Classic Creamy Coleslaw Dressing
This coleslaw dressing is the real deal! Tangy and creamy, perfect on cabbage and carrots. Forget shop-bought; this homemade beauty will sing at your barbecue. Get the easy coleslaw recipe!
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever wondered why restaurant coleslaw tastes so darn good? honestly, it's all about the coleslaw dressing . this recipe nails that creamy, tangy flavor you crave! it's the perfect tangy coleslaw recipe .
Brief Overview
Coleslaw is a classic American side dish, often served at barbecues and picnics. This easy coleslaw recipe takes minutes to prepare. It yields about 1 cup of dressing, enough for 6-8 servings.
Main Benefits
This coleslaw recipe easy is healthier than store-bought versions. It's great for summer cookouts or as a side with burgers. What makes it special? The secret ingredient: celery seed!
Craving that creamy, tangy goodness? let's dive into the best coleslaw . it starts with the perfect coleslaw dressing . forget the store-bought stuff.
We're making our own slaw dressing and it is seriously a game-changer!
This isn't just any easy coleslaw . this tangy coleslaw will be a hit. no more boring sides. this recipe is so easy, even i can nail it.
And trust me, that’s saying something.
This best coleslaw recipe is a total crowd-pleaser. i remember once, i brought this to a potluck, and it was gone in minutes.
People were practically fighting over the last spoonful. no joke!
What You'll Need: The Ingredients
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Here is what you'll need to make the coleslaw dressing :
- ½ cup (120ml) mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) apple cider vinegar
- 1 ½ tablespoons (22ml) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) celery seed
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) salt
- ⅛ teaspoon (0.6ml) black pepper
Super Easy Steps
Seriously, making this tangy coleslaw recipe is a piece of cake. just whisk all of that together. that's right, no fancy moves here.
I promise you, this will become your new favorite thing.
Okay, let's talk coleslaw dressing ! seriously, who doesn't love a good coleslaw recipe easy ? store-bought? fuggedaboutit! we're making the best coleslaw recipe right here, right now.
Forget kfc coleslaw recipe – we're going way beyond those copy cat recipes .
Classic Creamy Coleslaw Dressing Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Real!
We're keeping it simple, folks. you don't need fancy gadgets to whip up this tangy coleslaw . we are aiming to get that best coleslaw out there.
So no need to find a coleslaw kfc , because we are making it here. let's dive into the main ingredients for this classic creamy coleslaw dressing .
Main Ingredients
- Mayonnaise: ½ cup (120ml) . Honestly, use good mayo. It makes a difference! Full-fat is my go-to, but light works too. I like the flavor better.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . The tang is essential.
- Granulated Sugar: 1 ½ tablespoons (22ml) . Balances the tanginess.
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Adds a little kick.
- Celery Seed: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Don't skip this! It's the copykat recipes secret.
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) , or to taste.
- Black Pepper: ⅛ teaspoon (0.6ml) . Freshly ground, always!
When picking your cabbage and carrots , go for fresh, crisp veggies. Limp is a no-no. This tangy coleslaw recipe relies on great ingredients.
Seasoning Notes
Celery seed is where it's at. it's the soul of coleslaw recipes . dijon mustard adds a subtle heat. for a sweeter cole slaw , add a touch more sugar.
No celery seed? a tiny pinch of celery salt works in a pinch, but be careful with the salt.
Equipment Needed
- Whisk: For mixing.
- Medium Bowl: To hold everything.
- Measuring Cups/Spoons: Gotta be precise, ya know?
- Jar or Airtight Container: For storing leftovers.
A fork can work as a whisk if you are in a pinch. a regular bowl is good enough, no need to be fancy.
A glass measuring cup can works as regular one if you don't have the latter.
Honestly, folks, that's it. easy peasy! we're not aiming for perfection. we're aiming for damn good coleslaw dressing . my grandma always said, "the best things in life are simple," and this easy coleslaw dressing is proof! now, lets create the best slaw dressing .
Okay, let's whip up some coleslaw dressing ! honestly, store-bought stuff just doesn't cut it. this is my go-to recipe for the best coleslaw .
It's so simple, even i can't mess it up! my grandma's easy coleslaw recipe was the og. this is just a kicked-up version.
Trust me, folks will be beggin' for this tangy coleslaw recipe . you know?
Making the Best Coleslaw Dressing EVER
This coleslaw dressing ? it's seriously amazing. plus, it will work with your dietary needs. this creamy sauce is the secret to easy coleslaw .
Are you ready for the best coleslaw recipe ?
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
First things first, let's get organized. it's called mise en place if you wanna be fancy. it basically means get everything ready before you start.
Grab your mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper. this recipe needs cabbage and carrots , which i have listed below.
Remember to measure correctly! now that we're organized we can make tangy coleslaw .
Step-by-Step: From Zero to Hero
Alright, here's the magic:
- Combine: In a bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 ½ tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon celery seed, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper.
- Whisk: Keep whisking. You want it smooth and creamy. No lumps allowed!
- Taste: This is important! Add more sugar if you like it sweeter. More vinegar if you want that tangy coleslaw . Adjust the salt and pepper too.
- Chill (Optional): Cover it up and stick it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors get all friendly and mingle. I usually skip this, cause honestly I am impatient.
- Use: Toss with shredded cabbage and carrots. Enjoy the cole slaw .
