If you’re a fan of the tangy, refreshing crunch of dill pickles, then prepare to discover your new favorite side dish: Dill Pickle Coleslaw. This isn’t your average, understated coleslaw; it’s a vibrant, flavor-packed creation that balances creamy richness with a zesty, briny kick. Whether you’re planning a summer barbecue, looking for the perfect topping for your pulled pork sandwich, or simply craving a refreshing salad, this dill pickle coleslaw recipe is an absolute game-changer. It’s incredibly easy to make, yet delivers an unforgettable burst of flavor that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
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| Yields: | Prep Time: | Optional Chill: | Total Time: |
| 6 servings | 10 mins | 1 hour | 1 hour 10mins |
Infused with the irresistible tang of dill pickles and crafted with crisp cabbage and a luscious, pickle-forward dressing, this coleslaw is a must-try for anyone who appreciates bold, vibrant flavors. One taste, and you’ll find yourself reaching for this unique twist on a classic, leaving ordinary coleslaw in the past! If you enjoy this, you’ll also adore my Dill Pickle Potato Salad and Dill Pickle Pasta Salad for more pickle-powered deliciousness.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Dill Pickle Coleslaw
This Dill Pickle Coleslaw is more than just a side; it’s a culinary experience that elevates any meal. Its unique flavor profile is incredibly versatile, making it a star at any gathering. Imagine a vibrant green and white slaw, speckled with bright dill and chunky pickle pieces, all coated in a rich, tangy dressing. It’s perfect for adding a refreshing contrast to heavy barbecue dishes, or a delightful crunch to a simple sandwich. The balance of creamy, zesty, and crunchy textures creates a symphony in every bite, proving that coleslaw can be exciting and flavorful. Forget bland, watery versions; this recipe guarantees a coleslaw that’s bursting with personality and crave-worthy goodness.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Coleslaw
Crafting the perfect Dill Pickle Coleslaw relies on a harmonious blend of simple yet powerful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that signature creamy, tangy, and crunchy profile:
- Mayonnaise: The creamy foundation of our dressing. Mayonnaise provides the luscious, smooth texture that coats every shred of cabbage and diced pickle, beautifully balancing the acidity from other ingredients while adding a rich depth. Starting with a moderate amount and adjusting to your preferred creaminess is key for the perfect consistency.
- Pickle Juice: This is the secret star ingredient that elevates this coleslaw from good to outstanding! Pickle juice infuses the entire dish with its distinctive tangy and briny flavor, delivering that unmistakable dill pickle punch. It also helps to thin the dressing to the ideal consistency, ensuring even coating without making the coleslaw overly watery.
- Diced Pickles: Not just for flavor, diced pickles add an incredible textural contrast. Their crisp, crunchy bite and intensely tangy, salty notes reinforce the dill pickle theme, making sure every forkful is loaded with satisfying pickle goodness. Feel free to be generous if you’re a true pickle enthusiast!
- Mustard: A touch of mustard brings a subtle yet essential zing to the dressing. It adds depth, a slight sharpness, and helps to emulsify the dressing, enhancing the pickle juice and cutting through the richness of the mayonnaise. Whether you opt for classic yellow mustard or the more complex flavor of Dijon, it provides that perfect background note.
- Fresh or Dried Dill: The quintessential herb for any pickle-inspired dish. Dill provides a bright, fresh, and aromatic herbaceousness that is fundamental to the authentic dill pickle taste. Using fresh dill will offer a more vibrant flavor, while dried dill is a convenient and still delicious alternative.
- Garlic Powder: A hint of savory garlic rounds out the dressing, preventing it from tasting flat and adding an underlying warmth. It subtly enhances the overall flavor profile without overpowering the star dill pickle notes.
- Sugar or Sweetener: A small amount of sweetness is crucial for balance. It counteracts the acidity from the pickle juice and mustard, preventing the dressing from becoming too sharp. This touch of sweetness creates a well-rounded flavor, offering a pleasant contrast. You can customize the sweetness level by using granulated sugar, honey, maple syrup, or your preferred sugar substitute.
- Shredded Coleslaw Mix: The crisp and refreshing base of the slaw. A good quality mix of shredded cabbage (often green and purple varieties) and carrots absorbs the creamy, tangy dressing beautifully. Using a pre-packaged mix offers ultimate convenience, or you can shred your own vegetables for a fresher, homemade touch.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Dill Pickle Coleslaw
Creating this irresistible dill pickle coleslaw is wonderfully straightforward. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful side dish ready in no time. Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, mustard (Dijon or yellow, based on your preference), pickle juice, finely diced pickles, fresh or dried dill, garlic powder, sugar or your chosen sweetener, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well-combined. Ensure there are no lumps and the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Combine with Coleslaw Mix: Add the shredded coleslaw mix (a blend of cabbage and carrots) to the bowl with the prepared dressing. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently fold the dressing into the vegetables until all the cabbage and carrots are evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can bruise the cabbage and lead to a softer texture.
