15-Minute Creamy Celery Seed Deli Coleslaw
Tangy, creamy coleslaw dressed with a smooth mayonnaise vinegar dressing brightened by celery seed. This classic deli-style slaw pairs crisp cabbage with a balanced sweet-tart-savory profile. Serve alongside sandwiches, barbecue, or fried chicken. The key to this version is the combination of cider vinegar and milk, which creates a lighter dressing than mayo alone while maintaining richness.
Ingredients
- 1 lb coleslaw mix, shredded
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon celery seed
Instructions
- 1
Whisk together mayonnaise, cider vinegar, sugar, milk and celery seed until fully smooth.
- 2
Pour dressing over coleslaw mix and toss to coat evenly.
- 3
Refrigerate for several hours before serving.
Tips
For tangier slaw, increase vinegar to 3 tablespoons and reduce milk slightly.
Prepare dressing up to 2 days ahead; add to cabbage just before serving to maintain crispness.
Good to Know
Keep refrigerated up to 4 days in an airtight container. Best consumed within 3 days after mixing with cabbage.
Prepare dressing component 2 days ahead. Combine with coleslaw mix within 2 hours of serving for optimal crispness.
Serve cold alongside grilled meats, deli sandwiches, pulled pork, or fried chicken.
Common Mistakes
Mix dressing with cabbage too far ahead to avoid soggy slaw; dress shortly before serving.
Skip whisking to avoid streaky, separated dressing; blend thoroughly until homogeneous.
Under-chill to avoid muted flavors; refrigerate minimum 3 hours for balanced taste.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Vegan Options
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dressing up to 2 days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Keep the cabbage separate and combine just before serving to preserve crispness and prevent sogginess.
What if I prefer sweeter coleslaw?
Increase sugar to 1 teaspoon or add 2 tablespoons of pineapple juice for natural sweetness. Taste and adjust incrementally, as added sweetness will also dilute the dressing slightly.
How long can I keep finished coleslaw in the refrigerator?
Consume mixed coleslaw within 2-3 days for best texture and flavor. After that, the cabbage becomes increasingly soft and watery. Undressed cabbage keeps up to 1 week.