You know, every summer, my family gathers for our backyard barbecues, and there’s one dish that always steals the show — Sweet & Spicy Pickle Slaw. I can still remember the first time I made it; my mom had just handed me her well-worn recipe, and I was a little nervous. But as I tossed the ingredients together, the tangy aroma filled the kitchen, and I felt that familiar rush of excitement. It quickly became a staple at every gathering, and now, it’s like a rite of passage for my kids to help me whip it up.
This slaw is perfect for those sunny days when you want something refreshing and vibrant. It adds a burst of flavor to any meal, whether it's grilled burgers or a simple hot dog. Plus, it’s easy to make, and the sweet and spicy kick keeps everyone coming back for more. Trust me, once you serve this at your next get-together, your friends and family will be begging for the recipe!
Why You’ll Love "Sweet & Spicy Pickle Slaw"
- Quick prep time — ready in just 15 minutes!
- Minimal ingredients — you probably have most of them in your pantry already.
- Family-friendly — kids love the sweet and crunchy textures.
- Perfect for summer barbecues and picnics — a crowd-pleaser every time.
- Versatile — great as a side dish, sandwich topping, or even in tacos.
- Can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded — look for fresh heads that feel heavy for their size.
- 1 cup carrots, grated — use a box grater or the food processor for quick prep.
- ½ cup dill pickles, chopped — dill pickles add that tangy punch; sweet pickles can be used for a milder flavor.
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced — soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes to mellow the flavor if desired.
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt) — Greek yogurt makes it lighter and adds creaminess.
- 2 tablespoon Sriracha sauce — adjust this based on your heat preference; there are milder hot sauces if you prefer.
- 1 tablespoon honey — adds a touch of sweetness; you can substitute with agave syrup for a vegan option.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar — adds that necessary tang; white vinegar can also work in a pinch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables
- In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, pickles, and red onion. Make sure to mix them well so you get a beautiful array of colors!
Make the Dressing
- In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, Sriracha, honey, and vinegar. Whisk it together until it’s creamy and well combined. Don’t be afraid to taste it — you might want to adjust the sweetness or heat a bit!
Combine Ingredients
- Pour the dressing over the vegetable mix. Watch how the colors come alive as you drizzle that creamy goodness!
- Toss until everything is well coated. Use your hands if you need to; it’s more fun that way!
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This lets all those flavors mingle and get cozy with each other.

Variations
- Add diced apples for a sweet crunch.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
- Use different types of pickles for varied flavor.
- Try adding jalapeños for extra heat.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving
- Serve chilled as a side dish at picnics or barbecues.
- Great topping for sandwiches or tacos.
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Do not freeze as the texture may change.
Helpful Notes
- Adjust Sriracha to taste for more or less heat.
- Use Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Consider adding nuts for crunch.
- Suitable for vegetarian diets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Sweet & Spicy Pickle Slaw in advance?
Yes, this slaw can be made a day ahead for the best flavor.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a healthy alternative.
How long can I store Sweet & Spicy Pickle Slaw?
It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are gluten-free unless otherwise specified.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, my beloved Sweet & Spicy Pickle Slaw! I can't wait for you to try this recipe and see how it brings a little zing to your table. Whether you're serving it at a barbecue or just enjoying it with a weeknight meal, I promise it'll be a hit. Remember, cooking is all about having fun, experimenting, and sharing delicious moments with loved ones. So grab those ingredients, get your family involved, and whip up a batch of this slaw. I know you’re going to love it just as much as we do!
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Sweet & Spicy Pickle Slaw
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A tangy and sweet slaw perfect for barbecues.
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
- In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, pickles, and red onion.
- In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, Sriracha, honey, and vinegar.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetable mix.
- Toss until everything is well coated.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust Sriracha to taste for more or less heat.
- Use Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Sweet & Spicy Pickle Slaw






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