Homemade Coleslaw Dressing

This creamy coleslaw dressing recipe is easy to prepare! Toss with shredded cabbage and carrots for a crisp and refreshing side dish.

Instead of purchasing store-bought bottles, make this delicious homemade coleslaw dressing recipe. It’s so simple to whip up and uses eight everyday pantry staples. All you need is mayonnaise, sour cream, and a combination of sweet and tangy seasonings. Whisk and drizzle over the coleslaw mix for a quick, easy side dish.

What’s convenient is you can prepare the creamy dressing a few days ahead. I often make a batch for a crunchy salad and topping for burgers and sandwiches. It’s great for making an easy coleslaw or tasty dip with veggies for parties, picnics, and barbecues!

Key ingredients

• Mayonnaise: Use to create a thick and creamy base for the dressing.
• Sour Cream: Add a hint of tanginess and extra creaminess.
• Honey: Adds sweetness to the dressing, balancing the tangy ingredients.
• Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds a mellow vinegar taste and fruity aroma.
• Lemon Juice: The fresh citrus adds a tart flavor.
• Seasoning: Kosher salt and pepper to enhance the savory taste. Celery seeds are dried and concentrated in an earthy and slightly bitter flavor for dimension.

How to make coleslaw dressing

This is one of the easiest sauces to prepare! Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, celery seed, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.

The mayonnaise is a permanent emulsion, so once you add in the other flavoring agents, it will keep its rich texture. The celery seed is optional, but it enhances the taste of the creamy dressing for depth in flavor.

Flavor variations

It’s easy to customize the recipe for coleslaw dressing. Instead of purchasing new items, try these simple substitutions you may already have in your kitchen.

• I like to make homemade mayonnaise, but store-bought is a convenient swap. There are vegan options also available.
• Plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk is a good substitution for sour cream.
• Use other types of vinegar like distilled white, champagne, white wine, or rice vinegar.
• Lime juice is a more mild and more fragrant option for lemon juice.
• Pure maple syrup or granulated white sugar can be used for honey.
• Freshly chopped or dried dill or dill seeds are a good swap for celery seeds.
• If you like extra spice, stir in some Dijon mustard.

Serving suggestions

To make a classic coleslaw recipe from scratch, cut the cabbage into shreds. I use a mix of green and red cabbage, about six cups total to use with the dressing. Grate one cup of carrots for extra color and crunch.

For a quicker option, stores sell pre-shredded individual vegetables or a bag of coleslaw mix. Just add to a serving bowl and toss some of the dressing right before serving.

Ways to use coleslaw dressing

• Serve as an appetizer with Vegetable crudite
• Add to shredded chicken to make a protein-packed salad
• Use as a sauce for corned beef or leftover sandwiches
• A creamy dressing for pasta salad
• Switch up the flavor of macaroni salad
• Use as a dip for sweet potato fries or potato wedges

Frequently asked questions