Easy Vinegar Coleslaw Dressing Recipe – Make Ahead

This tangy vinegar coleslaw dressing recipe is a classic recipe updated with honey and simple spices for a fresh flavor that pairs perfectly with shredded cabbage and other vegetables. It’s quick to mix up ahead of time, making it a handy go-to for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or meal prep.

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When I was younger coleslaw wasn’t my favorite thing – it was always too sweet and creamy for my tastes. Then I discovered the classic vinegar-based coleslaw and there was no looking back.

Coleslaw went from low on my favorites list to right at the top because it pairs so well with so many things – ribs, chicken, pulled pork, tacos or even simply in the bottom of a bowl topped with any cooked protein you like.

Not only that, cabbage is also an inexpensive, year-around option for salad. It stores well and grows through a long season, both of which make it easy to come by whether it’s July or January. (In fact, here’s an ultimate guide to growing, harvesting and cooking with cabbage!)

I’ve gone from not-so-sure about cabbage to in love with it over the years, not only in coleslaw but also roasted with a Dijon-onion sauce, tossed in a stir fry, and made into the best sauerkraut you’ll ever taste.

To make a healthy salad anytime simply combine cabbage with other year-around veggies, like onions and carrots, along with this light and flavorful dressing. The vegetables last weeks (sometimes months) in the fridge and so does this dressing. Keep these on hand and you’ll never have to worry about the veggie side dish!

Recipe Ingredients

The simple ingredients for this make-ahead coleslaw salad dressing are:

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

• Oil: I prefer a neutral oil for this dressing – avocado or expeller pressed sunflower oil are my go-tos.
• Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is a bit more mild than white, but you can use it in a pinch. For a fun variation, try white wine vinegar or rice vinegar.
• Mustard: Dijon again is a mild mustard, but you can try different flavored mustards.
• Honey: This replaces the classic recipe’s sugar (and cut in half at that) and I think it’s plenty sweet. You can try maple syrup, though I haven’t so I don’t know how that would affect the flavor.
• Spices: I’ve added onion and garlic powders for extra flavor and usually omit the celery seed that always seems included in classic coleslaw recipes (I usually don’t have it and I’m not sure if it really imparts that much flavor…). If you are team celery seed, then go for it! I will also sometimes add a bit of cayenne when I’m using the slaw for tacos or any Tex-Mex type dish.

Let’s Make this Vinegar Coleslaw Dressing Recipe

There’s really only one step to making pretty much any dressing: add all the ingredients into a jar and mix. There are a couple mixing options, though:

This is the hand-held immersion blender I have (this is a cheaper version, still with good reviews).

Keep the dressing in the fridge to use anytime on a salad made from shredded cabbage and carrots, diced onions and/or any other veggies you may have. I love adding diced sweet peppers and shredded beets if I have them.

TIP: You can use this right away, but the flavor will be best after at least 12 hours in the refrigerator.

Storage

This dressing will keep in the refrigerator for 1-2 months, if it lasts that long. Shake well before using.

Mason Jar Pouring Cap

I bought a set of mason jar pouring caps years ago and I use them almost every day (pretty good return for the $, right?). I LOVE them for not only dressings, but pouring anything out of jars so it doesn’t dribble. I’ve used them for:

• Pouring vinegar into the washing machine in the laundry room (this helps to mitigate the smell, help with our hard water, and to soften clothes). I put a tablespoon or so into the softener cup with about every other load.
• Using with leftover milk, juices or drinks – add them to small mason jars and pop on a pour lid.
• I’ve used them for dry things like nuts, too – it’s easy to tip the jar and have only a few come out at a time.
• The lids are also nice for homemade ketchup so you can keep it in a regular mason jar.

Here is a set similar to mine in either black or pastel colors, and here is a set with a pouring handle attached to the lid.

I hope you enjoy this vinegar coleslaw dressing recipe – if you make it, be sure to leave a rating and review so I know how you liked it!

More Dressing Recipes to Try

• Easy Homemade Vinaigrette Recipe (with Lots of Variations)
• Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing Recipe
• Best Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe
• Perfect Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe

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