Sweet & Spicy Pickle Slaw Recipe
Introduction
This Sweet & Spicy Pickle Slaw is a vibrant and tangy side dish that adds a perfect balance of heat and sweetness to any meal. Crisp cabbage and carrots combine with zesty pickles and a creamy, Sriracha-infused dressing for a refreshing twist on traditional coleslaw.

Ingredients
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- ½ cup dill pickles, chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
- 2 tbsp Sriracha sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Step 1: Shred the cabbage and grate the carrots. In a large bowl, combine them with the chopped dill pickles and thinly sliced red onion.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Sriracha sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Step 4: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the slaw for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Step 5: Give the slaw a final toss before serving and enjoy the sweet and spicy crunch!
Tips & Variations
- Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to lighten the dressing and add a tangy flavor.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for extra freshness.
- Tweak the heat by adjusting the amount of Sriracha to your preference.
- For extra crunch, toss in some toasted sunflower seeds or chopped nuts just before serving.
Storage
Store the slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits. Before serving after storage, give it a good stir and consider adding a pinch of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Avoid freezing, as the texture will become soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this slaw ahead of time?
Yes, this slaw tastes even better after sitting for at least an hour to let the flavors meld. You can prepare it up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
What can I substitute for Sriracha if I don’t have it?
You can use any hot sauce you like, such as hot chili sauce or even a dash of cayenne pepper mixed into the dressing. Adjust the amount based on your preferred spice level.
PrintSweet & Spicy Pickle Slaw Recipe
This Sweet & Spicy Pickle Slaw is a vibrant and crunchy side dish combining shredded green cabbage, grated carrots, and tangy dill pickles with a creamy, flavorful dressing made from mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, ideal for summer barbecues, picnics, or as a refreshing accompaniment to sandwiches and grilled dishes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- ½ cup dill pickles, chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
- 2 tbsp Sriracha sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Prep the Vegetables: Shred the green cabbage finely and grate the carrots. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, chopped dill pickles, and thinly sliced red onion to create the vegetable base for the slaw.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Sriracha sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, balancing the sweetness and spiciness perfectly.
- Combine: Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure all vegetables are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate the slaw for at least one hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the slaw to chill for a refreshing taste.
- Serve: Before serving, toss the slaw again to redistribute the dressing and flavors evenly. Serve chilled as a perfect side dish or topping.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Adjust the amount of Sriracha sauce to control the spiciness to your preference.
- Make the slaw a few hours ahead to allow the flavors to develop even more.
- This slaw pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a standalone side.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: pickle slaw, sweet and spicy slaw, cabbage slaw, easy side dish, summer salad, Sriracha salad, crunchy slaw

