Pickle Slaw: The Ultimate Guide to Making This Tangy Twist on Classic Coleslaw

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8-10

The Crunchy, Tangy Side Dish That's About to Become Your New Obsession

Take everything you love about creamy, crunchy coleslaw and crank it up with a serious dill pickle punch. That's pickle slaw in a nutshell: the perfect marriage between creamy coleslaw and your favorite dill pickle flavors!

This isn't your typical boring cabbage salad sitting sadly in the corner of the potluck table. Pickle slaw brings serious flavor and personality to every bite, combining fresh shredded cabbage with the zesty punch of dill pickle juice and chopped pickles. The result? A side dish that's crisp, creamy, tangy, and downright addictive.

From backyard barbecues to weeknight dinners, pickle slaw pairs beautifully with everything from pulled pork sandwiches to grilled chicken. Plus, it's ridiculously easy to make and gets better as it sits, making it perfect for meal prepping.

What Makes Pickle Slaw Different from Regular Coleslaw?

While traditional coleslaw relies on mayonnaise and vinegar for its creamy tang, pickle slaw takes things up a notch by incorporating actual dill pickle juice and chopped pickles into the mix. This gives the slaw a more complex flavor profile with that signature pickle punch that pickle lovers crave.

The dill pickle juice serves multiple purposes: it adds tangy flavor, helps tenderize the cabbage, and creates a more interesting creamy dressing when combined with mayonnaise and sour cream. Meanwhile, the chopped pickles provide bursts of concentrated dill pickle flavor and extra crunch.

Key Differences at a Glance:

The Complete Ingredient List for Perfect Pickle Slaw

The Crunchy Base

• 1 large head green cabbage, finely shredded (about 8 cups)

• 1 cup purple cabbage, shredded (for color and extra crunch)

• 2 large carrots, julienned or shredded

• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

The Pickle Power Players

• 1 cup SuckerPunch Classic Dill Pickles, chopped

• 1/4 cup SuckerPunch Dill Pickle Juice (the secret weapon!)

• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

• 1 teaspoon dried dill

The Creamy Dressing

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon mustard seed, crushed

• 1 teaspoon celery seed

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• Salt to taste

• 1 tablespoon added sugar (optional, for balance)

How to Make the Best Pickle Slaw

Step 1: Prep Your Vegetables

Start by shredding your green cabbage and purple cabbage using a sharp knife, food processor, or mandoline. You want thin, uniform pieces that'll hold up well in the dressing. Julienne or shred your carrots, and thinly slice the red onion. Place everything in a large bowl.

Step 2: Make the Dill Pickle Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, dill pickle juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, crushed mustard seed, celery seed, garlic powder, and black pepper. This creamy dressing should taste tangy and bold; Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 3: Combine and Mix

Add the chopped pickles and fresh dill to your shredded cabbage mixture. Pour the creamy dressing over everything and toss until all the vegetables are evenly coated. The pickle juice will start working its magic immediately, beginning to soften the cabbage slightly.

Step 4: Let the Flavors Meld

Cover your pickle slaw and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. For best results, let it chill for 2-4 hours or even overnight. This allows the dill pickle flavor to penetrate the cabbage and the flavors to marry beautifully.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve

Before serving, give the slaw a good stir and taste for seasoning. Add salt, pepper, or extra pickle juice as needed. Garnish with additional fresh dill and serve chilled.

Pro Tips for Pickle Slaw Perfection

Choosing the Right Cabbage

Green cabbage provides the classic coleslaw base, while adding some purple cabbage gives great color contrast and slightly different texture. Make sure your cabbage is fresh and crisp: wilted cabbage will result in soggy slaw.

The Food Processor Shortcut

Save time by using a food processor with the shredding disc to quickly shred your cabbage and carrots. Just be careful not to over-process; You want shreds, not mush!

Pickle Selection Matters

Not all pickles are created equal! SuckerPunch pickles maintain their crunch and deliver consistent dill pickle flavor that won't get lost in the coleslaw mix. Avoid using soft or overly sweet pickles that might throw off the flavor balance.

Drainage Technique

If you have time, lightly salt your shredded cabbage and let it sit in a colander for 30 minutes before making the slaw. This draws out excess water and prevents your pickle slaw from becoming watery. Rinse and pat dry before proceeding with the recipe.

Storage in an Airtight Container

Store leftover pickle slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually improve over time, making this perfect for meal prep or making ahead for parties.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Pickle Slaw

BBQ and Grilled Favorites

Pickle slaw is a natural partner for barbecue. Serve it alongside:

• Pulled pork sandwiches

• BBQ chicken

• Grilled burgers

• Hot dogs

• Smoked ribs

Comfort Food Classics

This tangy slaw cuts through rich, heavy dishes beautifully:

• Fried chicken

• Fish and chips

• Mac and cheese

• Potato salad (for the ultimate picnic spread)

Sandwich and Wrap Additions

Use pickle slaw as a topping or filling for:

• Chicken sandwiches

• Pork sandwiches

• Fish tacos

• Wraps and roll-ups

Variations to Try

Spicy Pickle Slaw

Add a kick by incorporating:

• 1-2 jalapeños, finely diced

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• Hot sauce to taste

• SuckerPunch’s Fiery Heat Three Pepper Spears

Sesame-Soy Dill Pickle Slaw

Add umami depth with:

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• Sesame seeds for garnish

Creamy Pickle Slaw with Herbs

Boost the fresh factor by adding:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped

• Extra fresh dill

Troubleshooting Common Pickle Slaw Problems

My Slaw is Too Watery

This usually happens when the cabbage releases too much moisture. Next time, try the salting technique mentioned above, or drain the slaw in a colander for 15 minutes before serving.

The Flavor is Too Mild

Don't be shy with the pickle juice! Start with 1/4 cup and add more to taste. Also, make sure you're using enough chopped pickles—they're the flavor stars of this show!

The Dressing is Too Thick

Thin it out with additional pickle juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar. The dressing should coat the vegetables without being gloopy.

It's Too Salty

Balance out excess salt with a bit of added sugar or extra sour cream. You can also add more fresh cabbage to dilute the saltiness.

Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Cooks

Pickle slaw is actually better when made ahead! Here's how to maximize convenience:

• Day Before: Make the complete slaw and refrigerate overnight

• Morning of: Prepare just the vegetables and dressing separately, combining 2-3 hours before serving

• Week prep: Shred vegetables and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before dressing

Why SuckerPunch Makes the Difference

When you're making something as pickle-forward as pickle slaw, the quality of your pickles matters. SuckerPunch pickles maintain their satisfying crunch even when chopped and mixed into slaw, while their perfectly balanced brine adds just the right amount of tangy dill pickle flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Our pickle juice strikes the perfect balance between salty, tangy, and savory—it's what transforms regular coleslaw into something memorable. Plus, when you use SuckerPunch products, you know you're getting consistent flavor in every jar. This means your pickle slaw will taste amazing every time you make it.

The Bottom Line on Pickle Slaw

Pickle slaw takes everything you love about traditional coleslaw and cranks up the flavor dial with bold dill pickle goodness. It's creamy, crunchy, tangy, and totally addictive—the kind of side dish that disappears fast at every gathering.

The best part? It's incredibly easy to make, gets better with time, and pairs with virtually everything. Once you try this pickle-packed version, regular coleslaw might seem a little bland in comparison.

Ready to give your next barbecue or family dinner a tangy upgrade? Grab some SuckerPunch pickles and pickle juice, and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite side dish. Your taste buds will thank you, and your guests will be asking for the recipe card before the meal is over.