- Taste and Adjust: This is a crucial step! Take a small taste of the coleslaw. Do you prefer it tangier? Add a bit more pickle juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar. Craving more dill flavor? Stir in extra fresh or dried dill. Need more sweetness to balance the tang? Add another tablespoon of sugar or sweetener. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed until the flavor profile is perfectly to your liking.
- Serve or Chill: Your Dill Pickle Coleslaw is now ready to be enjoyed! You can serve it immediately for a slightly crisper texture, or, for optimal flavor melding and a cooler, more refreshing experience, cover the bowl and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, before serving. The chilling time allows the flavors to deepen and the cabbage to soften slightly, creating an even more delicious slaw.
Customization Tips: Substitution and Add-In Ideas
One of the best things about this dill pickle coleslaw is how adaptable it is. Feel free to experiment with these substitutions and add-ins to tailor it to your taste or what you have on hand:
- Apple Cider Vinegar Instead of Pickle Juice: If you’re out of pickle juice or prefer a different kind of tang, apple cider vinegar can provide a similar bright acidity. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste, as its flavor profile is slightly different.
- Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked gouda can add a delightful savory and rich element, complementing the tangy pickles beautifully.
- Crispy Bacon: Crumbled crispy bacon brings a smoky, salty, and crunchy texture that pairs wonderfully with creamy coleslaw. It’s a classic addition that always impresses.
- Chopped Jalapeños: For those who love a bit of heat, finely chopped fresh or pickled jalapeños will introduce a spicy kick that contrasts nicely with the cool, creamy slaw.
- Red Onion or Green Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp, pungent bite and a beautiful pop of color, while chopped green onions (scallions) offer a milder, fresher onion flavor.
- Diced Celery: For an extra layer of crispness and a subtle peppery note, diced celery is an excellent addition that enhances the overall texture.
- Chopped Hard-Boiled Egg: Adding chopped hard-boiled eggs makes the coleslaw more substantial and creamy, reminiscent of a classic potato salad.
- Sliced Black or Green Olives: For a briny, savory twist, sliced olives can complement the pickle flavor surprisingly well, especially if you enjoy Mediterranean influences.
- Fresh Herbs: Beyond dill, consider adding other fresh herbs like chopped parsley, chives, or even a touch of cilantro for a different aromatic dimension.
- Sunflower Seeds or Slivered Almonds: Toasted sunflower seeds or slivered almonds can provide an additional nutty crunch, adding another layer of texture.
- Spicy Pickles Instead of Dill Pickles: Amp up the heat by using a spicier variety of pickles, such as bread and butter jalapeño pickles, for both flavor and a kick.
- Shredded Brussels Sprouts: For a more robust and slightly bitter edge, replace some of the cabbage mix with shredded Brussels sprouts.
- Honey or Maple Syrup Instead of Sugar: These natural sweeteners can offer a more complex sweetness profile and are excellent alternatives to granulated sugar, especially if you prefer a less refined sugar.
- Crushed Red Pepper: A simple way to add heat, crushed red pepper flakes can be stirred into the dressing for an even distribution of spice.
Mayo Alternatives for Your Coleslaw
If you’re looking to lighten up your coleslaw or have dietary preferences, there are several excellent substitutes for traditional mayonnaise that will still yield a creamy and delicious result:
- Plain Greek Yogurt: An equal parts swap for mayo, plain Greek yogurt offers a similar thick, velvety texture and a pleasant tang. It’s an excellent choice for a lighter, protein-packed coleslaw, providing a slightly different, but equally delicious, acidic profile. Ensure it’s plain and unsweetened to maintain the savory flavor.
- Avocado: For a naturally creamy and healthy fat alternative, mashed avocado can be used. It provides a rich, smooth texture and a subtle earthy flavor that complements the dill and pickles well. You might need a bit more pickle juice or vinegar to achieve the desired consistency and tang.
- Hummus: While a less common choice, plain hummus can work for a creamy, plant-based option. Its texture is smooth, and its savory flavor can blend surprisingly well with the dill and garlic, though it will introduce a distinct chickpea flavor. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Cashew Cream: For a homemade vegan option, blended soaked cashews create a wonderfully rich and creamy sauce that can mimic mayonnaise. This requires a little more prep but is fantastic for a dairy-free and egg-free version.
Troubleshooting: Preventing Watery Coleslaw
Nobody wants a watery coleslaw! The key to a perfectly creamy and crunchy slaw lies in managing moisture. Here are some essential tips to prevent your Dill Pickle Coleslaw from becoming soggy:
- Start with Less Dressing: A common mistake is adding too much dressing or liquid upfront. This can cause the cabbage to release its moisture faster, leading to a limp and watery result. Begin by adding just enough dressing to coat all the vegetables lightly. You can always add more right before serving if needed, ensuring it maintains its optimal texture.
- Keep Dressing and Cabbage Separate: If you’re preparing your coleslaw ahead of time, always store the dressing and the shredded cabbage mix in separate containers in the refrigerator. Combine them only when you’re ready to serve. This prevents the cabbage from absorbing excess moisture and becoming soft, maintaining its fresh crunch.
