The first time I made this coleslaw dressing it took me ten minutes and every bite of slaw at the picnic tasted like the good kind of nostalgia.
It’s a tiny recipe with a huge payoff: creamy body, bright tang, and just enough sweet to make your cabbage sing.
If you’re after a quick pantry dressing that plays well with salads, sandwiches, and BBQ plates, this one is a keeper.
For a lighter citrus twist, try pairing it with my honey lemon dressing on the side.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under five minutes with three pantry staples.
- Balances sweet, creamy, and acidic notes for crowd-pleasing flavor.
- Easy to scale up or down for a family or potluck.
- Perfect for crunchy cabbage but versatile enough for carrot slaws, potato salad toppers, or sandwich spreads.
This dressing has a lush, slightly glossy texture from Miracle Whip that clings to shredded cabbage without watering down. The sugar softens the vinegar’s bite, while apple cider vinegar cuts through the richness and keeps every forkful bright. The balance creates a silky coating that still lets the cabbage’s crunch come through, so the mouthfeel is creamy and crisp at once.
"I doubled it for a church picnic and it disappeared faster than the fried chicken. Perfectly balanced and everyone asked for the recipe." — 5★ review from reader Jenna M.
Key Ingredients
Miracle Whip (1/2 cup) — Miracle Whip is sweeter and tangier than plain mayonnaise, and that distinct flavor forms the backbone of this dressing. If you prefer less sweetness, you can substitute half mayo and half Miracle Whip for a subtler zing. Choose the squeeze-bottle for easy measuring and less mess.
White sugar (2 TBSP) — Sugar rounds the edges of the vinegar and helps the dressing cling to cabbage. Superfine sugar dissolves fastest, but regular granulated sugar works fine if you whisk a little longer. For a slightly less processed option, a tablespoon of honey can replace part of the sugar.
Apple cider vinegar (2 TBSP) — Apple cider vinegar brings bright acidity and a mild fruity depth that works better with cabbage than plain white vinegar. Look for unfiltered ACV if you like a touch of earthy complexity; otherwise, standard ACV is ideal and widely available.
Full ingredient list:
- 1/2 cup Miracle Whip
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Combine the base
Measure 1/2 cup Miracle Whip into a medium mixing bowl.
Add 2 tablespoons of white sugar to the bowl.
Whisk or stir vigorously until the sugar is fully incorporated and the mixture looks smooth and slightly glossy.
Pro tip: Use a small whisk or fork—the motion helps dissolve the sugar and aerates the dressing for a lighter mouthfeel. You’ll know it’s ready when you no longer feel sugar grit and the dressing looks homogenous.
Step 2: Add brightness
Pour 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar into the Miracle Whip and sugar mixture.
Whisk briskly to combine; the dressing will thin slightly and become more pourable.
Pro tip: Add the vinegar in a slow stream while whisking for the best emulsion. The dressing should coat the back of a spoon without running off immediately.
Step 3: Dress the cabbage
Place about 6 cups of shredded cabbage (roughly half a medium head) in a large bowl.
Pour the dressing over the cabbage evenly, then toss with tongs or a fork until every shred is lightly coated.
Pro tip: For the crispiest slaw, toss just before serving. If you need to prep ahead, toss and let sit 15–20 minutes to soften the cabbage a touch.
Step 4: Finish and serve
Taste and adjust: a pinch more sugar if too tart, or a drop more vinegar if it needs lift.
Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika for color, if desired. Serve straight away or chill briefly for a cooler slaw.
Pro tip: If the slaw seems flat after chilling, stir in a teaspoon of vinegar before serving to revive the flavors.
Expert Tips for Success
- Measure with confidence: Miracle Whip is forgiving but precise tablespoons of sugar and vinegar keep the balance clean. Use measuring spoons and level them for consistency.
- Texture control: If you like silky dressing, let the mixed dressing rest 5 minutes before tossing to let the sugar dissolve fully. For toothsome crunch, shred the cabbage on the thicker side and toss just before serving.
- Shredding tools: A sharp chef’s knife and a steady hand give the most control. For speed, use a box grater or the thin-shred disk on a food processor. Clean blades produce clean cabbage lines that hold dressing better.
