This Vegan Coleslaw Dressing Recipe is a game-changer! It’s incredibly easy to make, wonderfully creamy, and bursting with fresh, tangy flavor. This dairy-free twist on a classic will elevate your coleslaw from a simple side dish to the star of your next barbecue or potluck.
What Makes This Vegan Coleslaw Dressing So Special?
This recipe utilizes a few simple tricks to achieve the creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor that coleslaw dressing is known for, all without using any dairy products.
Ingredients for vegan coleslaw dressing
The Secret to a Creamy Vegan Coleslaw Dressing
The base of this dressing is a good quality vegan mayonnaise. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different brands to find one you love. Look for options that are thick, creamy, and have a neutral flavor profile that won’t overpower the other ingredients.
Tangy and Bright Flavor Notes
The magic truly happens when we introduce the tangy element. Instead of relying solely on lemon juice, we’re using a combination of apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard. Apple cider vinegar adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor, while the Dijon mustard provides a pleasant tang with a hint of sharpness.
A Touch of Sweetness
To balance out the tanginess and add a touch of sweetness, we’re using a small amount of maple syrup. You can substitute this with agave nectar or another sweetener of your choice, but I find that maple syrup provides the perfect level of sweetness without being overpowering.
Vegan Coleslaw Dressing Ingredients:
- ½ cup vegan mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Vegan Coleslaw Dressing
This vegan coleslaw dressing is so simple to whip up, you can have it ready in under 5 minutes!
- Combine the ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the vegan mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Taste and Adjust: Give the dressing a quick taste and adjust any seasonings to your liking. If you prefer a tangier dressing, add a splash more vinegar. For a sweeter dressing, add a touch more maple syrup.
- Chill (Optional): For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the dressing to thicken slightly.
Whisking the vegan coleslaw dressing
Tips for the Best Vegan Coleslaw
- Freshly Shredded Cabbage: For the best texture and flavor, use freshly shredded cabbage. You can also use a combination of green cabbage and red cabbage for a beautiful color contrast.
- Add Some Crunch: Enhance the texture of your coleslaw by incorporating other vegetables like shredded carrots, thinly sliced red onion, or chopped celery.
- Don’t Overdress: Start by adding a small amount of dressing to your coleslaw and toss to coat. Add more dressing as needed until you reach your desired level of creaminess.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the dressing and the coleslaw separately up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Vegan Coleslaw Dressing: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Recipe Oil-Free?
You can make this dressing oil-free by substituting the vegan mayonnaise with an equal amount of mashed avocado or silken tofu. Keep in mind that this will alter the flavor and texture of the dressing slightly.
How Long Does This Dressing Last in the Fridge?
This vegan coleslaw dressing will last for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I Freeze Vegan Coleslaw Dressing?
It’s not recommended to freeze this dressing as the mayonnaise may separate upon thawing, affecting the texture.
What Other Salads Can I Use This Dressing On?
This versatile dressing isn’t limited to just coleslaw! It’s also delicious on salads, vegan recipes for cabbage, bud bowls, or as a dipping sauce for vegetables.
Can I Add Fresh Herbs to This Dressing?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs like dill, chives, or cilantro would be delicious additions to this dressing.
This creamy vegan coleslaw dressing is the perfect way to add a flavorful and healthy twist to a classic dish. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy!
