Creamy Coleslaw with Poppy Seed Dressing

Indulge in the perfect blend of crisp cabbage, carrots, and red onions with an irresistible creamy poppy seed dressing. This Creamy Coleslaw recipe is easy to make and bursting with flavor, it’s the ultimate side dish for any meal or BBQ gathering.

This recipe originally appeared on the website in March 2016 and is now updated with new images and more information for the reader – April 2024.

I’ve never really been a fan of coleslaw, except for the Colonel’s (KFC) but this recipe is a winner!  Most of the time I just overlook the little cup of coleslaw that comes with the BBQ plate because it isn’t very good. That is until I made this Creamy Coleslaw with Poppy Seed Dressing. Oh my word, it’s crunchy, sweet, tangy, and delicious!

The creamy coleslaw goes perfectly with any meal, but it is a perfect side for these Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches. My husband loves to put coleslaw on his BBQ sandwiches and he loved this coleslaw. Adding the coleslaw to the sandwich has to be a Southern thing but it’s very good!

Why You’ll love this recipe

• Easy to make
• Pairs well with most any food
• Great for BBQs, potlucks, picnics, and more
• Coleslaw has a refreshing crunch from the vegetables

Creamy Coleslaw

The combination of creamy dressing, tangy vinegar, and a hint of sweetness in this creamy coleslaw creates a well-balanced flavor profile that’s both satisfying and addictive. You just can’t go wrong with this simple recipe.

Making the poppy seed dressing is easy with only six ingredients and uses a bagged coleslaw mix, which saves time.

The slaw is best served cold and after it’s been chilled for at least 2 hours but I tend to make it in the morning and then serve for dinner. The cole slaw holds it crunch for several days so it’s a great side dish to make a few days in advance and keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I use a bottled poppy seed dressing to make coleslaw?

Yes, you can use a bottled poppy seed dressing to make cabbage coleslaw, but it only takes 5 minutes to make the homemade version. If you have the dressing already in the pantry and want to use it, I would start with about 2/3 cup of dressing and then add a little at a time until you get the right consistency.

What to serve with coleslaw?

You can serve any type of meat with coleslaw from pulled pork to buffalo turkey sandwiches. It pairs well with baked beans and if you’re having a BBQ, it will go great with the many other sides being served.

🥣Equipment

• large mixing bowl
• small bowl
• wooden spoon

📃Ingredients

• 1 16-ounce bag of coleslaw mix
• 2 tablespoons diced red onion
• ⅔ cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• ¼ cup white sugar PLUS 2 tablespoons
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon poppy seeds

Directions

Combine the coleslaw mix and diced red onion in a large mixing bowl.

To make the coleslaw dressing with poppy seeds, whisk together in a small bowl the mayonnaise, oil, sugar, vinegar, salt, and poppy seeds until well blended.

Pour the dressing mixture over the cabbage salad and toss well to coat.

Chill for at least 2 – 3 hours before enjoying. Give the salad a good mix before serving.

Tips, Tricks, and FAQs

• To make a Spicy Coleslaw, add diced jalapeños, or a few dashes of hot sauce, or red pepper flakes.
• Add a sweet and fruity twist by including fruits like apples, pineapples, raisins, or cranberries to the cabbage mix. This would go great with the poppy seed dressing.
• If you prefer a sweeter slaw, add a bit more sugar.
• Substitute the bagged cabbage mix with broccoli slaw mix. You can find that in the same area as the slaw mix.
• Add this salad to your taco Tuesday night by adding flavors commonly found in Mexican foods such as lime juice, cilantro, cumin, and chili powder.
• Adding a bit of Dijon mustard to the dressing is also a great option.

Other Side Salads to try

• Lighter Broccoli Salad
• Creamy Macaroni Coleslaw Salad
• Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
• Creamy BLT Pasta Salad

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Enjoy!