Cole Slaw Dressing

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

A classic cole slaw dressing that combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, perfect for enhancing crunchy salads or serving alongside grilled dishes. Its balanced profile makes it a versatile choice for picnics, barbecues, or casual gatherings, adding a flavorful punch to any meal.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups salad oil
  • 1 cup vinegar
  • 1 1/2 tbsp celery seed
  • 1 1/2 tbsp mustard seed

Instructions

  1. Blend the sugar, salad oil, vinegar, celery seed, and mustard seed well.
  2. Refrigerate the dressing before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a tangier flavor, consider using apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar. You can also substitute half of the salad oil with olive oil for a richer taste. If you prefer a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a healthier option, try using a sugar substitute like stevia or agave syrup. This dressing can also be used as a marinade for proteins in American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

This cole slaw dressing is perfect for traditional coleslaw, but it also pairs beautifully with slaw made from shredded vegetables like carrots and cabbage. Serve it alongside BBQ dishes, sandwiches, or as a topping for hamburgers. It also works well as a dipping sauce for veggies or chips, making it versatile for gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The flavors will deepen over time. If the dressing separates, simply shake or stir before using. Do not freeze as the texture may change upon thawing. Always check for freshness before using after storage.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cole Slaw Dressing contains roughly 543 calories, with 2g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2186mg per serving (95% of the Daily Value).

543 kcal 27% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.4g 5% DV
Total Fat 42.4g 54% DV
Carbs 38.9g 14% DV
Fiber 4.1g 14% DV
Sugar 13.6g 27% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2186.1mg 95% DV
Potassium 353.8mg 8% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1.5mcg
Vitamin C 33mg 37% DV
Calcium 52.9mg 4% DV
Iron 1.4mg 8% DV

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dressing in advance?

Yes, this dressing can be made several days in advance. In fact, refrigerating it allows the flavors to meld together for a tastier result. Just remember to give it a good shake or stir before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.

Is this dressing suitable for vegan recipes?

Yes, this cole slaw dressing is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. It’s a great addition to any vegan meal and can enhance the flavor of vegetable-based dishes. Feel free to use it in salads or as a dip for fresh veggies.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the dressing?

You can easily adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of sugar used. If you prefer a less sweet dressing, start by reducing the sugar by half and taste it before adding more. Additionally, using a sugar substitute can help achieve the desired sweetness without all the calories.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegan recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →