Coleslaw Dressing

Create a killer Coleslaw with this creamy and tangy DIY dressing.

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Whether you’re serving up grilled burgers or a BBQ platter, coleslaw is the ultimate sidekick for a perfect picnic. Honestly, who wouldn’t love the crunchy bite of this cabbage-filled side to cool them off on a hot summer day?

While you could enjoy a refreshing bowl of coleslaw by mixing in vinegar and oil, there’s no denying that mayonnaise has gone mainstream. For that authentic creamy texture so many associate with coleslaw, there’s nothing better than drenching your slaw with a rich mayo-based dressing.

But that doesn’t mean you need to rely on the grocery store to supply you with your dressing desires. There are ways to mix up a lovely coleslaw dressing without too much effort — and here’s the best part: You can make your DIY dressing days in advance!

So, before you buy a bottle of dressing, consider making this sauce at home for the optimal benefits. You’ll be amazed at what this little bit of effort does for your coleslaw’s flavors.

Is Coleslaw Dressing Healthy?

Although apple cider vinegar has a high reputation in the health foods market, it’s hard to argue that’s enough to give this dressing a “healthy” status. Don’t get me wrong, this coleslaw dressing isn’t the most unhealthy mix, but it has a lot of fat and calories from the mayonnaise and sugar.

There are a few creative ways to maintain this dressing’s flavor profile while removing some of the most unhealthy features. For instance, you could look for a light mayonnaise at your grocery store or completely swap this ingredient for Greek yogurt. As for the sugar, why not consider an all-natural alternative like honey or maple syrup to add sweetness and a few nutrients? Keto fans may also want to try options like stevia or monk fruit to satisfy their sweet tooth without consuming carbs.

Is it normal for coleslaw dressing to separate?

If you see your coleslaw dressing split in your container after a few days in the fridge, please don’t hit the panic button! Due to their distinct characteristics, it’s natural for the mayonnaise to separate from the vinegar.

To return your separated coleslaw to a cohesive consistency, whisk it together. It should only take a few seconds of vigorous whisking before you see that your dressing looks good and is ready to pour.

Although separation is safe in DIY coleslaw dressing, please be on the lookout for other troubling signs of spoilage. For instance, if you notice discoloration, mold, or an “off” odor, chances are this dressing’s best days are gone, and you should throw it in the trash.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon celery seeds (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Mix

Combine all ingredients and whisk.

Adjust

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Store

Refrigerate and use within a week.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

You can’t douse your coleslaw with dressing in advance, but you can make this creamy sauce in a separate container and store it until you’re ready to serve it. If you keep your coleslaw dressing in an airtight container in the fridge, it should stay for at least a few days, if not a whole week. Remember that there aren’t any preservatives in a DIY coleslaw dressing, so always give it a close inspection and a sniff test to ensure it’s still good before serving it.

What’s OK to use besides apple cider vinegar?

If you don’t have a bottle of ACV, you can substitute it with white vinegar if you don’t mind a sharper taste. On the flip side, consider using lemon juice for a lovely balance of acidity and sweetness.

How do you make coleslaw dressing vegan-friendly?

There are tons of vegan-friendly mayonnaise products on today’s market you could use to get the same taste and texture minus the eggs. Alternatively, you could use ingredients like avocados or tofu to create a similar creamy base without going off your plant-based diet.

Serving Suggestions

The obvious way to use coleslaw dressing is to mix it into coleslaw, but there are plenty of other ways to serve this dip. For instance, if you love the crunch of crudité, serve some coleslaw dressing with raw veggies like broccoli for a fun and nutritious snack. You could also drizzle some coleslaw dressing on Oven-Roasted Veggies to add extra richness to a healthy side.

A pinch of tangy coleslaw dressing also works wonders in dozens of other DIY sauces. Consider adding a little bit of this DIY dressing to your favorite Chicken Wing dipping sauce, or consider making it the “secret ingredient” in your homemade burger sauce (don’t worry, I won’t tell!). You could also work your coleslaw dressing into a Potato or Pasta Salad for some extra cream and zing.