What Dressing Goes with Coleslaw? (11 Tasty Dressings)

Knowing what dressing goes with coleslaw is important.

Very important.

I would even go so far as to say that it’s a life skill.

And while you may be tempted to just go with ranch (I see you, Hidden Valley), I’m here to show you that there are so many other delicious options out there.

So, whether you’re looking for a creamy dressing or something on the lighter side, read on for my top 11 picks.

What Dressing Goes with Coleslaw?

There are many dressings that go well with coleslaw. You can go for a classic like mayonnaise or Miracle Whip, or something more unique like ranch dressing, Italian dressing, or even Thousand Island dressing. For a healthier option, try yogurt-based dressings or vinaigrettes.

Still looking for ideas?

Then just keep scrolling!

Here are 11 dressings that go with coleslaw:

1. Greek Dressing

When you’re looking for a flavorful, yet light dressing to top your coleslaw, look no further than this Greek dressing recipe.

It’s made with simple ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Greek yogurt, so you can easily adjust the flavors to your liking.

And if you want to change up the texture of your coleslaw, you could:

• Add in some chopped nuts or seeds for a crunchy contrast.
• Swap out the cabbage for kale or shredded Brussels sprouts for a heartier option.
• Add in some dried fruit or chopped fresh apples for sweetness.
• Top with crumbled feta or goat cheese for extra tanginess.

2. Honey Dijon Vinaigrette Dressing

This dressing comes with spice, sweetness, and acidity all in one.

It’s the perfect addition to any coleslaw, and it’s also great on green salads or as a marinade for chicken or pork.

To change up the flavor, you could:

• Add a tablespoon of grated ginger for a zesty kick.
• Swap out the Dijon mustard for whole grain mustard.
• Use white wine vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar.
• For a sweeter dressing, add an extra tablespoon of honey.

To change up the texture, you could:

• Thin out the dressing with a little bit of water or chicken broth.
• Make it creamier by whisking in some Greek yogurt or mayonnaise.

3. Ranch Dressing

If you want to keep it simple, ranch dressing is always a great option for most salads.

But if you’re looking to change things up, there are a few things you can do:

• Add some diced dill pickles or chopped green onions for extra flavor.
• Mix in a tablespoon or two of BBQ sauce, ketchup, or mustard for a little sweetness or tanginess.
• For a creamier dressing, mix in some mayo or Greek yogurt.
• To make it lighter, use buttermilk instead of milk.
• For a healthier option, use avocado mayo or olive oil in place of the traditional mayonnaise.

4. Olive Garden Salad (Copycat Version)

I bet you have tried Olive Garden’s famous salad and breadsticks, right?

The salad is so good that I could make a meal out of it. And the dressing… WOW! I am not even a huge fan of salads, but this one I could eat every day.

The key to the great flavor is in the dressing, which is why I am sharing the Olive Garden salad dressing recipe with you today.

To change up the flavor and texture of this dressing, you could:

• Add a teaspoon or two of spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning.
• Mix in some diced fruit like apples or pears for sweetness and crunch.
• Swap out the olive oil for another type of oil like avocado or grapeseed oil.
• Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for creaminess.

5. Thai Peanut Dressing

How do you feel about Asian-style coleslaw?

If you love it as much as I do, then this Thai Peanut Dressing is going to become your new go-to.

It’s sweet, salty, slightly spicy, and incredibly creamy – everything you could want in a salad dressing.

And it couldn’t be easier to make. Just whisk all of the ingredients together in a bowl and you’re done!

If you want to change up the flavor of this dressing, you could:

• Add more or less chili sauce to taste.
• Swap out the rice vinegar for apple cider vinegar or lime juice.
• Use creamy peanut butter instead of chunky for a smoother dressing.
• For extra texture, mix in some chopped peanuts or cilantro before serving.

6. Green Goddess Dressing

Sometimes, I like to add some color to my coleslaw by adding chopped red cabbage or grated carrot to the mix.

For a bit of crunch, I’ll add some chopped celery or sliced almonds.

And for extra flavor, I’ll mix in some diced green onion or fresh herbs.

But no matter what, a go-to dressing is often this green goddess dressing.

It’s creamy and tangy, with just the right amount of herb flavor.

Plus, it’s really easy to make – you can whip it up in just a few minutes with a blender or food processor.

7. Sweet and Spicy Mango Salad Dressing

When you want the best of both sweet and spicy, this mango salad dressing recipe is the perfect option.

It’s easy to make and can be used on everything from salads to chicken.

If you want to change up the flavor, you could:

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.
• Use pineapple juice instead of mango nectar for a different fruit flavor.
• Try lime juice instead of lemon for a tart twist.
• Add some chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or mint.

If you want to change up the texture, you could:

• Make it creamier by adding a dollop of sour cream or yogurt.
• Add some diced mango or pineapple for a chunks of fruit in every bite.

8. Balsamic Vinaigrette

Tart, tangy, and slightly sweet, this balsamic vinaigrette is the perfect compliment to any coleslaw.

And it couldn’t be easier to make! Just whisk together a few simple ingredients and you’re good to go.

Try adding a spoonful of Dijon mustard or a clove of minced garlic for extra flavor. Or, for a creamier dressing, mix in some mayonnaise.

To change up the texture, try using half oil and half yogurt. And for a truly unique twist, swap out the balsamic vinegar for apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.

9. Thousand Island Dressing

This dressing is super popular on salads and as a dip, but it’s also the perfect compliment to coleslaw.

Thousand Island dressing is creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet – it’s the perfect balance to the crunchy cabbage in coleslaw.

To change up the flavor of your coleslaw, you could:

• Add in some shredded carrots for sweetness and color.
• Swap out the green cabbage for red cabbage for a more vibrant dish.
• Try using a different type of dressing – ranch, vinaigrette, or even BBQ sauce would be delicious!
• Add in some chopped apples or grapes for a touch of sweetness.
• Top with chopped green onions or chives for a bit of savory flavor.

10. Lemon Garlic Tahini Dressing

Anything with garlic and tahini is bound to be good, and this dressing is no exception.

It’s bright and tangy from the lemon juice, with a perfect balance of creaminess from the tahini.

I like to add a little bit of water to thin it out so it’s easier to drizzle, but you can definitely leave it out if you prefer a thicker dressing.

This dressing would be delicious on any type of salad, but I especially love it on coleslaw.

To change up the flavor, you could:

• Add a teaspoon or two of honey for sweetness.
• Add some diced avocado for creaminess.
• Mix in some diced jalapeño or Sriracha for heat.

11. Homemade Catalina Dressing

It’s time to get your hands on this deliciously sweet and tangy Catalina dressing recipe.

This homemade version is so much better than anything you could buy at the store, and it’s super easy to make.

The key ingredients in this dressing are ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and onion soup mix.

You can use any type of vinegar you like – I usually go for apple cider vinegar, but red wine vinegar would be delicious as well.

As for the onion soup mix, you can find this in the dry soup aisle of most grocery stores.

If you want to change up the flavor of this dressing, you could:

• Add a teaspoon of mustard for a little bit of a zing.
• Swap out the ketchup for barbecue sauce or chili sauce.
• Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a deeper flavor.