If you’ve ever craved that perfect tangy, creamy kick for your coleslaw, look no further than this Tasty Buttermilk Coleslaw Dressing Recipe. It strikes just the right balance between rich, tangy, and subtly sweet, transforming simple cabbage and carrot mix into a refreshing side that everyone will rave about. This dressing is a true game changer for your picnic, barbecue, or any meal needing that cool, crisp finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients will set you up for coleslaw success. Each element plays a unique role—from the creaminess of mayonnaise to the tart brightness of apple cider vinegar—creating a symphony of flavor and texture that is both familiar and extraordinary.
- Mayonnaise (2.25 cups): I prefer Hellmann’s for its perfectly creamy texture that forms the sturdy base of the dressing.
- Buttermilk (1 cup): Adds a luscious tanginess and smooth consistency that makes this dressing truly special.
- Sugar (2 tbsp): Balances the acidity and brings a subtle sweetness to round out the flavor.
- Celery seed (1.5 tsp): Provides a classic earthy crunch and distinct flavor, essential for authentic coleslaw.
- Black pepper (0.75 tsp): Adds a gentle heat that enhances the overall flavor profile without overpowering.
- Salt (0.25 tsp): Just enough to brighten every ingredient and tie the dressing together.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp): Delivers zesty tartness that balances the creaminess beautifully.
- Coleslaw mix (32 oz): I recommend Dole for a consistent cabbage-to-carrot ratio, making sure every bite is perfectly crunchy and colorful.
How to Make Tasty Buttermilk Coleslaw Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Creamy Base
Start by whisking together the mayonnaise and buttermilk in a large bowl. This creamy duo is the heart of your dressing, providing that silky, tangy smoothness that makes every bite indulgent.
Step 2: Sweeten and Spice
Add sugar, celery seed, black pepper, and salt into the mixture. Each spice and seasoning brings its own magic—celery seed lends that nostalgic crunch, while the pepper and salt balance the flavors perfectly.
Step 3: Brighten with Vinegar
Stir in the apple cider vinegar to infuse your dressing with a refreshing acidity that cuts through the richness, keeping the flavor lively and vibrant.
Step 4: Chill and Let Flavors Marry
Cover the dressing and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. This crucial resting time lets all the gorgeous flavors blend together, resulting in a well-rounded, harmonious taste.
Step 5: Toss with Coleslaw Mix
Just before serving, pour your chilled dressing over the coleslaw mix and toss thoroughly. This ensures every shred of cabbage and carrot gets coated in that luscious dressing for maximum flavor in every forkful.
How to Serve Tasty Buttermilk Coleslaw Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives can brighten the presentation and add a subtle freshness that complements the creamy dressing wonderfully. A few toasted sunflower seeds also add great texture and a nutty finish.
Side Dishes
This Tasty Buttermilk Coleslaw Dressing Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled meats, especially juicy barbecue chicken or crispy fried fish. It also makes a fantastic topping for pulled pork sandwiches and adds a cooling contrast to spicy dishes like tacos or grilled sausages.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the coleslaw in individual lettuce cups for a light, hand-held appetizer. You can also layer it in clear jars for picnics or potlucks, which not only looks charming but keeps the slaw fresh and crisp until it’s ready to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once prepared, store any leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy that delicious buttermilk flavor even after your first serving.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables, freezing the coleslaw mix after dressing it is not recommended—it will become watery and lose its crisp texture. However, you can freeze the dressing alone in a sealed container for up to 1 month and thaw it gently in the fridge before use.
Reheating
This dressing is served cold and is best enjoyed fresh from the refrigerator. Reheating is unnecessary and will likely break down the creamy texture and fresh flavors that make it so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar works best in this recipe because of its mild tanginess and fruity undertone, but white vinegar or lemon juice can be used in a pinch. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will shift slightly.
Is there a healthier alternative to mayonnaise in this dressing?
You could try substituting part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, but the classic creamy texture of mayonnaise is key to the authentic taste of this Tasty Buttermilk Coleslaw Dressing Recipe.
How long should I let the dressing chill before tossing it with the coleslaw?
At least 2 hours; this resting time helps the flavors to meld and really enhances the overall taste, making every bite well-balanced and delicious.
Can I make this dressing vegan?
Yes, by swapping mayonnaise with a vegan mayo and using a plant-based buttermilk substitute, such as almond milk mixed with a little lemon juice, you can create a vegan-friendly buttermilk coleslaw dressing.
What’s the best coleslaw mix to use?
I recommend using a pre-packaged mix like Dole’s coleslaw mix for convenience and a balanced cabbage-to-carrot ratio, but feel free to shred fresh green and purple cabbage with carrots for peak freshness and color variety.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try making this Tasty Buttermilk Coleslaw Dressing Recipe at home. It’s simple, flavorful, and elevates your everyday coleslaw to a next-level side dish. Once you taste how creamy and tangy it is, it will become a staple in your summer grilling and picnic arsenal. Give it a go—your taste buds will thank you!
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Tasty Buttermilk Coleslaw Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Tasty Buttermilk Coleslaw Dressing brings a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor to a classic coleslaw mix. Perfect as a side dish or topping, it combines mayonnaise and buttermilk with a hint of celery seed and apple cider vinegar for a refreshing crunch and vibrant taste.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 2.25 cups mayonnaise (Hellmann’s recommended for best creamy texture)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1.5 tsp celery seed
- 0.75 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Coleslaw
- 32 oz coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrot mix, such as Dole brand)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, buttermilk, sugar, celery seed, black pepper, salt, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended to create a creamy, flavorful dressing.
- Combine with Coleslaw Mix: Add the 32 oz of coleslaw mix to the bowl with the dressing. Toss well to coat all the cabbage and carrot evenly with the dressing, ensuring every bite has the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly, enhancing the taste and texture of the coleslaw.
- Serve: After chilling, give the coleslaw a final toss and serve chilled as a delicious side dish alongside your favorite meals, perfect for barbecues, picnics, or as a fresh topping for sandwiches and burgers.
Notes
- For best results, use Hellmann’s mayonnaise for its creamy texture and flavor.
- Adjust sugar quantity to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet dressing.
- The celery seed adds a distinct earthy crunch and classic coleslaw flavor; don’t skip it.
- Allow the coleslaw to chill at least 2 hours before serving to maximize flavor absorption.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk plus 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice per cup.