Pro Tips and Tricks: Level Up Your Slaw
Wanna be a coleslaw master? Here's how:
- Celery Seed is King: Seriously, don't skip this! It's the secret ingredient in the slaw dressing .
- Don't drown your cabbage. Add the dressing little by little until it's coated. Soggy coleslaw is the worst.
- For a Copy Cat Recipe to KFC Coleslaw Recipe use a food processor with pulse ability and chop to almost a pulp!
You can make this coleslaw dressing up to 3 days ahead. just store it in the fridge. i love coleslaw recipes , and this one is a winner.
Some people compare this to coleslaw kfc but it is so much better! i think this copykat recipes kicks some major butt!
Recipe Notes
Serving Suggestions – Let's Get This Party Started!
Okay, so you've got this amazing coleslaw dressing , right? now, what to do with it? first things first, the classic! plating up a side of easy coleslaw next to some bbq ribs is always a winner.
Honestly, who can resist? i love piling my best coleslaw recipe high on a plate next to a juicy burger.
But don’t stop there! think about using it to top fish tacos or adding a dollop to a pulled pork sandwich.
Talk about taking it to the next level! don't forget a crisp, cold beer or some sweet tea for the perfect bbq spread! this tangy coleslaw will be a hit!
Storage Tips – Keep That Coleslaw Dressing Fresh!
Right, so you've made a big batch of this easy coleslaw recipe . what now? good news, it keeps! pop that slaw dressing in an airtight container in the fridge, and it'll be good for up to 3 days.
I usually use a mason jar. freezing? i wouldn't. mayonnaise-based dressings can get a bit weird after thawing. nobody wants watery cole slaw .
For reheating, you don't. tangy coleslaw recipe is best served cold.
Variations – Let's Get Creative!
Want to mix it up? you got it! for a dairy-free version, use vegan mayonnaise. i've tried it, and honestly, it's pretty darn good.
Want to spice things up? add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the coleslaw dressing . boom! this tangy coleslaw just got a kick! for seasonal swaps, try using shredded kale in the fall instead of cabbage.
And for that sweet taste, instead of sugar use a bit of maple syrup for that authentic taste. you know? it's your best coleslaw , do what makes you happy!
Nutrition Basics – Know What You’re Eating
Okay, let's break it down. a serving of this coleslaw dressing is about 80 calories. it's got a bit of fat from the mayo, a little sugar, and some sodium.
The celery seed adds a nice little boost of vitamins and minerals. the main health benefit? it makes your cabbage and carrots taste amazing! and, let's be real, sometimes you just need a little treat.
Plus, the cabbage adds fiber, so you're not totally being bad, eh?
So, there you have it! a few simple notes to make sure your best coleslaw recipe turns out perfect every time.
Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it! i’m telling you, once you make your own coleslaw dressing , you’ll never go back to the store-bought stuff.
Now go forth and make some easy coleslaw ! you got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to store leftover coleslaw dressing? Will it go off if I leave it out?
To keep your classic creamy coleslaw dressing at its best, store it in an airtight container (like a jam jar) in the refrigerator. It'll happily last for up to 3 days. Leaving it out at room temperature is a no-no, I'm afraid! The mayonnaise will spoil, and nobody wants a dodgy tummy at their barbecue, do they?
Can I make this coleslaw dressing recipe ahead of time? I'm throwing a barbie on Saturday.
Absolutely, you can get ahead! In fact, I highly recommend it. The flavors meld together beautifully when the dressing sits in the fridge for a bit. You can whip up this coleslaw dressing up to 3 days in advance. Just give it a good stir before tossing it with your cabbage and carrots, and you'll be right as rain.
I don't like my coleslaw too sweet. Can I adjust the sugar in this coleslaw dressing?
You bet your bottom dollar you can! This recipe is just a guideline, after all. If you prefer a tangier dressing, simply reduce the amount of sugar, or even leave it out altogether if you're feeling particularly anti-sweet. You could also try using a sugar substitute like stevia or honey, but bear in mind that honey has a different flavour profile. Taste as you go and find the sweet spot that suits your palate.
My coleslaw always ends up soggy. Any tips for preventing that?
Soggy coleslaw is a common culinary tragedy, but easily avoided! The key is to dress the cabbage just before serving. Don't drown it! Add the coleslaw dressing a little at a time until the cabbage is just coated. This prevents the dressing from drawing out too much moisture. Also, make sure your cabbage is properly drained after shredding, you can use a salad spinner for this.
What can I substitute for celery seed if I don't have any? Is it really that important in coleslaw dressing?
Celery seed is what gives coleslaw dressing that signature flavour, but if you find yourself in a pickle without it, don't panic! A pinch of celery salt can work in a pinch (see what I did there?). Just be mindful of the added salt and adjust accordingly. Alternatively, a dash of caraway seeds can provide a similar, though not identical, flavour. Worst case scenario, skip it and add a touch more Dijon mustard to compensate for the lost depth.
Can I make a healthier version of this creamy coleslaw dressing?
Absolutely! Swapping full-fat mayonnaise for a light or fat-free version is the easiest win. You could even experiment with Greek yogurt or a combination of yogurt and mayonnaise for a tangier and lower-fat alternative. Reduce the sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup sparingly. Remember, moderation is key, even with "healthy" swaps – enjoy your coleslaw in moderation as part of a balanced diet.