- Serve Fresh: Coleslaw is at its absolute best when it’s freshly made or consumed within the first 24 hours. While it can last for a few days in an airtight container in the fridge, the texture will gradually soften. For peak crispness and flavor, enjoy it on Day 1!
- Salt the Cabbage (Optional but Effective): For an extra preventative measure, you can try salting the shredded cabbage before mixing it with the dressing. Toss the shredded cabbage with about a teaspoon of salt (for 4 cups of mix) and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. The salt will draw out excess moisture. Then, firmly squeeze the cabbage to drain any liquid before adding the dressing. This step can significantly reduce the chances of watery coleslaw.
Storage Tips: Can You Freeze Coleslaw?
Unfortunately, coleslaw is not a good candidate for freezing. The creamy dressing tends to separate and become grainy once thawed, and the cabbage will lose its crispness, becoming soggy and unappetizing. For the best quality, it’s always recommended to prepare and enjoy coleslaw fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping in mind that the texture will soften over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dill Pickle Coleslaw
Yes, you can! For the best flavor development, it’s ideal to make it at least 30 minutes in advance to allow the flavors to meld. However, to maintain optimal freshness and crunch, avoid preparing it more than a day ahead. If making further in advance, keep the dressing separate from the cabbage mix until just before serving.
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, dill pickle coleslaw will last for up to 3 days. Be aware that the cabbage will gradually soften over time, so for the crispest texture, it’s best enjoyed within the first 24 hours.
Absolutely! Using fresh cabbage provides a vibrant, homemade touch. Simply shred green cabbage, purple cabbage, or a combination, and don’t forget to add some shredded carrots for color and sweetness. Ensure the cabbage is finely shredded for the best texture.
Adding a spicy kick is easy! You can stir in finely chopped jalapeños (fresh or pickled), a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing. Taste as you go to achieve your desired level of heat.
Definitely! This dill pickle coleslaw makes an incredible topping for a variety of dishes. It’s fantastic piled high on burgers, pulled pork or chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, and even tacos, adding a tangy crunch and burst of flavor.
To increase the tanginess, simply add an extra splash of pickle juice. You could also include a small amount of apple cider vinegar or a bit more Dijon mustard to boost the acidity and create a sharper, more vibrant flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Dill Pickle Coleslaw
This Dill Pickle Coleslaw is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a wide array of dishes. Its bright, tangy flavor and creamy texture provide a refreshing contrast, making it an ideal companion for rich, savory, or smoky main courses. Here are some fantastic recipe ideas to serve alongside your coleslaw:
- Slow Cooker Crockpot Pulled Chicken
- Smoked Pulled Chicken
- Oven Baked Ribs
- How to Grill Chicken Wings
- Burgers and Hot Dogs: A dollop on top of your favorite burger or hot dog adds an irresistible tangy crunch.
- Fish Tacos or Grilled Fish: The zesty flavor cuts through the richness of fish beautifully.
- Barbecue Sandwiches: Pulled pork, beef brisket, or chicken sandwiches are elevated with this vibrant slaw.
- Picnics and Potlucks: It’s a crowd-pleaser that travels well and adds excitement to any spread.
More Delicious Side Dish Recipes to Explore
If you love this Dill Pickle Coleslaw, you’re sure to enjoy these other flavorful side dish recipes:
- Southern Coleslaw
- Vinegar Coleslaw
- Crunchy Coleslaw with Apples
- Soul Food Potato Salad
- Potato Salad with Bacon
- Smoked Mac and Cheese
- Southern Baked Beans
- Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Creamy Dill Pickle Coleslaw
Brandi Crawford
If you’re a pickle lover, get ready to fall in love with this Dill Pickle Coleslaw. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, zesty, and refreshing, with just the right amount of crunch. Whether you’re serving it at a summer cookout, piling it onto a sandwich, or enjoying it as a fresh side dish, this slaw is a total game-changer.
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Ingredients
- ½ -1 cup mayo Start with ½ cup and adjust, add more if you like creamy coleslaw.
- ½ cup pickle juice
- ½ -1 cup diced pickles If you’re a pickle lover you may want to use more pickles.
- 1 teaspoon mustard Standard or Dijon. Use what you prefer.
- 1 teaspoon fresh or dried dill
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar or sweetener I suggest you start with 1 tablespoon. Taste repeatedly and adjust as necessary. Omit if you prefer tangy coleslaw.
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups shredded coleslaw mix This was one package for me.
Instructions
Combine mayo, mustard, pickle juice, diced pickles, dill, garlic powder, sugar or sweetener, salt, and pepper to taste in a mixing bowl or your serving dish. Stir until smooth.
½ -1 cup mayo, ½ cup pickle juice, ½ -1 cup diced pickles, 1 teaspoon mustard, 1 teaspoon fresh or dried dill, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 2 tablespoons sugar or sweetener, salt and pepper to tasteAdd in the shredded coleslaw mix and stir. Taste repeatedly and adjust the ingredients if necessary. Adding more pickle juice or dill will provide more robust pickle flavor.
4 cups shredded coleslaw mixServe immediately or chill if preferred.
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Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
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