Dill Pickle Coleslaw

This Dill Pickle Coleslaw is crisp, creamy, and packed with tangy pickle flavor in every bite. Made with crunchy cabbage, fresh dill, chopped dill pickles, and a zesty pickle-infused dressing, it’s the perfect side dish for BBQ, pulled pork, burgers, fried chicken, or smoked meats.

If you love a jar of pickles as much as you love a classic coleslaw, this recipe was made for you. This dill pickle coleslaw takes traditional coleslaw recipes and gives them a tangy twist by mixing in chopped pickles, fresh dill, and a splash of pickle juice right in the dressing. It’s a simple recipe that comes together with little time and little salt needed, since the pickles and pickle brine bring plenty of flavor on their own.

If you are a huge pickle lover, this one might just become your new favorite. It has all the crunch of regular coleslaw, but with a flavor explosion of dill pickle flavor in every bite.

Why This Recipe Works

• The combination of green cabbage and red cabbage (or purple cabbage, if that’s what you call it) gives this slaw great texture and color.
• Real chopped pickles and pickle juice in the dressing mean you get actual pickle flavor throughout, not just a hint of it.
• Fresh dill adds a burst of herby flavor that pairs perfectly with the tangy dressing.
• The creamy dressing comes together in one small bowl with just a handful of simple ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Slaw

• Green cabbage
• Red cabbage
• Celery
• Red onion
• Dill pickles
• Fresh dill

Substitution note: You can use a bagged coleslaw mix instead of shredding your own cabbage if you’re short on prep time. A sweet onion can also stand in for red onion if you prefer a milder bite.

For the Dressing

• Pickle juice (also called pickle brine)
• Mayo
• Garlic

Substitution note: If you like a little extra tang, a splash of lemon juice or a spoonful of Dijon mustard can be whisked into the dressing along with the mayo.

How to Make Dill Pickle Coleslaw

Step 1: Prep the Cabbage and Veggies

Grab a sharp knife or a food processor and get your green cabbage and red cabbage shredded. Add the shredded cabbage to a large bowl, then add the diced celery, red onion, chopped pickles, and fresh minced dill.

Step 2: Toss the Slaw Together

Fold everything together in the large mixing bowl until the cabbage, celery, onion, pickles, and dill are well combined. This is the base of your slaw, so give it a good stir to make sure everything is evenly mixed.

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the pickle juice, mayo, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. If you want the dressing a little thinner, add more pickle juice until it reaches the consistency you like.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

Pour the dressing over the bowl of veggies. Fold and mix until everything is coated in that creamy dressing. Cover with plastic wrap and chill the slaw for a few hours for the best flavor. This dish also stores well, so you can make it a day or two ahead of time and give it a good stir again right before serving.

Tips and Variations

• Make it ahead: This slaw actually gets better with time, since the flavors have a chance to blend. Making it the day before is one of the best ways to build a deeper dill pickle flavor.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three to four days.
• Add more dill: If you’re a huge fan of fresh dill, feel free to add an extra tablespoon of fresh dill for even more flavor.
• Try sweet pickles: While this recipe calls for dill pickles, sweet pickles can be swapped in if you want a different flavor profile entirely.
• Boost the tang: A teaspoon of celery seed or a teaspoon of garlic powder can be added to the dressing for extra depth.
• Skip the mayo: For a slightly lighter dressing, swap half the mayo for sour cream.

What to Pair With Dill Pickle Coleslaw

This slaw is a great side dish for just about any backyard barbecue. Serve it alongside pulled pork sliders, Nashville hot chicken sandwiches, or these cheeseburger sliders for a classic summer plate. It also makes a great addition next to a scoop of potato salad for a full spread at your next bbq.

FAQ

More Recipes To Try

• Spicy Cajun Coleslaw
• Shredded Brussels Sprout Slaw
• Smoked Mac and Cheese
• Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
• Dill Pickle Chicken Salad
• Dill Pickle Ranch Dressing