Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw: Better Than Takeout
Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw is the perfect side dish for your quick dinners. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to keeping it crispy and preventing watery sauces. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Creamy Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup Recipe and Easy Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Recipe for Dinner.
Why This Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw: Better Than Takeout Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy and tangy, it's the perfect balance of sweet and spicy
- Ready in just 20 minutes, it's better than takeout
- Customize the heat level to your preference
- Pairs perfectly with burgers, sandwiches, and fried chicken
What You'll Need for Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw: Better Than Takeout
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 mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp celery seeds
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Celery seeds
- Sriracha
- Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: Crumbled bacon
- Optional: Shredded cheese
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Coleslaw mix: You can also shred your own cabbage and carrots for a fresher taste.
- Sriracha: Adjust the amount to control the heat level.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Food processor — Saves time and ensures even shredding of cabbage and carrots. → See on Amazon
- Measuring spoons set — Ensures accurate measurement of spices and seasonings. → See on Amazon
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw: Better Than Takeout
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix and diced pickles.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, Sriracha, celery seeds, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the coleslaw and pickles. Toss to combine.
- Step 4: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Step 5: Serve chilled, garnished with optional toppings if desired.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw: Better Than Takeout
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overmix the slaw or it will become watery. To fix, drain excess liquid and add more mayonnaise.
- Pro tip: For a crunchier slaw, add the dressing just before serving.
- Pro tip: Make it ahead: Prepare the slaw and dressing separately, then combine just before serving.
Storing & Reheating Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw: Better Than Takeout
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare the slaw and dressing separately, then combine just before serving.
Freezing Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw: Better Than Takeout
Not recommended for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Not necessary, serve chilled. Microwave: Not necessary, serve chilled.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a milder slaw, substitute plain Greek yogurt for some of the mayonnaise.
- Best substitution: Substitute red wine vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the slaw and dressing separately, then combine just before serving.
- Scaling: Easily double or halve the recipe to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If your slaw is too watery, drain excess liquid and add more mayonnaise.
Want to level up this recipe?
Silicone mixing bowls set — Non-stick surface ensures easy mixing and cleanup. → Check price on Amazon
Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw: Better Than Takeout
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 16 oz coleslaw mix
- 1 cup diced pickles
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp celery seeds
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Seasonings
- Celery seeds
- Sriracha
- Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper
Optional Toppings
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Crumbled bacon
- Shredded cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix and diced pickles.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, Sriracha, celery seeds, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the coleslaw and pickles. Toss to combine.
- Step 4: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Step 5: Serve chilled, garnished with optional toppings if desired.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a milder slaw, substitute plain Greek yogurt for some of the mayonnaise.
- Best substitution: Substitute red wine vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the slaw and dressing separately, then combine just before serving.
- Scaling: Easily double or halve the recipe to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If your slaw is too watery, drain excess liquid and add more mayonnaise.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Not necessary, serve chilled.
- Microwave reheat: Not necessary, serve chilled.
- Make ahead: Prepare the slaw and dressing separately, then combine just before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 19g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sat. Fat: 3g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw: Better Than Takeout FAQs
Yes, prepare the slaw and dressing separately, then combine just before serving.
Overmixing the slaw can cause it to release excess liquid. To fix, drain excess liquid and add more mayonnaise.
No, this recipe is best made in a bowl.
Plain Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for a healthier version.
Not recommended, as freezing can cause the slaw to become mushy.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Sweet and Spicy Pickle Slaw: Better Than Takeout 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!
