Marie’s Coleslaw Dressing Recipe

Intro

The first time I tasted Marie’s Coleslaw Dressing Recipe, I wasn’t standing in my own kitchen. I was perched on a wobbly picnic bench at a family barbecue, paper plate in hand, sunlight filtering through the trees, and there it was—this humble scoop of coleslaw that absolutely stole the show. 

It was cool and creamy against the heat of the day, lightly sweet but not cloying, tangy without making my eyes water. The cabbage still had crunch, the carrots added little pops of sweetness, and the dressing clung to every shred like it belonged there. I remember thinking, Why does this taste so much better than the coleslaw I make at home?

Years later, after plenty of experimenting, tasting, tweaking, and yes—failing—I finally landed on a homemade Marie’s Coleslaw Dressing Recipe that hits all those same notes. 

This isn’t just an easy Marie’s Coleslaw Dressing recipe; it’s the kind you keep coming back to, the one people ask about, the one that quietly becomes your signature dish at gatherings. It’s creamy, balanced, and comforting in the best possible way.

If you’ve ever wanted to recreate that classic deli-style coleslaw dressing—the one that feels familiar but never boring—this one’s for you.

What Is Marie’s Coleslaw Dressing Recipe?

At its heart, Marie’s Coleslaw Dressing Recipe is a creamy, tangy-sweet dressing that transforms simple vegetables into something crave-worthy. Think smooth mayonnaise softened with a splash of milk, brightened with vinegar, gently sweetened with sugar, and rounded out with subtle seasoning. 

It’s not sharp like a vinaigrette and not heavy like some overly mayo-forward dressings. Instead, it sits right in that sweet spot where every flavor has room to breathe.

What makes this classic Marie’s Coleslaw Dressing special is balance. The sweetness is mellow, the acidity is gentle, and the creaminess never feels greasy. 

It coats the cabbage instead of drowning it, letting the vegetables stay crisp and refreshing. This is the kind of dressing that tastes even better after it’s had a little time to rest, when all the flavors meld into something greater than the sum of their parts.

And the best part? You probably already have everything you need in your fridge.

Equipment List

You don’t need anything fancy here—just a few kitchen basics:

• Medium mixing bowl
  
• Whisk
  
• Measuring cups and spoons
  
• Rubber spatula or spoon
  
• Airtight container (for storing leftovers)
  

Ingredients

This recipe makes enough dressing for a large bowl of coleslaw, serving about 8–12 people.

• 1 cup mayonnaise (full-fat for best flavor and texture)
  
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
  
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar for a sharper bite)
  
• 2 tablespoons milk (add more if you like a thinner dressing)
  
• ½ teaspoon salt
  
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  

Optional ingredients (use sparingly):

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice for extra brightness
  
• ½ teaspoon onion powder for subtle savoriness
  
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard for depth
  

Instructions: Bringing Marie’s Coleslaw Dressing Recipe to Life

Step 1: Start With the Creamy Base

In a medium bowl, add the mayonnaise and whisk it briefly to loosen it up. You want it smooth and silky, with no lumps—this sets the tone for the entire dressing.

Step 2: Sweeten and Balance

Add the sugar and whisk until fully dissolved. The mixture should look glossy and feel slightly lighter. This sweetness is what gives Marie’s Coleslaw Dressing Recipe its signature comfort.

Step 3: Add the Tang

Pour in the vinegar and milk, whisking steadily. You’ll see the dressing thin slightly and become more fluid—perfect for coating cabbage evenly without pooling at the bottom.

Step 4: Season Gently

Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper. Whisk again and taste. This is the moment to adjust—maybe a pinch more salt, maybe an extra teaspoon of milk.

Step 5: Rest and Develop

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to mellow and meld, turning a good dressing into a great one.

The Perfect Bite of Marie’s Coleslaw Dressing Recipe

There’s something magical about the way this dressing feels on the tongue. It’s cool and creamy at first, then gently sweet, followed by a soft tang that lingers just long enough to make you want another bite. 

When tossed with crisp cabbage, the contrast is irresistible—crunchy, silky, refreshing, and comforting all at once. You can almost smell the faint vinegar note and taste the subtle richness of the mayo before the sweetness rounds everything out.

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My Personal Secrets From the Kitchen

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this easy Marie’s Coleslaw Dressing recipe truly shine:

• Always chill the dressing before using it. Cold dressing clings better and tastes brighter.
  
• Toss the coleslaw just before serving if you want maximum crunch.
  
• If the cabbage releases too much liquid, drain it slightly before adding more dressing.
  
• Taste again after chilling—cold dulls sweetness, so you may need a pinch more sugar.
  

These tiny adjustments make a big difference.

Fun Ways to Mix It Up

Once you’ve mastered the classic Marie’s Coleslaw Dressing, you can start playing:

• Add a spoonful of honey instead of sugar for floral sweetness.
  
• Swap half the mayo for sour cream for extra tang.
  
• Stir in finely grated onion for a sharper, deli-style flavor.
  
• Add a pinch of celery seed for a traditional twist.
  

Each variation keeps the soul of Marie’s Coleslaw Dressing Recipe intact while giving it a new personality.

Serving Inspiration: How to Enjoy It

This dressing isn’t just for coleslaw—though it shines there. Try it with:

• Pulled pork sandwiches
  
• Fried chicken
  
• Fish tacos
  
• As a creamy topping for baked potatoes
  
• Tossed with shredded Brussels sprouts
  

It’s one of those recipes that quietly sneaks into your regular rotation.

Keeping Marie’s Coleslaw Dressing Fresh

Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Give it a good stir before using, as it may thicken slightly. This dressing doesn’t freeze well, but honestly, it never lasts long enough in my house to try.

Your Questions Answered

Can I make Marie’s Coleslaw Dressing Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, it tastes better after a few hours in the fridge.

Is this dressing very sweet?
It’s gently sweet, not dessert-level. You can always reduce the sugar slightly.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—use a plant-based milk or omit it for a thicker dressing.

What cabbage works best?
Green cabbage is classic, but a mix of green and purple adds color and texture.

Why I Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

There’s a reason Marie’s Coleslaw Dressing Recipe has stuck with me all these years. It’s reliable, comforting, and endlessly adaptable. It reminds me that simple ingredients, treated with care, can create something truly special. Every time I make it, I’m taken back to that picnic table, that perfect bite, that feeling of this is exactly how it should taste.

If you try this homemade Marie’s Coleslaw Dressing Recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Did you tweak it? Did it become a family favorite? Drop a comment, share it with a friend, and most of all—enjoy every creamy, crunchy bite.