- Adjusting sweetness: Taste after combining. If your Miracle Whip is from a jar that tastes sweeter or tarter than usual, subtract or add sugar a half-teaspoon at a time. Small adjustments make a big difference.
- Make-ahead strategy: For the best texture, mix the dressing and store it separately in an airtight jar for up to 3 days. Keep the shredded cabbage chilled and combine them within an hour of serving.
- Serving ideas: This dressing is classic on coleslaw, but it’s also excellent as a spread for pulled pork sandwiches or as a base for a quick slaw taco topping. For a complementary side, try it alongside a spring mix salad with balsamic honey dressing to play sweet against tangy.
Storage & Freezing
Fridge: Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The Miracle Whip base keeps it safe and fresh for short-term storage. Always give it a good stir before using; separation is normal and whisking brings it back together.
Fridge with slaw: If you’ve already tossed the cabbage, keep the dressed slaw in a shallow airtight container and consume within 24–36 hours for best texture. The cabbage will soften and release water over time, which can thin the dressing and change the bite.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this dressing. The emulsion will break and Miracle Whip’s texture can become grainy once thawed. If you must freeze a dressed slaw component (not the dressing itself), freeze the dressing separately and expect a textural change after thawing.
Thawing & reheating: If you accidentally freeze the dressing, thaw overnight in the fridge and vigorously whisk or use a small blender to re-emulsify it. Do not heat the dressing; it’s intended to be served cold or at room temperature. Heat will separate the fats and ruin the creamy consistency.
Variations & Substitutions
- Lighter swap: Replace half the Miracle Whip with plain Greek yogurt to reduce calories and add tang. The dressing will be tangier and slightly less sweet, so taste and adjust sugar.
- Citrus brightness: Add 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice and a teaspoon of lemon zest for a citrus lift that brightens the slaw without making it sour. This works especially well if you pair the slaw with seafood.
- Mustard twist: Stir in 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a savory depth. Dijon complements Miracle Whip’s sweetness and adds a subtle heat that balances the vinegar.
- Sugar alternatives: Substitute 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup for a touch of floral complexity. Reduce vinegar slightly if using a sweeter alternative to maintain balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this dressing with mayonnaise instead of Miracle Whip?
A: Yes. Using mayonnaise will yield a less sweet and more neutral base. If you substitute mayo, add 1/2 teaspoon of sugar to mimic Miracle Whip’s sweet edge, or swap part mayo and part Miracle Whip to achieve a middle ground.
Q: How long will coleslaw stay crisp after dressing?
A: Once dressed, coleslaw stays acceptably crisp for about 6–12 hours when chilled. For best texture at events, dress the cabbage within an hour of serving. If you need to prep earlier, store the dressing separately and toss just before serving.
Q: Is apple cider vinegar necessary or can I use white vinegar?
A: Apple cider vinegar provides a milder, fruitier acidity that complements cabbage. White vinegar will work in a pinch but can taste sharper; reduce the amount by 1/2 teaspoon if using white vinegar to avoid overpowering the dressing.
Q: Can I add carrots or other vegetables to this coleslaw?
A: Absolutely. Shredded carrots, thinly sliced green onions, or finely chopped bell pepper all pair well. Roasted sweet potato or fennel can add an interesting texture contrast—toss them in while the dressing is cool to keep the vegetables crisp.
Q: Will the dressing separate if left out at room temperature?
A: Because this dressing contains mayonnaise-like ingredients, it should not sit at room temperature for more than two hours. For outdoor events in heat, keep it on ice or refrigerate until serving time to preserve safety and texture.
Final Thoughts
This coleslaw dressing is one of those pantry miracles that transforms simple shredded cabbage into a crowd favorite.
If you tried it and loved it, please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or pin this recipe to Pinterest for later.
For more inspiration and variations, check out this Coleslaw Dressing Recipe – Love and Lemons, this robust version at Homemade Coleslaw Dressing Recipe | Ask Chef Dennis, and another home cook favorite at Homemade Coleslaw Dressing | All Things Mamma.
