Large Mixing Bowl For tossing the vegetables and dressing together. If you’re making a big batch, opt for a salad bowl with tall sides to keep everything contained.
Whisk Essential for emulsifying the dressing. A fork works in a pinch.
Box grater or food processor To shred the carrots finely. You could also buy pre-shredded to save time.
Sharp chef’s knife For slicing cabbage if you're not using a pre-shredded mix.
Measuring cups and spoons Precision matters, especially when balancing sour cream with vinegar.
Ingredients
For the Dressing
1cupsour cream – The creamy base that keeps this slaw dressing rich without being heavy.
2tablespoonswhite wine vinegar – Adds brightness and that essential tang.
1tablespoonwhole grain mustard – Offers both spice and texture.
1teaspoonhoney – Just a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity.
3tablespoonschopped fresh dill – The star herb that gives this dressing its unique identity.
Salt and black pepperto taste
For the Slaw
4cupsfinely shredded green cabbage
2cupsfinely shredded red cabbage – For color and crunch.
1large carrotgrated
½small red onionfinely sliced (optional) – Adds a bite and a bit of color contrast.
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dressing
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, white wine vinegar, whole grain mustard, and honey until smooth and well combined. Add the fresh chopped dill, and season generously with salt and pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust as needed. If you like it more tangy, splash in a little more vinegar. Want it sweeter? A touch more honey will do the trick.
This is a great point to reflect on how this method is an ideal answer to the ever-popular question of How To Make Coleslaw Dressing from scratch. It’s straightforward and fresh, without relying on heavy ingredients like mayo—making it a good candidate for a Cole Slaw Dressing Recipe Easy No Mayo alternative.
Step 2: Prep the Vegetables
Finely shred the cabbages and place them in a large bowl. Grate the carrot using a box grater or the shredding attachment on a food processor. If using, slice the red onion thinly and add it to the mix. Toss everything together with your hands or tongs to distribute the veggies evenly.
Step 3: Dress and Chill
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until every bit is coated. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld and the cabbage to slightly soften. If you have time, chilling it for up to an hour improves the texture and flavor even more.