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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| Yields: | Prep Time: | Optional Chill: | Total Time: |
| 6 servings | 10 mins | 1 hour | 1 hour 10mins |
Made with crisp cabbage, crunchy pickles, and a creamy, pickle-infused dressing, it’s a must-try for anyone who craves bold flavors. One bite, and you’ll never want plain coleslaw again! You'll also love my Dill Pickle Pasta Salad.
Key Ingredients
- Mayo – The creamy base that holds everything together. It coats the cabbage and pickles, giving the slaw that signature rich and smooth texture while balancing out the tanginess of the other ingredients.
- Pickle Juice – The secret weapon! This adds a punch of acidity and dill pickle flavor that takes coleslaw from basic to bold. It also thins out the dressing just enough to coat everything evenly without making it watery.
- Diced Pickles – For extra crunch and bursts of tangy, salty flavor in every bite. The pickles reinforce the theme of the dish and make sure the dill pickle taste shines through.
- Mustard – A little zing goes a long way! Mustard adds depth and sharpness, giving the dressing a subtle kick that enhances the pickle juice and balances out the creaminess of the mayo. Dijon mustard adds a little spice, while yellow mustard keeps it classic.
- Fresh or Dried Dill – The signature herb that brings bright, fresh, herby flavor and ties everything together. Dill is what gives pickle-based recipes their unmistakable taste, so this is a must!
- Garlic Powder – A hint of savory, garlicky goodness that rounds out the dressing and keeps it from tasting flat. It enhances the other flavors without overpowering the tangy pickle notes.
- Sugar or Sweetener – A little bit of sweetness helps balance the acidity from the pickle juice and mustard. It keeps the flavors from becoming too sharp and adds just the right amount of contrast. You can use honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute depending on your preference.
- Shredded Coleslaw Mix – The crisp, crunchy base that brings it all together! A mix of shredded cabbage and carrots soaks up the creamy, tangy dressing and provides the perfect refreshing texture for this slaw. You can use store-bought mix for convenience or shred your own for a fresh, homemade touch.
How to Make Dill Pickle Coleslaw
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- 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.
- Add in 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.
- Serve immediately or chill if preferred.
Substitution and Add-In Ideas
- Apple Cider Vinegar Instead of Pickle Juice – A similar tangy brightness.
- Shredded Cheese
- Crispy Bacon
- Chopped Jalapeños
- Red Onion or Green Onion
- Diced Celery
- Chopped Hard-Boiled Egg
- Sliced Black or Green Olives
- Fresh Herbs
- Sunflower Seeds or Slivered Almonds
- Spicy Pickles Instead of Dill Pickles
- Shredded Brussels
- Honey or Maple Syrup Instead of Sugar
- Crushed Red Pepper
How to Substitute Mayo
Equal parts mayo or plain Greek yogurt will work for a direct swap. They both have a thick, velvety texture with a mild tang similar to mayo. Avocado or humus will also work since they are both creamy.
Watery Coleslaw
Adding too much dressing/liquid upfront can cause the cabbage to break down faster. Start with just enough to coat everything, then add more if needed right before serving.
If making coleslaw ahead of time, keep the dressing and cabbage separate until you’re ready to serve. This prevents the cabbage from absorbing too much moisture and getting limp. Coleslaw is best when it’s freshly made or eaten within the first 24 hours. While it can last a few days in the fridge, the texture is always at its peak on Day 1!
You can also try salting the cabbage slaw before mixing, too. Toss it with a little salt, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then drain any excess liquid before adding the dressing.
Freezing
I don't recommend freezing it. Coleslaw doesn’t freeze well because the dressing will separate, and the cabbage will become soggy once thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! It’s best if made at least 30 minutes in advance to let the flavors meld, but avoid making it more than a day ahead to keep it fresh and crunchy.
Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The cabbage will soften over time, so for the best texture, enjoy it fresh!
Absolutely! Shred green and/or purple cabbage and add in some shredded carrots for a homemade touch.
Add chopped jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a little hot sauce to the dressing for some heat!
Yes! This slaw is amazing on burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, and even tacos for a tangy crunch.
Add extra pickle juice, a splash of vinegar, or a little Dijon mustard for more acidity and zip.
Pair With These Recipes
Slow Cooker Crockpot Pulled Chicken
Smoked Pulled Chicken
Oven Baked Ribs
How to Grill Chicken Wings
More Side Dish Recipes
Southern Coleslaw
Vinegar Coleslaw
Soul Food Potato Salad
Potato Salad with Bacon
Smoked Mac and Cheese
Southern Baked Beans
Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Creamy Dill Pickle Coleslaw
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Ingredients
- ½ -1 cup mayo Start with ½ cup and adjust, add more if like 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 taste
- Add 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 mix
- Serve immediately or chill if preferred.
Nutrition
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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