Southern Coleslaw Dressing🥗 Side

Name: Southern Coleslaw Dressing
Prep time: 5 min
Yield: 24 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sugar; 3 tbsp dijon mustard; 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp celery seeds; 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1 1/2 tsp granulated onion or onion powder

This classic southern coleslaw sauce achieves the ideal harmony between sugary notes and acidic brightness, combining vinegar's sharp zip with a touch of sweetness.

By Jason Miller, Weeknight Cook & Household Coordinator

Prep: 5 minServes: 24

american southern dressing condiment quick no-cook

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There's something undeniably comforting about a good coleslaw, and it all comes down to the dressing. This southern-style version strikes that perfect balance where creamy richness meets bright acidity, creating a sauce that clings beautifully to shredded cabbage without ever feeling heavy or one-dimensional. The celery seeds add a distinctive warmth and subtle complexity that separates authentic southern slaw from its blander cousins, while the apple cider vinegar brings just enough tang to cut through the mayonnaise's richness.

The key to success here is letting your dressing rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour before tossing it with your cabbage—this resting time allows the flavors to meld and the sugar to fully dissolve, creating a more cohesive taste. When you're ready to make your slaw, start with less dressing than you think you need, about three-quarters of the batch for a standard head of cabbage. You can always add more, but an overdressed slaw becomes soggy and loses its appealing crunch.

Don't limit yourself to traditional green cabbage either. Try this dressing on a mix of green and purple cabbage with shredded carrots for visual appeal, or toss it with a broccoli slaw mix for a different texture. It also makes an excellent sandwich spread or a tangy base for potato salad. The dressing keeps well for up to a week, so you can make it ahead and have crisp, flavorful slaw ready whenever the craving strikes.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
1/4 cup sugar
3 tbsp dijon mustard
3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp celery seeds
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 1/2 tsp granulated onion or onion powder

Nutrition (Per 24 servings)*

106

Calories

Protein

Carbs

11g

Fat

Fiber

255mg

Sodium

* AI-estimated values only — not a substitute for professional nutrition labeling.

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sugar, mustard, vinegar, celery seeds, salt, and onion powder.
Whisk until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate the dressing until ready to use. Stir or shake before using.