Creamy lemon dill coleslaw is a bright, refreshing summer side dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. This version features a creamy lemon-pepper dressing, a touch of dill, and crunchy sunflower seeds for texture. If you love coleslaw, this one will become a staple for picnics, cookouts, and weeknight dinners.
Lemon dill coleslaw strikes a perfect balance between creamy and crunchy, delivering bright citrus notes and herbaceous dill that feel like sunshine on a plate. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, tacos, and seafood, and it’s a quick way to add a fresh side to any meal.
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The Best Creamy Lemon Dill Coleslaw With Homemade Dressing
This simple coleslaw is ideal for spring and summer, but it’s great any time you want a fresh, crunchy side. The dressing comes together in minutes, and the slaw benefits from a short chill so the flavors meld.
What to Serve With Coleslaw
Coleslaw is versatile and complements many main dishes. Try it with:
- Tacos or pulled pork sandwiches
- Burgers or bratwurst
- Grilled steak or chicken
- Seafood dishes
- Pork entrees
It’s commonly used as a side or as a crunchy topping for fish tacos and pulled pork sandwiches.
Is Coleslaw Good for Weight Loss?
Coleslaw can be a nutritious addition to a balanced diet: cabbage provides vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants while the dish can remain relatively low in carbs. To increase protein and reduce fat, swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. The mayo version, however, gives a richer, creamier texture.
Can You Freeze Coleslaw Mix?
If you have leftover uncooked coleslaw mix (just the shredded cabbage/carrot mix), you can freeze it for up to two months. Remove as much air as possible and seal in a freezer bag. Avoid freezing dressed coleslaw: mayonnaise-based dressings don’t freeze well and may separate. Frozen cabbage can later be added to soups or stews for extra flavor and texture.
How Long Will Homemade Coleslaw Keep in the Fridge?
Homemade coleslaw is best eaten within 3–4 days. Over time the cabbage softens as it absorbs the dressing, so it’s crispest the first day.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Coleslaw
Begin by whisking together the mayonnaise, lemon pepper seasoning, and dried dill until smooth and creamy. Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mix and stir to combine. Add the sunflower seeds for crunch, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—2–3 hours is even better to allow flavors to meld. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime (or lemon) and season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Creamy Lemon Dill Coleslaw Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped)
- 1 bag coleslaw mix (or about 6–8 cups shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds (optional, for crunch)
- Salt and pepper to taste (applewood smoked salt is a nice option)
- Half a lime (for finishing)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon pepper, and dill until smooth to form the dressing.
- Add the coleslaw mix and sunflower seeds to the dressing and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; 2–3 hours is best to let flavors meld.
- Before serving, squeeze fresh lime over the slaw and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 cup • Calories: 117 kcal • Carbs: 3 g • Protein: 1 g • Fat: 12 g • Sodium: 467 mg • Fiber: 1 g • Sugar: 1 g
Using Fresh Dill Instead of Dried
Yes—fresh dill works beautifully. Use about three times the amount of fresh dill as you would dried (for example, 1/2 teaspoon dried ≈ 1½ teaspoons fresh), chop it finely, and stir it into the dressing.
Using a Whole Head of Cabbage
You can absolutely use a whole head of cabbage instead of bagged coleslaw mix. Slice thinly and add shredded carrots and a bit of red cabbage if you want color and variety. Bagged mix is convenient, but a fresh head yields great texture and flavor.
Doubling the Recipe
This recipe scales easily. Double or triple the ingredients as needed and mix in a large bowl—perfect for feeding a crowd.
Give this lemon dill coleslaw a try at your next gathering. It’s a simple, flavorful side that complements a wide range of mains. Have you tried a lemon dill coleslaw before? Let me know how you serve it.