This coleslaw dressing recipe with mayo gives the classic crunchy cabbage salad a tangy bite with creamy mayonnaise and cider vinegar zing.
Backyard bbqs and summer potlucks wouldn’t be the same without a traditional coleslaw on the table. It’s the perfect side car for grilled chicken, grilled salmon, my very favorite garlic burgers, and it’s a necessity for my pulled pork sandwiches. I use this creamy coleslaw dressing recipe when I make my creamy coleslaw recipe, 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. I eat coleslaw dressing on basic crunchy 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 used for broccoli salad.
Why You’ll Love It
- This creamy coleslaw dressing is so quick and easy to make
- You only need 6 ingredients to make it
- The dressing is super versatile and adaptable
What is the Dressing Made of in Coleslaw?
This best coleslaw dressing recipe is made of a few basic ingredients you’ll find in your refrigerator:
- Mayonnaise: Use a good quality brand. If you want to try a “light” coleslaw dressing version, know that it may be more watery. If using salad dressing here, 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 herb gives the dressing it’s distinct flavor
- Green onion: Onion adds the heat and a bite of spice to this dressing and is more mellow 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
Tip: If you want a little more tang, add a bit of Dijon mustard
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
How to Make This Coleslaw Dressing Recipe With Mayo
- Whisk it all up. 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 to combine and let the flavors meld.
- Season to taste. Add more salt and pepper to taste, and if you like a really crunchy dressing, add a little more green onion to boot.
Storage Tips
This 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.
Coleslaw Dressing Recipe Tips
- The coleslaw dressing recipe makes enough for a 1-pound package of coleslaw cabbage mix and will keep for 5-7 days in the refrigerator. Make it ahead of time for your backyard party then dress the cabbage mix 30 minutes before serving for the flavors to mix and mingle.
- If you want to get fancy, add chopped apple or grapes, nuts or sunflower seeds.
- Note that healthier mayo substitutions, like Greek yogurt or vegan mayo, may alter the taste and texture of this easy coleslaw dressing.
Creamy Homemade Coleslaw Dressing: Quick and Simple 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.
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