Coleslaw dressing is a versatile and creamy addition to any salad, bringing a delightful balance of tanginess and sweetness. Perfect for summer barbecues or as a side dish for your favorite meals, this dressing is quick to prepare and sure to impress.
Most of the ingredients for this coleslaw dressing are common pantry staples. However, if you don't usually keep apple cider vinegar on hand, you might need to pick it up at the supermarket. This vinegar adds a unique tangy flavor that sets this dressing apart.

Ingredients for Coleslaw Dressing Recipe
Mayonnaise: A creamy base that provides richness and texture.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness.
Sugar: Provides a touch of sweetness to complement the tanginess.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dressing.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth.
Technique Tip for Making This Dressing
For a smoother and more balanced coleslaw dressing, let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes after whisking. This allows the sugar to fully dissolve and the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a similar creamy texture with a tangy flavor and is lower in fat.
mayonnaise - Substitute with sour cream: Sour cream offers a rich and tangy flavor that can mimic the creaminess of mayonnaise.
apple cider vinegar - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar has a similar acidity and can provide a comparable tangy flavor.
apple cider vinegar - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice adds a fresh, citrusy acidity that can brighten the coleslaw.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds sweetness with a slightly different flavor profile and can help balance the acidity.
sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a natural sweetness and a unique flavor that complements the other ingredients.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.
salt - Substitute with celery salt: Celery salt adds a salty flavor with an additional hint of celery, enhancing the overall taste.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor without the black specks.
black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds heat and a slightly different flavor profile, perfect for those who like a bit of spice.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dressing
How to Store or Freeze This Dressing
- To store your coleslaw dressing, transfer it to an airtight container. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent any unwanted flavors from seeping in.
- Place the container in the refrigerator. The dressing will keep well for up to one week, allowing you to enjoy it with various vegetable salads and grilled meats.
- If you plan to freeze the dressing, pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion. This is crucial to prevent the container from cracking.
- Label the container with the date of preparation. This will help you keep track of its shelf life and ensure you use it within a reasonable time frame.
- When ready to use, thaw the dressing in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the dressing's creamy texture and flavor.
- Before serving, give the dressing a good stir to recombine any ingredients that may have separated during freezing. This will ensure a smooth and consistent texture.
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of fresh herbs after thawing. This can elevate the taste and make it feel freshly made.
- Avoid refreezing the dressing once it has been thawed. This can compromise the quality and safety of the dressing, making it less enjoyable to eat.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- First and foremost, it's important to note that coleslaw dressing is typically served cold. However, if you must reheat it, do so gently to avoid altering its texture and flavor.
- Place the coleslaw dressing in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to prevent splatters.
- Heat on a low power setting, such as 30% power, for short intervals of 10-15 seconds. Stir well after each interval to ensure even heating.
- Alternatively, you can use a double boiler. Fill a pot with a few inches of water and bring it to a simmer. Place a heatproof bowl with the coleslaw dressing over the pot, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Stir continuously until the dressing is warmed through.
- If you prefer, you can also reheat the coleslaw dressing in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly to prevent the dressing from separating or curdling.
- Once warmed, immediately remove from heat and serve. Remember, the goal is to warm it gently without cooking it.
Best Tools for Making This Dressing
Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine and whisk all the ingredients together.
Whisk: A utensil used to blend the ingredients until smooth and well combined.
Measuring cups: Tools to measure the mayonnaise accurately.
Measuring spoons: Tools to measure the apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper precisely.
How to Save Time on Making This Dressing
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper ahead of time to streamline the process.
Use a whisk: A whisk will blend the ingredients faster and more evenly than a spoon.
Make in bulk: Double or triple the dressing recipe and store it in the fridge for future use.
Use a jar: Combine all ingredients in a jar, seal it, and shake vigorously to mix, saving on cleanup time.
Prep ahead: Make the dressing a day in advance to allow flavors to meld, saving time on the day you need it.

Coleslaw Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
Dressing Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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