Grandma’s Easy & Delicious Old-Fashioned Coleslaw Dressing: A Timeless Recipe

Coleslaw. The quintessential side dish. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a summer barbecue, packing a picnic lunch, or simply looking for a refreshing complement to your dinner, coleslaw is a versatile and beloved staple. But let’s be honest, not all coleslaw is created equal. The secret to truly exceptional coleslaw lies in the dressing. Forget the overly sweet, gloppy store-bought versions. Today, we’re going back to basics with Grandma’s Easy & Delicious Old-Fashioned Coleslaw Dressing – a recipe that’s stood the test of time for a reason.

This isn’t just any coleslaw dressing; it’s a nostalgic journey to simpler times, a flavor explosion that perfectly balances creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet notes. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to pass down through generations.

## Why This Coleslaw Dressing is the Best

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes this old-fashioned coleslaw dressing so special:

* **Simple Ingredients:** You probably already have most, if not all, of the ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator. No fancy or hard-to-find items here!
* **Quick and Easy to Make:** This dressing comes together in minutes. Seriously, you can whip it up faster than you can run to the store for a pre-made bottle.
* **Customizable:** While the base recipe is perfect as is, it’s also incredibly easy to customize to your liking. Want it sweeter? Add more sugar. Prefer a tangier flavor? Increase the vinegar. We’ll discuss variations later.
* **Timeless Flavor:** This is the coleslaw dressing your grandma (or maybe even your great-grandma!) used to make. It’s a classic for a reason – the flavor is simply unbeatable.
* **Perfect Texture:** Achieve that creamy, coating consistency that clings perfectly to the cabbage without being too runny.

## The Star Ingredients

Let’s break down the key ingredients that make this old-fashioned coleslaw dressing sing:

* **Mayonnaise:** The base of our creamy dressing. Use a good quality mayonnaise for the best flavor. Full-fat mayonnaise will provide the richest texture, but you can use light mayonnaise if you prefer.
* **Vinegar:** Provides the essential tang that balances the sweetness. White vinegar is traditional, but apple cider vinegar is a delicious alternative.
* **Sugar:** Adds a touch of sweetness to complement the tanginess of the vinegar. Granulated sugar is most commonly used, but you can also experiment with powdered sugar or even a touch of honey.
* **Mustard:** Adds a subtle depth of flavor and a hint of spice. Yellow mustard is the standard choice, but Dijon mustard can also be used for a more complex flavor.
* **Celery Seed:** This often-overlooked ingredient is the secret weapon of this dressing. It adds a unique savory note that elevates the flavor profile.
* **Salt and Pepper:** Enhances all the other flavors and brings everything together.

## Grandma’s Easy & Delicious Old-Fashioned Coleslaw Dressing Recipe

Now, let’s get to the good part – the recipe! This recipe makes enough dressing for about 6-8 servings of coleslaw, depending on how heavily you dress it.

**Yields:** About 1 cup of dressing
**Prep time:** 5 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
* 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon yellow mustard (or Dijon mustard)
* 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

**Equipment:**

* Small mixing bowl
* Whisk or fork

**Instructions:**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a small mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper.
2. **Whisk Until Smooth:** Using a whisk or fork, thoroughly combine all the ingredients until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Ensure the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a little more sugar. If you prefer a tangier dressing, add a little more vinegar. You can also add a pinch more salt or pepper to taste.
4. **Chill (Optional):** For best results, cover the dressing and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. However, you can use it immediately if you’re short on time.
5. **Prepare the Coleslaw:** While the dressing is chilling (or not!), prepare your coleslaw mix. You can use pre-shredded coleslaw mix from the store, or you can shred your own cabbage and carrots. A general rule of thumb is about 6-8 cups of shredded cabbage and carrots for this amount of dressing.
6. **Dress the Coleslaw:** Just before serving, pour the dressing over the coleslaw mix and toss gently until evenly coated. Be careful not to overdress the coleslaw, as it can become soggy. Start with a little dressing and add more as needed.
7. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve your delicious old-fashioned coleslaw immediately. It’s perfect as a side dish for barbecues, picnics, sandwiches, or any meal that could use a refreshing and creamy complement.

## Tips for the Perfect Coleslaw

* **Don’t Overdress:** As mentioned earlier, avoid overdressing the coleslaw. It’s better to start with less dressing and add more as needed.
* **Chill Before Serving:** Chilling the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly. This is especially important if you’re using homemade shredded cabbage.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh, high-quality ingredients will always result in a better-tasting coleslaw.
* **Toss Gently:** When mixing the dressing with the coleslaw mix, toss gently to avoid bruising the cabbage.
* **Serve Immediately:** Coleslaw is best served fresh. If you’re not serving it immediately, store the undressed coleslaw mix in a separate container from the dressing and combine them just before serving.
* **Drain Excess Moisture:** If using pre-shredded cabbage, you might notice some excess moisture in the bag. Gently pat the cabbage dry with a paper towel before adding the dressing to prevent a watery coleslaw.

