Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw Recipe for Dinner

Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw is the perfect side dish for any meal. After making this many times, I’ve perfected the balance of sweet and spicy. The crunchy cabbage and carrots are tossed in a tangy, slightly spicy dressing, making it a fresh and light side for summer cookouts. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe Ready in Under 40 Minutes and Slow Cooker Chuck Roast with Potatoes and Carrots.

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.

• 1 small head cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup chopped pickles
• 1/2 cup chopped 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 (optional, for heat)
• Optional: Chopped fresh parsley
• Optional: Crumbled bacon
• Optional: Shredded cheese

How to Make Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw Recipe for Dinner

1. Step 1: Shred cabbage and carrots using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife. Chop pickles and red onion.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, pickles, and red onion.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, pickle juice, sugar, Dijon mustard, celery seeds, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
4. Step 4: Pour dressing over cabbage mixture and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Step 5: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Before serving, give it a quick toss and add any optional toppings.

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 3 days. Make-ahead tip: You can make this slaw up to a day ahead.

Freezing Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw Recipe for Dinner

Not recommended for freezing.

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: Not necessary, just give it a quick toss before serving. Microwave: Not recommended, as it can make the slaw soggy.

Recipe Notes

• Chef tip: For a creamy slaw, add 1/4 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the dressing.
• Best substitution: Substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
• Make-ahead: Prepare the slaw and dressing separately. Mix just before serving.
• Troubleshooting: If your slaw is too dry, add a bit more pickle juice or apple cider vinegar. If it's too wet, add more shredded cabbage.

Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw Recipe for Dinner

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Prep

15 minutes

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Cook

0 minutes

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Total

15 minutes

🍽

Serves

4-6 servings

🥗

Diet

Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 small head cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup chopped pickles
• 1/2 cup chopped 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 (optional, for heat)

Optional Toppings

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Crumbled bacon
• Shredded cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Shred cabbage and carrots using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife. Chop pickles and red onion.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, pickles, and red onion.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, pickle juice, sugar, Dijon mustard, celery seeds, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
4. Step 4: Pour dressing over cabbage mixture and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Step 5: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Before serving, give it a quick toss and add any optional toppings.

Notes

• Chef tip: For a creamy slaw, add 1/4 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the dressing.
• Best substitution: Substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
• Make-ahead: Prepare the slaw and dressing separately. Mix just before serving.
• Troubleshooting: If your slaw is too dry, add a bit more pickle juice or apple cider vinegar. If it's too wet, add more shredded cabbage.

Storage

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
• Oven reheat: Not necessary, just give it a quick toss before serving.
• Microwave reheat: Not recommended, as it can make the slaw soggy.
• Make ahead: You can make this slaw up to a day ahead.

Nutrition Per Serving

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 9g
• Carbs: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Cholesterol: 10mg
• 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

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!