Homemade Coleslaw Dressing: Tangy Creamy Recipe (Print Version)
Whip up a batch of creamy homemade coleslaw dressing that's tangy, sweet, and oh-so-fresh. A simple recipe for your next potluck or weeknight meal.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ Dressing Base
01 -
1 cup mayonnaise
02 -
2 tablespoons milk (whole or 2%)
→ Flavor Enhancers
03 -
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
04 -
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
→ Sweet & Sour Balance
05 -
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
→ Seasonings
06 -
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
07 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
08 -
1/2 teaspoon celery seeds
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get all your ingredients out on the counter. I always do this because, honestly, I’ve forgotten something crucial more times than I care to admit. Like that one time I prepped everything for a salad and realized I was out of mayo! The kitchen felt so chaotic that day, but having everything ready just makes the process flow so much smoother. You’ll feel prepared, and that's half the battle, right?
02 -
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, milk, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk them together until everything is smooth and creamy. You want to see no lumps here, just a beautiful, consistent base. This is where the magic starts to happen, creating that luscious texture. Don't rush this step; a well-emulsified base makes for a truly wonderful homemade coleslaw dressing. I always make sure it's super smooth before moving on.
03 -
Now, stir in the Dijon mustard, granulated sugar, salt, black pepper, and those wonderful celery seeds. Give it another good whisk until everything is fully incorporated. You'll start to smell that classic coleslaw dressing aroma, tangy and sweet – it’s just lovely! This is where all the flavors really come together and make this homemade coleslaw dressing sing. I sometimes add a tiny bit more sugar if my vinegar is extra sharp.
04 -
This is the most important step, in my humble opinion! Grab a spoon and taste a small bit. Does it need more tang? A little more sweetness? A pinch more salt? Adjust any of the seasonings to your personal preference. Remember, you’re the chef here! I always do this, and honestly, sometimes it needs a little tweak, sometimes it’s perfect right off the bat. It's your homemade coleslaw dressing, make it yours!
05 -
Once you’re happy with the flavor, cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is so important; it allows all those beautiful flavors to meld and deepen. I know it's tempting to use it right away, but trust me, a little patience goes a long way here. The dressing thickens slightly as it chills, too, which is what you want for a truly luscious homemade coleslaw dressing.
06 -
When you’re ready, give the dressing another quick whisk and pour it over your shredded cabbage mix. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. The coleslaw should look vibrant and creamy, smelling fresh and inviting. This homemade coleslaw dressing is now ready to be the star of your meal, whether it's a BBQ, a picnic, or just a simple weeknight dinner. Enjoy every single bite!