## Variations and Add-Ins

The beauty of this old-fashioned coleslaw dressing is that it’s incredibly versatile. Here are some variations and add-ins to customize it to your liking:

* **Sweet Coleslaw:** Add more sugar to the dressing for a sweeter flavor. You can also use powdered sugar for a smoother texture.
* **Tangy Coleslaw:** Increase the amount of vinegar for a tangier flavor. Apple cider vinegar adds a slightly different flavor profile than white vinegar.
* **Spicy Coleslaw:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
* **Creamy Coleslaw:** Add a tablespoon or two of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the dressing for an even creamier texture.
* **Pineapple Coleslaw:** Add crushed pineapple (well-drained) to the coleslaw mix for a tropical twist.
* **Raisin Coleslaw:** Add raisins or dried cranberries to the coleslaw mix for a touch of sweetness and chewiness.
* **Nutty Coleslaw:** Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the coleslaw mix for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
* **Vegetable Medley:** Add other shredded vegetables to the coleslaw mix, such as red cabbage, bell peppers, or onions.
* **Herbed Coleslaw:** Add fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives to the coleslaw mix for a fresh and herbaceous flavor.
* **Buttermilk Coleslaw:** Substitute some of the mayonnaise with buttermilk for a tangier and slightly thinner dressing.

## Serving Suggestions

This old-fashioned coleslaw is a perfect side dish for a variety of meals, including:

* **Barbecued Meats:** Pulled pork, ribs, chicken, and brisket all pair perfectly with coleslaw.
* **Grilled Fish and Seafood:** Coleslaw is a refreshing complement to grilled fish, shrimp, and other seafood.
* **Sandwiches and Burgers:** Add a scoop of coleslaw to your sandwiches or burgers for a creamy and tangy crunch.
* **Tacos and Wraps:** Coleslaw adds a cool and refreshing element to tacos and wraps.
* **Picnics and Potlucks:** Coleslaw is a classic dish to bring to picnics and potlucks.
* **Fried Chicken:** Coleslaw is a traditional side dish for fried chicken.
* **As a Topping:** Use coleslaw as a topping for hot dogs or baked potatoes.

## Storing Leftover Coleslaw

Leftover coleslaw can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, keep in mind that the coleslaw will become softer and may release some liquid over time. It’s best to consume it as soon as possible for the best texture and flavor. If you notice any off odors or signs of spoilage, discard the coleslaw.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used.*

* **Serving Size:** About 1/2 cup
* **Calories:** 150-200
* **Fat:** 12-18g
* **Saturated Fat:** 2-3g
* **Cholesterol:** 10-15mg
* **Sodium:** 150-250mg
* **Carbohydrates:** 8-12g
* **Sugar:** 8-12g
* **Protein:** 1-2g

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

* **Can I make this coleslaw dressing ahead of time?**
Yes, you can make the dressing up to a week ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to dress the coleslaw just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
* **Can I use a different type of vinegar?**
Yes, you can experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or rice vinegar. Each type of vinegar will add a slightly different flavor profile to the dressing.
* **Can I use a sugar substitute?**
Yes, you can use a sugar substitute such as stevia or erythritol. However, keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different.
* **My coleslaw is too watery. What can I do?**
If your coleslaw is too watery, try draining off any excess liquid from the cabbage before adding the dressing. You can also add a tablespoon or two of cornstarch to the dressing to help thicken it.
* **Can I freeze coleslaw?**
Freezing coleslaw is not recommended, as the mayonnaise will separate and the cabbage will become mushy.

## Conclusion: A Taste of Nostalgia in Every Bite

Grandma’s Easy & Delicious Old-Fashioned Coleslaw Dressing is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of nostalgia, a connection to simpler times, and a reminder of the delicious meals shared with loved ones. This recipe is easy to make, customizable to your liking, and guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering. So, ditch the store-bought dressing and give this timeless classic a try. You won’t be disappointed!

This coleslaw recipe brings back the simple pleasures of good food made with love. The balance of creamy mayonnaise, tangy vinegar, and subtle sweetness is what makes this old-fashioned recipe stand the test of time. Enjoy this classic recipe at your next barbecue, potluck, or family dinner!

So, gather your ingredients, whisk them together, and prepare to experience the best coleslaw you’ve ever tasted. Enjoy!