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Creamy Crunchy Coleslaw with Poppy Seed Dressing

creamy crunchy coleslaw with poppy seed dressing - featured image

A fresh and indulgent coleslaw featuring a creamy poppy seed dressing that balances tangy sweetness with a satisfying crunch. Perfect for barbecues, picnics, and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups finely shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s or Hellmann’s recommended)
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables: finely shred about 4 cups of green cabbage and 1 cup of carrots. Finely dice 1/4 cup of red onion. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
  2. Make the poppy seed dressing: whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice if using. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Combine the salad: add the shredded cabbage, carrots, and diced onion into a large mixing bowl. Pour the poppy seed dressing over the vegetables and toss until evenly coated.
  4. Chill and rest: cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and soften the cabbage slightly without losing crunch. Can be prepared up to 4 hours in advance.
  5. Final taste and adjust: before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or vinegar if desired. Thin dressing with a teaspoon or two of milk or water if too thick.

Notes

Do not dress the coleslaw too early to preserve crunch. Finely shredding the cabbage improves texture. Adjust honey and vinegar to taste. For dairy-free, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or vegan mayo. Optional additions include fresh herbs, roasted sunflower seeds, or a spicy kick with hot sauce or cayenne.

Nutrition

Keywords: coleslaw, poppy seed dressing, creamy coleslaw, crunchy salad, summer side dish, barbecue side, picnic recipe, easy coleslaw