Crispy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw for Quick Dinners
Crispy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw is the ultimate quick dinner side dish. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the secret to keeping it crispy. This tangy, slightly spicy slaw is the perfect complement to grilled meats and sandwiches. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Creamy Pistachio Baklava Cheesecake Recipe and Easy Mediterranean Baked Cod with Tomatoes and Olives.
Why This Crispy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw for Quick Dinners Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy texture that stays crunchy for hours
- Tangy and slightly spicy dressing that's addictive
- Easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights
- Versatile side dish that pairs well with many meals
What You'll Need for Crispy 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 chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp celery seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: Crumbled bacon
- Optional: Shredded cheese
đź“ť Ingredient Notes
- Coleslaw mix: You can also shred your own cabbage and carrots.
đź›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Mandoline Slicer — Ensures even, thin slices for perfect texture. → See on Amazon
- High-quality Mayonnaise — Rich, creamy texture that elevates the dressing. → See on Amazon
How to Make Crispy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw for Quick Dinners
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, hot sauce, celery seeds, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine coleslaw mix, diced pickles, and chopped red onion. Pour dressing over the vegetables and toss to combine.
- Chill and serve: Chill the slaw in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve with your favorite main dish and enjoy!
Cook's Tips for Perfect Crispy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw for Quick Dinners
- Texture tip: For extra crunch, toss in some crushed tortilla chips or pretzels.
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overmix the dressing. Whisk until just combined to avoid breaking the mayonnaise.
- Make-ahead tip: Prepare the slaw up to a day ahead. Store in the refrigerator and give it a quick toss before serving.
- Serving tip: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or crumbled bacon for extra flavor and presentation.
Storing & Reheating Crispy 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 refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare up to a day ahead.
Freezing Crispy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw for Quick Dinners
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 sweet pickles and omit the hot sauce.
- Best substitution: Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter dressing.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the dressing and vegetables separately. Combine just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to suit your needs.
- Troubleshooting: If the slaw becomes soggy, drain excess liquid and add more crunchy vegetables.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality Pickles — Tangy, crunchy pickles are the star of this slaw. Using the best pickles ensures the best flavor. → Check price on Amazon
Crispy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw for Quick Dinners
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 16 oz coleslaw mix
- 1 cup diced pickles
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
Seasonings
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp celery seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Crumbled bacon
- Shredded cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, hot sauce, celery seeds, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine coleslaw mix, diced pickles, and chopped red onion. Pour dressing over the vegetables and toss to combine.
- Chill and serve: Chill the slaw in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve with your favorite main dish and enjoy!
Notes
- Chef tip: For a milder slaw, use sweet pickles and omit the hot sauce.
- Best substitution: Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter dressing.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the dressing and vegetables separately. Combine just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to suit your needs.
- Troubleshooting: If the slaw becomes soggy, drain excess liquid and add more crunchy vegetables.
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: 180
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sat. Fat: 2.5g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Crispy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw for Quick Dinners FAQs
Yes, prepare the slaw up to a day ahead. Store in the refrigerator and give it a quick toss before serving.
Overmixing the dressing or using too much dressing can cause the slaw to become soggy. Drain excess liquid and add more crunchy vegetables to revive it.
No, this slaw is best served cold. The air fryer is not suitable for this recipe.
Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for mayonnaise for a lighter dressing.
Yes, this slaw is perfect for cookouts and picnics. It stays crispy for hours and travels well.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Crispy 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!
