Tangy & Sweet Classic Coleslaw Dressing

This tangy coleslaw dressing is a game-changer! So easy to whisk up, it's the best coleslaw recipe you'll ever need. Get the secret to perfect coleslaw now!

May 21, 2025
By Sandra.

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever find yourself staring at a bland bowl of cabbage? you know, thinking "there has to be a better way?" well, let me tell you, there is! this coleslaw dressing recipe is about to become your new summer bbq mvp.

Seriously, this is going to be the best coleslaw you have ever tasted!

Brief Overview

This tangy coleslaw recipe isn't some fancy, complicated thing. it's a classic, the kind your grandma thought she perfected. but honestly? this one's even better.

This recipe is super easy, takes like five minutes, and makes enough to feed a small crowd. it's inspired by the traditional need to liven up cabbage and carrots , and it absolutely nails it.

Main Benefits

Honestly, the best part? it’s all about the flavor. this easy coleslaw recipe delivers that perfect balance of sweet and tangy.

Think creamy, refreshing, and totally addictive. plus, it’s way healthier than store-bought. perfect for summer picnics, bbqs, or just a tuesday night dinner when you want something fresh and easy.

Think of this as your secret weapon for any potluck! this cole slaw is the best coleslaw recipe for hot summer days!

Let’s get this show on the road!

Let’s talk ingredients

Here is what you need to make this slaw dressing .

• ½ cup mayonnaise (120 ml) - Full-fat for the best flavor and texture
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (30 ml) - Can substitute with honey or maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30 ml) - Adds a bright tang
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (15 ml) - Adds a little zing!
• 1 tablespoon milk (15 ml) - Thins the dressing slightly and adds a touch of richness
• ½ teaspoon celery salt (2.5 ml) - Don't skip this! It really elevates the flavor
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (1.25 ml) - Freshly ground is best!
• Pinch of salt (optional, to taste) - Only if needed

This recipe is super customizable. Use Greek yogurt for a healthier easy coleslaw !

Alright, let's dive into what you need to make the best coleslaw recipe ever! Honestly, once you nail the coleslaw dressing , you're golden. This Tangy Coleslaw will become your go-to.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Here’s what you need. Remember, quality matters, especially with the mayo!

• ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise. Use the full-fat kind. Trust me on this. Low-fat mayo just doesn’t cut it. You want that rich, creamy texture.
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) granulated sugar. You can use honey or maple syrup. But sugar gives that classic sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) apple cider vinegar. This adds the tangy in our Tangy Coleslaw Recipe . If you only have white vinegar, that works in a pinch.
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard. This adds that little zing!
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) milk. Just a little. It thins things out and adds richness.
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) celery salt. Don’t skip this! . It’s the secret ingredient for that KFC Coleslaw Recipe flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) black pepper. Freshly ground is best, obviously.
• Pinch of salt (optional). Only if needed.

For the veggies, grab some cabbage and carrots . you can buy pre-shredded, but shredding your own is always fresher. i like to use about 1 medium head of cabbage and 2 medium carrots .

Seasoning Notes

Okay, so the magic is in the balance. celery salt is non-negotiable for this cole slaw dressing. if you’re feeling adventurous, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper can add a nice kick! think about adding some onion powder for a unique twist.

Quick subs? if you don't have celery salt, use a pinch of celery seed and regular salt. no dijon? yellow mustard works, but dijon is the bomb.

If you prefer a healthy alternative, try using plain greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple, folks!

• Medium mixing bowl.
• Whisk.
• Measuring spoons and cups.
• Airtight container. For storing any leftovers. I doubt you’ll have any!

No whisk? a fork works too. see? i told you this easy coleslaw recipe is easy ! just make sure everything is mixed well, like it would make it a great slaw dressing .

Alright, let's dive into making some seriously tasty coleslaw dressing . this isn't your average, run-of-the-mill stuff. we're talking a tangy coleslaw recipe that'll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about slaw! honestly, i used to hate coleslaw until i nailed this recipe.

The Secret to Best Coleslaw : Prep!

First things first, mise en place , baby! get everything measured out. it sounds fussy. honestly, it makes the whole process way smoother.

Plus, less chance of accidentally dumping a whole tablespoon of pepper in. not that i've ever done that.

