Coleslaw Dressing

This tangy no-mayo coleslaw dressing is sweet, zesty, and perfect for any slaw. Made with pantry staples, it blends up in minutes and keeps well for make-ahead meals.

Why I Love to Make This Coleslaw Dressing

I love to eat straight from the garden all summer long. All the fresh vegetables are super delicious, and summer is so conducive to light, fresh meals! My favorite go-to is a simple cabbage salad with this quick vinaigrette-type dressing, my Grandma Conrad’s recipe, poured over the top.

I keep a jar of this in my fridge and keep replenishing it all season.

I love how this version of coleslaw dressing (what we always lovingly called cabbage dressing) brings the same nostalgic flavor that you’re used to, but with a modern touch. It’s quick to blend together, full of pantry staples, and works just as well over kale or broccoli slaw as it does in a classic cabbage mix.

What sets this dressing apart is its balance of flavors. The acidity of distilled white vinegar, the subtle sweetness of honey, and a bit of celery seed and dry mustard come together to create a dressing that’s both vibrant and totally unique. Blending in a small onion not only adds depth but also gives the dressing a creamy texture without any dairy!

Here are 4 reasons to love this dressing recipe:

• No mayo – perfect for warm-weather gatherings
• Super fast – ready in 5 minutes with zero chopping if you have a prepped onion
• Versatile – pairs wonderfully with cabbage, kale, or as a twist on your favorite salads
• Make-ahead friendly – stores well and gets better as it rests

Coleslaw Dressing Ingredients

This dressing has simple ingredients, but each one has a purpose. Here’s what makes this dressing magic:

• Distilled white vinegar adds sharp acidity and brightness that defines this dressing.
• Honey brings natural sweetness that balances the vinegar without overpowering. You can leave out the honey if you don’t want to add any natural sugar, but I think it’s definitely needed in this recipe!
• Neutral oil, like safflower or grapeseed oil, gives the dressing body and smoothness.
• Celery seed adds subtle warmth and a hint of traditional coleslaw flavor.
• Dry mustard offers a gentle tang and spice that elevates the dressing.
• Kosher salt enhances all the other flavors and rounds out the sweetness.
• Onion blended into the dressing gives natural body and just a hint of bite. The onion is what makes this dressing the no-mayo wonder that it is!

The full amount of each ingredient can be found in the recipe card below.

How to Make Coleslaw Dressing

The process to make this dressing couldn’t be simpler!

Step 1: Add ingredients to a blender: Combine vinegar, honey, neutral oil, celery seed, dry mustard, salt, and roughly chopped onion.

Step 2: Blend until smooth: Process until fully emulsified and the onion is completely incorporated. Use immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Recipe Tips

• Blend thoroughly so the onion is smooth and fully incorporated. This gives the dressing its wonderful creamy texture without the use of any dairy.
• Use a high-power blender if you prefer an ultra-smooth consistency.
• Taste and adjust. Add a pinch more salt or honey if desired for balance. That’s the great thing about dressings: they can be customized immediately for your own personal preferences.

More Sauce Recipes

• Avocado crema
• Homemade tzatziki sauce
• Tex-Mex coleslaw
• The perfect picnic coleslaw

Watch How to Make This Recipe