and better flavored.
How to Make Homemade Coleslaw Dressing
- Whisk it all up. Dump everything into a bowl and stir, stir, stir to combine.
- Season to taste. Add more salt and pepper to taste.
- Add to your favorite coleslaw. Might I suggest my go-to creamy coleslaw recipe?
Heidi’s Tip: If you want to get fancy, add chopped apple or grapes, nuts or sunflower seeds to your slaw.
FAQs
It’s enough to coat a 1-pound bag of coleslaw mix.
I eat coleslaw dressing on basic iceberg salads with cucumber and tomato, or drizzled on baked potatoes instead of sour cream. And it makes an awesome dip for fresh veggies on a platter, or it can be used for broccoli salad.
I prefer using mayonnaise (even though I always use Miracle Whip in my potato salad!). Mayo is richer, creamier, and pairs well with the tangy vinegar and sugar.
Storage Tips
Homemade coleslaw dressing will keep up to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an air-tight container to keep it from absorbing fridge smells.
More Coleslaw Recipes to Try
- Easy Asian Slaw
- Spicy Korean Slaw
- No-Mayo Vinegar Coleslaw
- Mexican Coleslaw
- Celery Slaw with Apple and Blue Cheese
If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating on this recipe below and leave a comment, take a photo and tag me on Instagram with #foodiecrusheats.
Homemade Coleslaw Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2-3 green onions , chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves , chopped
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sugar, cider vinegar, celery salt, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, chopped onions, and chopped parsley. Whisk well.
- Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Notes
Nutrition
More Potluck Salad Ideas to Make Now
- The Best Potato Salad
- Classic Macaroni Salad
- Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Chicken Salad
- Ham Salad
- Waldorf Salad
- Ambrosia Salad
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Brenda
I find creamy coleslaw goes bad. Vinegar coleslaw keeps forever and is a probiotic.
If you eat it one day too long, food poisoning.
Anna
It looks like a crunchy flowers bloom for romantic dinner beside the candlelight.hihi. I will try it for the next dating night with my love. He will be supposed to be surprised by this one.
Angelina
Is the Nutritional Information (as shown) for 1 serving of the dressing? If so, Holy Moly, and no thank you!
Lawrence
Craving more life balance, less stress, and better health? Of course. How to balance my life without salad and some more dressing? Thanks for sharing easy, healthy and yummy salad.