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Sweet Tangy Coleslaw Dressing: The Ultimate Homemade Recipe for Perfect Slaw

This homemade sweet tangy coleslaw dressing recipe creates restaurant-quality slaw with the perfect balance of creamy richness and bright acidity. The versatile dressing can be customized for sweetness or tanginess and works beautifully with various cabbage combinations for summer BBQs, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 cup high-quality mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon celery seed
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons milk or buttermilk (for thinner consistency)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Whisk until smooth and well incorporated.
  2. Add the granulated sugar and honey to the mixture. Continue whisking until the sweeteners are completely dissolved and the dressing appears smooth.
  3. Sprinkle in the celery seed, onion powder, and garlic powder. Whisk thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly throughout the dressing.
  4. Gradually add the milk or buttermilk while whisking continuously. This step helps achieve your desired consistency – add more for a thinner dressing or less for a thicker one.
  5. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that the flavors will develop as the dressing rests, so start with a light hand and adjust later if needed.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Notes

The dressing improves with time - prepare up to 3 days in advance. For tangier coleslaw, increase vinegar by 1 tbsp; for sweeter, add extra honey. Use full-fat mayo and buttermilk for creamier texture, or light versions for lower calories. Flavors develop as dressing rests.