My Grandma Rose’s Coleslaw Dressing: A Taste of Home

Summers in Ohio meant one thing: Grandma Rose’s annual barbeque. The smoky aroma of ribs wafted through the air, kids shrieked with laughter as they splashed in the kiddie pool, and a long table groaned under the weight of potato salad, corn on the cob, and, of course, Grandma’s famous coleslaw. I remember sneaking spoonfuls of that creamy, tangy goodness straight from the bowl, the cool crispness a welcome relief from the summer heat. It wasn’t just coleslaw; it was sunshine, family, and the taste of pure, unadulterated joy. Now, I’m excited to share her timeless recipe with you.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yields: About 1 cup
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 cup Mayonnaise (or Miracle Whip, if that’s your preference!)
• Juice of 1 Lemon
• ½ teaspoon Celery Seed
• 1 tablespoon Sugar, or to taste
• Salt and Pepper to taste

For the Coleslaw:

• ½ small Head of Cabbage, shredded
• 1 Carrot, shredded

Equipment Needed

• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk or Spoon
• Food Processor (optional, for shredding cabbage and carrot)

Instructions

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise (or Miracle Whip), lemon juice, and celery seed.
2. Add the sugar, starting with one tablespoon. Taste the dressing and add more if needed to achieve your desired level of sweetness. Some people prefer a tangier dressing, while others like it a little sweeter.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember to start with a small pinch of each and adjust as necessary.
4. Whisk (or stir vigorously with a spoon) all the ingredients together until they are well combined and the dressing is smooth and creamy.
5. In a separate large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and shredded carrot. You can use a food processor to quickly shred the vegetables, or you can shred them by hand using a sharp knife or a box grater.
6. Pour the dressing over the shredded cabbage and carrot.
7. Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
8. Cover the coleslaw and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the coleslaw to become even more delicious. Ideally, chilling for a couple of hours is best.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Adjust the Sweetness: The amount of sugar is really to taste. Start with the recommended amount and add more, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your preferred sweetness level. You can also use a sugar substitute if desired.
• Prevent Watery Coleslaw: To prevent the coleslaw from becoming watery, salt the shredded cabbage lightly and let it sit in a colander for about 30 minutes before adding the dressing. This will help draw out some of the excess moisture. Be sure to rinse the cabbage thoroughly and pat it dry before proceeding.
• Shredding Shortcuts: A food processor with a shredding attachment makes quick work of shredding the cabbage and carrots. If you don’t have a food processor, a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife and a little patience will do the trick.
• Dress it Right Before Serving: For the crispiest coleslaw, avoid dressing it too far in advance. Dress it right before serving to prevent the cabbage from getting soggy. If you need to make it ahead of time, store the shredded cabbage and the dressing separately in the refrigerator and combine them just before serving.
• Vinegar Kick: For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar to the dressing. Start with about a teaspoon and add more to taste. This will add a nice tanginess that complements the sweetness of the sugar.
• Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this coleslaw chilled as a side dish at barbecues, picnics, or potlucks. It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, sandwiches, and burgers. It’s particularly amazing with pulled pork barbeque, a match made in culinary heaven!

Leftover coleslaw should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days, but the cabbage may become slightly softer over time. It is not recommended to freeze coleslaw, as the vegetables will become very soggy when thawed.

Nutritional Information

(Approximate values per serving)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	250 kcal	13%
Total Fat	20g	31%
Saturated Fat	3g	15%
Cholesterol	10mg	3%
Sodium	150mg	7%
Total Carbohydrate	15g	5%
Dietary Fiber	2g	8%
Sugars	12g
Protein	1g	2%

Variations & Substitutions

• Creamier Coleslaw: Add a tablespoon or two of sour cream or plain yogurt to the dressing for an even creamier texture.
• Sweeter Coleslaw: Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a more natural sweetness.
• Healthier Coleslaw: Use a light mayonnaise or a Greek yogurt-based dressing to reduce the fat content.
• Colorful Coleslaw: Add other shredded vegetables, such as red cabbage, bell peppers, or jicama, for a more colorful and nutritious coleslaw.
• Pineapple Coleslaw: Add crushed pineapple for a tropical twist.
• Poppy Seed Coleslaw: Add a tablespoon of poppy seeds to the dressing for a nutty flavor and a pretty visual appeal.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the coleslaw up to 24 hours in advance. However, for the best texture, it’s best to dress the coleslaw shortly before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
A: Yes, you can use pre-shredded cabbage to save time. Just be sure to check the expiration date and give it a good rinse before using.

Q: How long does coleslaw last in the refrigerator?
A: Coleslaw will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, but the cabbage may become softer over time.

Q: Can I freeze coleslaw?
A: Freezing coleslaw is not recommended, as the vegetables will become very soggy when thawed.

Q: What is the difference between mayonnaise and Miracle Whip?
A: Mayonnaise is made with eggs, oil, and vinegar or lemon juice, while Miracle Whip contains eggs, oil, vinegar, sugar, and spices. Miracle Whip has a sweeter and tangier flavor than mayonnaise.

Final Thoughts

This simple coleslaw dressing is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to adapt it to your own taste preferences by adjusting the sweetness, tanginess, or adding other ingredients. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard barbeque or enjoying it as a side dish with your favorite meal, I hope this recipe brings a little bit of sunshine and happiness to your table. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own! Share your variations and feedback – I’d love to hear how you personalize this classic. And remember, the best coleslaw is the one that makes you smile!