Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw Recipe for Dinner
Love the crunch and tang of pickles? Then you’ll adore this Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw! After making this countless times, I’ve discovered the perfect balance of sweet and heat. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Fresh Grilled Corn Avocado Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Iced Blue Tea Latte Recipe with Vanilla Cold Foam.
Why This Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw Recipe for Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- The perfect balance of sweet and spicy
- Crispy texture that stays fresh for days
- Easy to make and customizable to your taste
What You'll Need for Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw Recipe for Dinner
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 16 oz coleslaw mix
- 1 cup diced pickles
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp pickle juice
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp celery seeds
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: Crumbled bacon
- Optional: Shredded cheese
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Coleslaw mix: You can also shred your own cabbage and carrots.
- Pickles: Use sweet or dill pickles, whatever you prefer.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Mandoline Slicer — Ensures even, thin slices for perfect texture. → See on Amazon
- Measuring Spoons Set — Accurate measurements for consistent results. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw Recipe for Dinner
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine coleslaw mix, diced pickles, and sliced red onion.
- Step 2: In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, pickle juice, sugar, Dijon mustard, celery seeds, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture and toss to combine.
- Step 4: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with optional toppings and serve immediately.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw Recipe for Dinner
- : For a milder slaw, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overmix the slaw or it will become watery. Mix gently and only until combined.
- : Make ahead and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavor will intensify over time.
Storing & Reheating Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw Recipe for Dinner
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make-ahead tip: Can be made up to 1 day ahead.
Freezing Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw Recipe for Dinner
Not suitable for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Not applicable. Microwave: Not applicable.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: To make it creamy, add more mayonnaise. For a tangier slaw, add more vinegar or pickle juice.
- Best substitution: Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter version.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the dressing and vegetables separately. Mix just before serving.
- Scaling: Easily doubles or triples for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If the slaw is too dry, add more mayonnaise or pickle juice. If it's too wet, add more cabbage or let it sit in a colander to drain.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality Pickle Jar — Keeps pickles fresh and crunchy for longer. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw Recipe for Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 16 oz coleslaw mix
- 1 cup diced pickles
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
Seasonings
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp pickle juice
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp celery seeds
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Optional Toppings
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Crumbled bacon
- Shredded cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine coleslaw mix, diced pickles, and sliced red onion.
- Step 2: In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, pickle juice, sugar, Dijon mustard, celery seeds, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture and toss to combine.
- Step 4: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with optional toppings and serve immediately.
Notes
- Chef tip: To make it creamy, add more mayonnaise. For a tangier slaw, add more vinegar or pickle juice.
- Best substitution: Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter version.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the dressing and vegetables separately. Mix just before serving.
- Scaling: Easily doubles or triples for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If the slaw is too dry, add more mayonnaise or pickle juice. If it's too wet, add more cabbage or let it sit in a colander to drain.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Not suitable for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Not applicable.
- Microwave reheat: Not applicable.
- Make ahead: Can be made up to 1 day ahead.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 11g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sat. Fat: 1.5g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw Recipe for Dinner FAQs
Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavor will intensify over time.
Overmixing or using too much dressing can make the slaw watery. Mix gently and adjust the dressing accordingly.
No, freezing will cause the cabbage to lose its crunch and the dressing to separate.
Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw Recipe for Dinner and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
