Best Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw for Quick Dinners
Love the tangy crunch of pickles? You’ll adore this Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw! After making it dozens of times, I’ve perfected the balance of sweet and heat. It’s my family’s go-to side for quick dinners. The crispy textures and bold flavors will make your meal irresistible. Keep reading for my best tips or jump to the recipe card. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Creamy Orange Blossom Semolina Pudding with Pistachios and Maple Bacon Pork Chops with Creamy Dijon Mustard Sauce.
Why This Best Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw for Quick Dinners Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy textures that stay crunchy for days
- Perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors
- Ready in just 15 minutes for quick dinners
What You'll Need for Best Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw for Quick Dinners
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 pickle juice
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp celery seeds
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Optional: 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Optional: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Coleslaw mix: You can also shred your own cabbage and carrots.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Mandoline Slicer — Ensures perfectly thin, even slices for your coleslaw mix. → See on Amazon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons Set — Accurate measurements ensure the perfect balance of flavors. → See on Amazon
How to Make Best Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw for Quick Dinners
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine coleslaw mix, diced pickles, pickle juice, and apple cider vinegar.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together sugar, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, celery seeds, salt, and black 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 let the flavors meld.
- Step 5: Stir in green onions and parsley before serving.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Best Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw for Quick Dinners
- : For a milder slaw, use sweet pickle relish instead of diced pickles and omit the hot sauce.
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overmix the slaw or it will become soggy. Gently toss to combine.
- : Make it ahead: This slaw keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- : For a creamy version, add 1/2 cup of mayonnaise to the dressing.
Storing & Reheating Best Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw for Quick Dinners
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 Best Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw for Quick Dinners
Not suitable for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Not applicable. Microwave: Not applicable.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Adjust the hot sauce to suit your spice preference.
- Best substitution: Substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar if needed.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the slaw up to a day ahead, but add the green onions and parsley just before serving.
- Scaling: Easily double or triple the recipe for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If your slaw is too dry, add a bit more pickle juice or apple cider vinegar.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality Pickles — Using the best pickles ensures a tangy, crunchy base for your slaw. → Check price on Amazon
Best Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw for Quick Dinners
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 16 oz coleslaw mix
- 1 cup diced pickles
- 1/2 cup pickle juice
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
Seasonings
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp celery seeds
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Optional Toppings
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine coleslaw mix, diced pickles, pickle juice, and apple cider vinegar.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together sugar, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, celery seeds, salt, and black 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 let the flavors meld.
- Step 5: Stir in green onions and parsley before serving.
Notes
- Chef tip: Adjust the hot sauce to suit your spice preference.
- Best substitution: Substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar if needed.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the slaw up to a day ahead, but add the green onions and parsley just before serving.
- Scaling: Easily double or triple the recipe for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If your slaw is too dry, add a bit more pickle juice or apple cider vinegar.
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: 100
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 3g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sat. Fat: 0.5g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Best Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw for Quick Dinners FAQs
Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Add the green onions and parsley just before serving.
Overmixing can cause the slaw to become soggy. Gently toss to combine and avoid overmixing.
No, freezing will cause the slaw to lose its crunchy texture.
Add 1/2 cup of mayonnaise to the dressing for a creamy version.
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 Best Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw for Quick Dinners 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!
