Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw Recipe for Dinner
Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw is the perfect side dish for dinner. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to the best texture is to thinly slice the cabbage. This recipe is light and fresh, perfect for summer cookouts. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy High Protein Smoked Salmon Quinoa Breakfast Bowls and Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet with Spinach.
Why This Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw Recipe for Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy cabbage and carrots in every bite
- Sweet and spicy dressing that's better than takeout
- Easy to make and ready in 20 minutes
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 green cabbage
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 small red onion
- 1 cup pickle juice
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
📝 Ingredient Notes
- cabbage: Thinly slice for best texture
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Mandoline Slicer — Ensures thin, even slices for perfect slaw texture → See on Amazon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons Set — Accurate measurements for consistent results → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw Recipe for Dinner
- Prepare the vegetables: Thinly slice the cabbage, julienne the carrots, and finely chop the red onion. Combine in a large bowl.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, hot sauce, celery seeds, and salt.
- Combine and marinate: Pour the dressing over the vegetables. Add pickle juice and toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh dill and chives before serving.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw Recipe for Dinner
- Texture tip: Thinly slicing the cabbage ensures a crispy texture.
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overmix the dressing. If it separates, add a teaspoon of water and whisk again.
- Make-ahead tip: Prepare the slaw up to a day ahead. Store in the refrigerator.
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 refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare up to a 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 necessary. Microwave: Not necessary.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a milder slaw, use less hot sauce or omit it altogether.
- Best substitution: Substitute green cabbage with savoy cabbage for a milder flavor.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the slaw up to a day ahead. Store in the refrigerator.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If the dressing separates, add a teaspoon of water and whisk again.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality mayonnaise — Ensures a creamy, rich dressing for your slaw → Check price on Amazon
Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw Recipe for Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 small head green cabbage
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 small red onion
- 1 cup pickle juice
Seasonings
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Thinly slice the cabbage, julienne the carrots, and finely chop the red onion. Combine in a large bowl.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, hot sauce, celery seeds, and salt.
- Combine and marinate: Pour the dressing over the vegetables. Add pickle juice and toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh dill and chives before serving.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a milder slaw, use less hot sauce or omit it altogether.
- Best substitution: Substitute green cabbage with savoy cabbage for a milder flavor.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the slaw up to a day ahead. Store in the refrigerator.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If the dressing separates, add a teaspoon of water and whisk again.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Not suitable for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Not necessary.
- Microwave reheat: Not necessary.
- Make ahead: Prepare up to a day ahead.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 7g
- 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, prepare the slaw up to a day ahead. Store in the refrigerator.
If the dressing separates, add a teaspoon of water and whisk again.
Yes, you can substitute or add other vegetables like bell peppers or radishes.
The spiciness of this slaw can be adjusted by adding more or less hot sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
This slaw pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, and burgers. Try it with my Easy High Protein Smoked Salmon Quinoa Breakfast Bowls or Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Skillet with Spinach.
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!
