Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw for Dinner
Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw is a crispy, tangy side dish that’s better than takeout. After making this many times, I discovered the secret to the perfect balance of sweet and heat. Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Hibachi Zucchini Stir Fry Recipe for Dinner and Fresh Apple Tortellini Salad with Strawberries and Greens.
Why This Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw for Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy cabbage and carrots in every bite
- Tangy, sweet, and spicy dressing
- Better than takeout and easy to make
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.
- 1 small cabbage
- 2 medium carrots
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp celery seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: Crispy bacon bits
- Optional: Chopped green onions
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Sriracha: Adjust to taste for desired heat level.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Food Processor — Quickly shreds cabbage and carrots for even pieces. → See on Amazon
- Measuring Spoons Set — Accurate measurements for perfect dressing every time. → 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 sharp knife. Place in a large bowl.
- Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, Sriracha, and celery seeds.
- Combine and season: Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots. Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss to combine.
- Chill and serve: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Top with chopped parsley and your choice of toppings.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw for Dinner
- Common mistake and fix: Don't over-shred the cabbage. It should be thinly sliced, not minced.
- Pro tip: Make the slaw up to a day ahead and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld together and the cabbage will soften slightly.
- Pro tip: For a milder slaw, reduce the Sriracha or omit it entirely. You can always add more heat later.
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: Yes, up to a day ahead.
Freezing Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw for Dinner
Not recommended for this recipe.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Not necessary for this recipe. Microwave: Not necessary for this recipe.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a creamy, tangy dressing, use full-fat mayonnaise.
- Best substitution: Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter version.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the slaw up to a day ahead and store in the refrigerator.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If the slaw is too dry, add a bit more mayonnaise or apple cider vinegar.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality Sriracha — Makes a big difference in the flavor of the dressing. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw for Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 small cabbage
- 2 medium carrots
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp celery seeds
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Optional Toppings
- Crispy bacon bits
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage and carrots: Shred the cabbage and carrots using a food processor or a sharp knife. Place in a large bowl.
- Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, Sriracha, and celery seeds.
- Combine and season: Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots. Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss to combine.
- Chill and serve: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Top with chopped parsley and your choice of toppings.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a creamy, tangy dressing, use full-fat mayonnaise.
- Best substitution: Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter version.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the slaw up to a day ahead and store in the refrigerator.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If the slaw is too dry, add a bit more mayonnaise or apple cider vinegar.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for this recipe.
- Oven reheat: Not necessary for this recipe.
- Microwave reheat: Not necessary for this recipe.
- Make ahead: Yes, up to a day ahead.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sat. Fat: 2.5g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw for Dinner FAQs
Yes, make it up to a day ahead and store in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld together and the cabbage will soften slightly.
If the slaw is too dry, add a bit more mayonnaise or apple cider vinegar. The dressing should be creamy and tangy.
No, the air fryer is not necessary for this recipe. The slaw is best served cold or at room temperature.
Greek yogurt is a good substitute for a lighter version. However, full-fat mayonnaise gives the best flavor and creaminess.
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Be sure to use certified gluten-free ingredients if necessary.
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!
