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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.

Coleslaw dressing dripping off of a spoon into a jar of dressing.

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

  • I just love the flavor of this homemade coleslaw dressing! 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
Coleslaw dressing in a jar with shredded cabbage and carrot in background.

Ingredients and Substitutions

  • Mayonnaise: Use a good quality mayonnaise for the best taste. I like to use avocado mayo. 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.
Ingredients for coleslaw dressing recipe.

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.

Mayo, honey, vinegar and seasonings in small bowl.

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.

Combined dressing in small white bowl with a whisk.

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.

Pouring dressing onto cabbage and shredded carrots in bowl.

More Ways to Use Coleslaw Dressing

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.

Overhead view of coleslaw dressing in a jar next to a bowl of shredded cabbage and carrot.

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:

Coleslaw dressing dripping off of a spoon into a jar of dressing.
4.96 from 25 ratings

Coleslaw Dressing

Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
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
  • ⅛ 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
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