• Mayonnaise: ½ cup (full-fat rocks)
• Sugar: 2 tablespoons
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons
• Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon
• Milk: 1 tablespoon
• Celery Salt: ½ teaspoon (the real secret ingredient)
• Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (freshly ground!)
• Salt: Pinch (maybe)

Let's Get Mixing! The Easy Coleslaw Recipe

This is so easy it's almost embarrassing. Here's how to make Easy Coleslaw

1. Combine: In a bowl, add mayo, sugar, vinegar, mustard, milk, celery salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk! Whisk it all until smooth. Get that sugar dissolved!
3. Taste Test: Dip a carrot stick in there. Does it need more tang? A pinch more vinegar. Too tangy? A touch more sugar.
4. Chill Out: Cover it and stick it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Seriously, don't skip this!
5. Toss and Serve: Whisk it again before tossing with your cabbage and carrots . Don't drown it!

Pro Tips for Next-Level Slaw

You know how some coleslaw KFC is so good? It all depends on these tricks.

• Don't overdress! Seriously. Start with a little slaw dressing and add more as needed. Soggy slaw is a bummer.
• Want a creamy coleslaw ? Swap some mayo for sour cream. Game changer!
• Make-ahead? You can make the dressing a day or two ahead. Just keep it chilled.

This best coleslaw recipe is so easy and tasty. plus, it's a far cry from those bland, store-bought slaws. if you're looking for a copycat recipe for a cole slaw that'll impress at your next potluck, you have to give this a whirl.

Think of it as my little copykat recipes secret, shared with you.

Alright, let's dive into some extra nuggets of wisdom about this Tangy & Sweet Classic Coleslaw Dressing . Think of this as your cheat sheet for coleslaw success!

Recipe Notes: Your Guide to Coleslaw Glory

Honestly, this coleslaw recipe easy is pretty straightforward. But a few tweaks can make it legendary! It’s more than just cabbage and carrots , it’s an experience.

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Plate!

Okay, so you've got this amazing coleslaw dressing . how do you show it off? forget just plopping it on a plate.

Think presentation! a small bowl next to some bbq ribs? yes, please! piled high on a pulled pork sandwich for a true copy cat recipe of the best bbq joints? absolutely! and let's not forget about drinks.

A frosty beer or iced tea are best coleslaw companions. this easy coleslaw recipe goes well with almost anything.

Storage Tips: Keep That Coleslaw Fresh!

So, you've made a best coleslaw recipe , but have leftovers. no worries! pop it in an airtight container. it'll keep in the fridge for 3-5 days.

Freezing? not recommended, sadly. the mayo gets weird. reheating isn't really a thing either. cole slaw is best served cold, like revenge.

But seriously, just chill it.

Variations: Make It Your Coleslaw

Want to shake things up? you know, make it tangy coleslaw your own? easy peasy! for a lighter coleslaw , swap half the mayo with greek yogurt.

Boom! dietary adaptation: done. for a spicy coleslaw , add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.

Seasonal ingredient swaps ? sure! use different colored cabbage and carrots for extra eye appeal or try adding shredded kohlrabi if it's in season.

You can also try using a plain greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise if you want a healthy alternative, and white vinegar can be used instead of apple cider vinegar if needed.

Nutrition Basics: A Little Goodness

Let’s be real. coleslaw isn't exactly health food. but! it has some good stuff. it's low in protein, with about 0g per serving.

Fat's at 11g. carbs are low too, around 4g. that's not too shabby. a simplified nutrition information, key health benefits is that it's a good source of vitamin c if you use fresh cabbage and carrots .

And let's face it, it tastes good!

Alright, you're armed and dangerous with coleslaw dressing knowledge! go forth and create the best coleslaw of your dreams! i have no dought you will succeed.

And maybe, just maybe, you can even pull off a kfc coleslaw recipe copycat. let me know if you have a tip for copykat recipes that you learned today!

Tangy & Sweet Classic Coleslaw Dressing Recipe Card

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Preparation time:5 Mins

Cooking time:0

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• ½ cup mayonnaise (120 ml)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (30 ml)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30 ml)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (15 ml)
• 1 tablespoon milk (15 ml)
• ½ teaspoon celery salt (2.5 ml)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (1.25 ml)
• Pinch of salt (optional, to taste)

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, add the mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, milk, celery salt, and black pepper.
2. Whisk all ingredients together until smooth and well combined. Ensure the sugar is fully dissolved.
3. Taste the coleslaw dressing and adjust seasonings as needed. Add a pinch of salt if desired.
4. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Before serving, give the coleslaw dressing a quick whisk. Toss with your shredded cabbage mixture and enjoy!