Sweet And Spicy Coleslaw Dressing Recipe

This dressing is my ultimate go-to because it perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, making any salad feel like a gourmet delight. Plus, it’s quick to whip up and adds a fresh, exciting twist to everyday meals without any fuss!

Creating recipes that balance taste and health is a passion of mine, and I think my Sweet and Spicy Coleslaw Dressing proves that point. Its base is a homemade, creamy mayonnaise; the dressing contains a touch of honey, which serves as the sweet counterpoint to the ample amount of apple cider vinegar.

This dressing is delicious, and I am confident it is also quite versatile. You could dress all manner of salads with it, not to mention use it as an ingredient in other salad dressings.

The flavor profile here is clearly sweet and sour, with the sweet from the honey, the tang of the vinegar, and the umami goodness of the mayonnaise.

Ingredients

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base providing fat and rich texture.
• Honey: Natural sweetener adding sweetness and depth.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides tangy acidity; promotes digestion.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds sharpness and creamy spice.
• Sriracha Sauce: Brings heat and a hint of garlic.
• Celery Seed: Adds earthy flavor; contains antioxidants.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. In a bowl of medium size, add 1/2 cup of mayonnaise to begin as the creamy foundation for the dressing.

2. Place 1 tablespoon of honey in the bowl with the mayonnaise, and mix to combine. In addition, you may whisk them together.

3. Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the mixture to achieve a tangy flavor boost.

4. Add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. It enhances the flavor with a slight sharpness—much better than yellow mustard and just as easy to find. Stir it in.

5. Add 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce for a spicy kick that balances the sweetness.

6. Add 1/2 teaspoon of celery seed to introduce a note of warmth and complexity.

7. Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the mixture and stir. This will bring out the full-range flavors you’ve got going.

8. For a hint of spice and warmth, add 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

9. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl; whisk until smooth and combined.

10. If necessary, adjust the seasoning to your liking and use the dish immediately or refrigerate it until you are ready to serve it with coleslaw or any other type of dish.

Equipment Needed

1. Measuring cups
2. Measuring spoons
3. Medium-sized mixing bowl
4. Whisk
5. Spoon (for stirring)
6. Refrigerator (for storage, if needed)

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of mustard instead of Dijon?You can use yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard, and it will work, but it may slightly change the flavor.
• Is there a substitute for sriracha sauce if I don’t want it too spicy?Hot sauce can be used, or you can completely omit it, resulting in a version that is milder.
• Can I make this dressing ahead of time?This dressing can be made as much as a week in advance. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• What type of vinegar can replace apple cider vinegar?Possible substitutes are white wine vinegar or rice vinegar.
• Is it possible to make this dressing dairy-free?Ensure the mayonnaise is dairy-free, as the other ingredients are already free of dairy.
• How can I make this dressing vegan?Substitute honey with a plant-based sweetener; use vegan mayonnaise.
• Can I adjust the sweetness level?Indeed, you can just bump up or dial down the honey to suit your taste.

Substitutions and Variations

Greek yogurt: Substitute with mayonnaise for a less tangy, higher-fat option.
Honey: Substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweetness.
Apple cider vinegar: Replace with white wine vinegar or lemon juice for a different type of acidity. Both work well.
Dijon mustard: You can use spicy brown mustard or whole grain mustard to get a different flavor of mustard.
Sriracha sauce: Substitute with your preferred hot sauce, such as Tabasco or chili-garlic sauce, for a similar taste and heat.

Pro Tips

1. Balance the Sweetness and Heat Adjust the amount of honey and sriracha to suit your preference for sweetness and spiciness. You can start with half the recommended amounts and gradually increase until it’s just right for you.

2. Chill Before Serving Allow the dressing to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together for a more cohesive taste.

3. Use Freshly Cracked Pepper For a more intense and aromatic flavor, use freshly cracked black pepper instead of pre-ground pepper.

4. Try Alternative Mustards Experiment with other mustard varieties like whole grain or spicy brown mustard for a different flavor profile. Each type will bring its own unique twist to the dressing.

5. Experiment with Fresh Herbs Add finely chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or dill to the dressing for an added fresh zip and a pop of color.