Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw for Dinner
Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw is the perfect side dish for any meal. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to the best tangy dressing. Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Grilled Shrimp and Avocado Bowl and Classic Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar Cheese.
Why This Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw for Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy cabbage and carrots
- Tangy, creamy dressing
- Better than takeout
- Easy to make ahead
What You'll Need for Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw for Dinner
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Mayonnaise
- Apple cider vinegar
- Sugar
- Salt
- Pickle juice
- Hot sauce
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
- Optional: Chopped pickles
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley
đź“ť Ingredient Notes
- Cabbage: Use a mix of green and red cabbage for color.
- Mayonnaise: Use your favorite brand or make your own.
đź›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Food Processor — Saves time and ensures even shredding. → See on Amazon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons Set — Accurate measurements for perfect results. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw for Dinner
- Prepare the cabbage and carrots: Shred the cabbage and carrots using a food processor or a grater. Combine in a large bowl.
- Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, pickle juice, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Combine the slaw and dressing: Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots. Mix well to combine.
- Chill and serve: Chill the slaw in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Top with chopped pickles and parsley if desired.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw for Dinner
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overmix the slaw or it will become soggy. Gently mix until just combined.
- Pro tip: For a milder slaw, reduce the amount of hot sauce or omit it entirely.
- Pro tip: Make the slaw up to a day ahead and store in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld together and the slaw will become even more tangy.
Storing & Reheating Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw 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: Can be made up to a day ahead.
Freezing Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw for Dinner
Not recommended for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Not necessary, as this is a cold dish. Microwave: Not necessary, as this is a cold dish.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a creamier dressing, add a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Best substitution: Substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Make-ahead: Make the slaw up to a day ahead and store in the refrigerator.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the slaw is too dry, add a tablespoon of pickle juice or water to the dressing.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality Mayonnaise — Makes a huge difference in the flavor of the dressing. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw for Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Mayonnaise
- Apple cider vinegar
- Sugar
- Salt
Seasonings
- Pickle juice
- Hot sauce
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
Optional Toppings
- Chopped pickles
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage and carrots: Shred the cabbage and carrots using a food processor or a grater. Combine in a large bowl.
- Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, pickle juice, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Combine the slaw and dressing: Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots. Mix well to combine.
- Chill and serve: Chill the slaw in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Top with chopped pickles and parsley if desired.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a creamier dressing, add a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Best substitution: Substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Make-ahead: Make the slaw up to a day ahead and store in the refrigerator.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the slaw is too dry, add a tablespoon of pickle juice or water to the dressing.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Not necessary, as this is a cold dish.
- Microwave reheat: Not necessary, as this is a cold dish.
- Make ahead: Can be made up to a day ahead.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- 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 for Dinner FAQs
Yes, you can make the slaw up to a day ahead. The flavors will meld together and the slaw will become even more tangy.
If the slaw is too dry, add a tablespoon of pickle juice or water to the dressing. This will help to moisten the slaw.
No, this is a cold dish and does not require cooking.
Greek yogurt is a good substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe. It will make the dressing lighter and tangier.
Yes, this slaw is perfect for cookouts and BBQs. It pairs well with grilled meats and vegetables.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw 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!
