Creamy Tangy Coleslaw Dressing Recipe

This creamy, flavorful Homemade Coleslaw Dressing will elevate your coleslaw, broccoli slaw, or any crunchy salad. It takes under five minutes to prepare and uses just a few simple ingredients for a well-balanced sweet-tangy creaminess that complements crisp vegetables.

For years I skipped coleslaw because many dressings were thick, overly mayonnaise-heavy, and bland. I developed this simple Homemade Coleslaw Dressing to give coleslaw and broccoli salad more brightness and balanced flavor without a lot of fuss. It’s become a staple in my weekly meal prep and works just as well on cabbage blends, shredded carrots, or raw broccoli florets.

Why you’ll love this recipe:

• Creamy, sweet and tangy — a versatile dressing for coleslaw, broccoli salad and other crunchy slaws.
• Only a handful of ingredients and just a few minutes to make.
• Easily adaptable: swap mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter no-mayo version or use a plant-based mayo to make it vegan.

Recipe ingredients

This dressing calls for a few common pantry items. Quantities below make about 1 cup of dressing — enough to dress a 12-ounce bag of shredded cabbage or broccoli slaw.

Ingredient notes

• Mayo: Avocado oil mayonnaise is a great choice for a heart-healthier option, but standard mayonnaise works well too. Substitute an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt to make this a no-mayo dressing, or use vegan mayo for a dairy-free version.
• Apple cider vinegar: Adds bright tang and a touch of fruitiness. If you don’t have it, white vinegar or white balsamic can be substituted, though the flavor will change slightly.
• Pure maple syrup: Provides a natural sweetness and depth of flavor. Honey or your preferred liquid sweetener may be used instead.

How to make this recipe

This coleslaw dressing is extremely simple to prepare and comes together in under five minutes.

Pro tip: Avocado oil mayo gives a milder, more delicate flavor; use whichever mayo or yogurt you prefer.

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl or a wide-mouth jar.
2. Whisk or shake until smooth and well blended. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or sweetener to preference.

FAQs

Recipe notes

• Swaps: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a tangier, lighter version; vegan mayo works for a dairy-free option.
• Add-ins: Customize the dressing by stirring in poppy seeds, celery seeds, a pinch of curry powder, or fresh herbs like dill or chives.
• Storage: Keep refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks. Give it a quick whisk before using if it separates.

How to serve this coleslaw dressing

Toss shredded cabbage or a cabbage-carrot blend with this dressing for classic coleslaw. It’s also excellent on broccoli salad, shaved brussels sprouts salads, kale slaws, or any crunchy vegetable mix. Add toasted nuts, dried fruit, or cooked bacon for extra texture and flavor.

• Broccoli salad
• Creamy coleslaw
• Vegan coleslaw variations
• Kale slaw with apples and cranberries
• Shaved Brussels sprouts salad with apples, bacon and hazelnuts

More dressing recipes you’ll love

• 15+ Salad dressing ideas
• Apple cider vinegar dressing
• Balsamic vinaigrette
• Easy Greek dressing
• Greek yogurt ranch
• Green goddess dressing
• Homemade Italian dressing
• Classic Louie dressing
• Honey mustard dressing
• Lemon vinaigrette

Did you try this recipe? If so, leave a review below and share your result with the handle @flavorthemoments on social media so I can see what you made.