Creamy, homemade Coleslaw Dressing that’s quick, easy, and full of flavor! Just whisk and pour! 🥄✨

Coleslaw Dressing
Looking for the best coleslaw dressing to take your salads to the next level? This dressing comes together in just five minutes and uses ingredients you probably already have. Once you try this homemade coleslaw dressing, you will never go back to store-bought again!
This quick and simple coleslaw dressing recipe adds the perfect creamy tang to your favorite slaw mix. Whether you are serving it at a summer BBQ or as a weeknight side dish, this dressing is sure to be a hit.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced
- Great for make-ahead meals
🛒 Ingredients & Substitutions
- mayonnaise – substitute with plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter option.
- granulated sugar – substitute with honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness. For a sugar-free version, use a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
- lemon juice – substitute with lime juice or white vinegar.
- distilled vinegar – substitute with apple cider vinegar for a milder tang.
- salt – no substitution recommended.
- black pepper – substitute with white pepper if preferred.
✨ Variations
- Buttermilk Coleslaw Dressing: Replace half the mayonnaise with buttermilk for a tangier, thinner dressing.
- Herbed Coleslaw Dressing: Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives for a fresh twist.
- Garlic Coleslaw Dressing: Stir in 1 small minced garlic clove or ½ teaspoon garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Asian-Inspired Coleslaw Dressing: Replace the vinegar with rice vinegar and add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil and 1 teaspoon of soy sauce.
- Honey Mustard Coleslaw Dressing: Add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and replace the sugar with honey for a sweet and tangy flavor.
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How to Make Coleslaw Dressing
🔥 Tips
- Chill the dressing for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor.
- Use fresh lemon juice for a brighter taste.
- Shake the jar before using to remix the ingredients if stored.
❓ FAQs
It will last up to one week in the refrigerator in a sealed container.
Absolutely! Make it ahead and store it in the fridge until you are ready to use it.
Yes! It works great on broccoli slaw and other vegetable salads.
You can thin it out with a splash of water, milk, or buttermilk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Yes, this homemade coleslaw dressing is rich and creamy, making it perfect for classic creamy slaws.
Start with about ¾ cup of dressing for a standard 14-ounce bag. Add more if you prefer extra creamy slaw.
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Coleslaw Dressing
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl or mason jar.
- Whisk together until smooth (or shake if using a jar with a lid).
- Pour dressing over cabbage mixture or refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
📝 NOTE
Grab a bag of already chopped cabbage carrot slaw mix and you are ready to go!🥡 STORAGE
Store in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Stir or shake before using.♨️ REHEATING
This dressing is served cold. No reheating is necessary.❄️ FREEZING
Freezing is not recommended as the mayonnaise base may separate when thawed.💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS
- For extra tang, add an additional splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
- Let the dressing chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Use on classic coleslaw, broccoli slaw, or as a creamy dressing for other salads.
♻️ LEFTOVERS
Use leftover dressing as a spread on sandwiches or wraps for added flavor.Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional information listed on this page is an estimation based on the products I used. Ingredients and nutritional information can vary significantly between brands. Always be sure to read labels. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Likewise, recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them.
Originally published on August 4, 2019. Updated on May 18, 2025.
I’m Jamie, a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!
I love this coleslaw dressing recipe. I make a similar dressing. I don’t use lemon juice I use apple cider vinegar. But, I’m going to try your recipe. I think it will be better then mine.
This is really good! It’s so easy to make. Thanks for sharing.