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This creamy coleslaw dressing is better than anything you can buy at the grocery store! It’s an easy recipe with basic ingredients that provide the perfect balance for your cabbage mix.
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Pin RecipeCreamy Dressing for a Classic Coleslaw Recipe
I’ve been making this dressing recipe for years and it’s always a hit! It’s my go-to summer recipe when I want to make something cool and refreshing. Or when I have a head of cabbage and need an easy recipe to whip up! It’s perfect for summer potlucks and pairs amazingly with a pulled pork sandwich as well.

My Tips for Perfect Coleslaw
You are going to LOVE this coleslaw dressing recipe and I bet it will become your family’s favorite too. Here are some tips I’ve learned over the years for making coleslaw that never disappoints.
- Adjust the texture to your liking. Do you want coleslaw with lots of crispy-crunch? Then dress your slaw RIGHT before you serve it. Prefer your cabbage more wilted? Toss the cabbage and dressing together and refrigerate for a few hours.
- Save those broccoli stems. You can use store-bought shredded cabbage or shred your own in a food processor or box grater. Sometimes I like to add broccoli stems too, which add a little more crunch!
- Lighten it up. I know there are healthy coleslaw dressings that swap the mayo for yogurt and I’m going to be honest with you: I’m not a fan. But what works better is splitting the difference and using half mayo, half plain Greek yogurt. It’ll lighten up the recipe a bit, add some tanginess, but still have the richness you want.

How to Store
The best way to store this creamy coleslaw dressing is in the jar you made it in. The dressing can be stored in the jar in the refrigerator for up to one week but will be best for the first 3 days after it is made. When you want to add the dressing to the coleslaw, give the dressing a good shake in the jar and pour it on the cabbage mixture.
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Homemade Coleslaw Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon dijon or spicy mustard
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon celery seed
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl or wide mouth jar with a lid, add mayo.½ cup mayonnaise
- Then add mustard and seasoning, stir to combine.1 tablespoon dijon or spicy mustard, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 2 teaspoons sugar, ½ teaspoon celery seed
- Add vinegar and lemon juice.1 tablespoon cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Place lid on jar and shake until well combined.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, place on lid and shake again.Salt and pepper to taste
- Chill until ready to serve with coleslaw.
- Store in refrigerator.
Video
Nutrition
More Homemade Dressing Recipes
- I love tossing this Italian Dressing with arugula, shaved Parmesan, and toasted pine nuts for a simple side salad.
- Grab some lettuce and croutons because this Classic Caesar Salad Dressing is ALWAYS a hit!
- Homemade Ranch Dressing is easy to make and so very worth it.
This was amazing & so much better than store bought. Super easy to prepare!!
Thank you, Sally!
They didn’t have any coleslaw dressing at the store I went to so I looked it up in the store. I already had everything at home.i it is delicious and I will never buy store bought again! Thank you!
Made this. (My husband has always told me nobody makes coleslaw like his mom.) with that being said…. My hubby said the only thing different is mom just used green cabbage. I picked up a bag of coleslaw mix with purple cabbage and carrots. This is a HIT !!
I made this tonight, was skeptical about the mustard but I added half the amount. I also made extra cuz we like it that way. It tasted great on the spoon so I can’t wait to dig in!
The best. I took this to a family dinner and have been asked to bring the cole slaw again and again…🙂
This will be my go-to from now on!! I almost stopped at the store to purchase some dressing & I said ‘What, are you crazy? Make some at home!!’ Tastes way better & is so much healthier without all the preservatives!! Thank you!
Had high hopes for this dressing but did not like. Way too tangy & sour. I think the dijon mustard was too much. Moving on to a different dressing.
Really good and easy and so much cheaper than bought
Really good it’s a keeper
Can I freeze cole slaw dressing?
Excellent. Great on keto. I just replace the sugar with a blend of alternative sweeteners. Best slaw dressing I have ever made!
How long can I keep the dressing in the fridge? maybe will use half since only one person.
Easy and delicious! Why buy bottled?
I made this and very good. I have been making a homemade version of coleslaw dressing for about 4 years now. I have never bought another bottle of store bought since. As you said it is fresh and mixed just before serving makes it fresh. I usually make it as I am starting the meat and after mixing with the coleslaw cabbage and carrots, i put in fridge to keep it cool and marinate. I also add about one slice of onion finely chopped to the dressing and a teaspoon of sour cream.
Absolutely delicious and so easy. Keeper for sure!
You did NOT LIE!! YUMMMMM- made for Memorial Day with ribs & corn on cob. I think this would be great dip for fried mushrooms or fried zucchini!! GOOD JO !!!
I have 2 gallons of coleslaw dressing . I need to can it in half pint jars. I’ve canned for decades, but not sure about time, or 5,10,15 pounds of pressure.