The Perfect Coleslaw Dressing (Really!)

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This easy and delicious Coleslaw Dressing is, well, perfect! It mixes creamy mayo, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, and that zing of lemon juice so that your coleslaw will be looking fierce and tasting even better!

Coleslaw can be either a total hit or a massive miss at BBQs, picnics, and family get-togethers. There’s either too much dressing or not enough. If they get the amount right, the taste of the dressing just tastes… off. Too tangy… too creamy… it’s a tightrope.

Well, your search for the perfect coleslaw dressing is finally over! Say goodbye to the sad, soggy, or weirdly sweet stuff and hello to a game-changing homemade dressing that’ll turn your coleslaw into the star of the show.

What makes this dressing absolutely fabulous? It’s all about those perfectly chosen ingredients that come together for a creamy, tangy, and bright vibe. No matter how you make your slaw — classic cabbage, carrots, or some apples and kale — this dressing is so versatile it’ll make any coleslaw recipe irresistible.

Why You Will Love This Recipe //

Guess what! This dressing isn’t just for coleslaw – it doubles as a super yummy dipping sauce or sandwich spread too.
Isn’t it amazing when you can make your own sauce instead of grabbing that store-bought stuff?
It’s honestly the best feeling to have dressings and sauces like this chillin’ in the fridge, waiting for you to transform your snacks or lunch into something extra special!

Ingredients //

Who would have thought such a basic list of ingredients could make such a potent slaw dressing!

½ cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
½ lemon juice
½ tsp black pepper, ground

How to Make The Perfect Coleslaw Dressing // The Steps

Step 1: Place all the ingredients in a bowl.

Step 2: Whisk it all together until it forms a smooth sauce.

Variations //

While I stand by my assertion that this dressing is perfect, there’s no accounting for personal tastes. With that in mind, here are some suggestions on how to change it up to suit your taste buds:

Make it herby by adding dill, parsley, or mint. There are a lot of options here so don’t overcomplicate things; stick to one (maybe two) of your favorite herbs.
A spicy salad might not sound like it should be a thing but a hint of heat in the dressing really does taste great. Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper and see for yourself.
Speaking of heat, the Dijon mustard has a subtle spice to it. If you don’t care for it, use wholegrain mustard instead for little pops of flavor.

Serving Suggestions //

Easy Crab Salad: Replace the dressing included in this recipe with this coleslaw dressing. Just add a bit of dill (I find crab salad always tastes better with dill!).

Steak and Roasted Potato Salad: I’m including this one because I think this coleslaw dressing would taste great with both the steak and the potato — not to mention the salad!

Juicy Boneless Pork Ribs: Use the slaw dressing as a dip for these tender meat morsels.

FAQs //

Can I make this vegan?

Yup, you can use vegan mayonnaise instead of regular.

Can I freeze this sauce?

Unfortunately, freezing doesn’t work well with this dressing.

My sauce is too thick, what can I do?

You can add a little milk or water to thin it out.

Can I use other types of vinegar instead of red wine vinegar?

Go for it! Apple cider or white wine vinegar still brings that tang we love. Balsamic might change the color, but it’ll taste great, too.

What else can I use this dressing for besides coleslaw?

This dressing goes beyond coleslaw! Use it in sandwiches, wraps, as a veggie or chip dip, or in other varieties of salad, like potato or pasta. Yum!

How far in advance can I prepare the dressing?

You can make this dressing about two weeks ahead of time. As long as it’s sealed tight and chilled, you’re good to go. It’s perfect for meal prepping or getting ready for a big gathering.

How to Store This Delicious Coleslaw Dressing //

With this super versatile and yummy dressing, you’ll probably be making coleslaw like there’s no tomorrow! But let’s talk about storing it right so it stays fresh and delish. First, pour the dressing into an airtight container (a glass jar or a dressing bottle with a tight seal is recommended). Store it in the fridge at all times (except when you’re using it, duh!). It should keep for up to two weeks, though if it smells off, separates, or gets moldy, throw it away.