This crunchy coleslaw mixes fresh cabbage with zesty dill pickles. It’s the perfect side dish for summer picnics or barbecues!
Honestly, I could munch on this all day. The tangy pickle flavor makes it special, and it adds a nice twist to the usual slaw. Plus, making it is super quick!
Whenever I prepare this, I love serving it with burgers or grilled chicken. Trust me, it pairs wonderfully! It’s easy to whip up and will definitely impress your friends.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Coleslaw Mix: Using a pre-packaged coleslaw mix saves time. However, you can slice your cabbage and carrots if you prefer. Green cabbage is standard, but adding red cabbage gives a pop of color!
Mayonnaise: This gives the coleslaw its creamy base. If you’re avoiding mayo, try Greek yogurt for a similar texture. It cuts some calories too!
Dill Pickle Juice: This adds tangy flavor. You can swap it with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar if needed. If you’re in a pinch, any vinegar can work, but you’ll miss that unique pickle taste.
Dill Pickles: I love using crunchy dill pickles for their flavor. You could swap them for bread-and-butter pickles for a sweeter taste if that’s your thing.
How Do You Make the Perfect Dressing for Coleslaw?
The dressing ties everything together, making it crucial for great coleslaw. Start with mayonnaise as your base, then add pickle juice and vinegar for tanginess. Here’s how to perfect it:
- In a bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, dill pickle juice, apple cider vinegar, sugar, dried dill weed, salt, and pepper until it’s completely smooth.
- Taste it! Adjust salt or add more pickle juice if you want extra tang.
- Mix this dressing with the coleslaw as soon as you make it for the best flavor.
Letting the coleslaw sit in the fridge is vital too, as it allows the flavors to meld perfectly!
Easy Dill Pickle Coleslaw Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (14 oz) bag coleslaw mix (shredded green and purple cabbage with carrots)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice (from a jar of dill pickles)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles (about 2 small pickles)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and another 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. So in total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes before you can enjoy this delicious side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add the coleslaw mix into the bowl along with the finely chopped dill pickles. This will give your coleslaw its signature crunch and flavor right from the start.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, dill pickle juice, apple cider vinegar, sugar, dried dill weed, salt, and pepper. Mix it all up until everything is smooth and blended together. Taste it! This is your time to adjust the flavor if needed.
3. Combine Together:
Pour the dressing over your coleslaw mix, and gently toss everything together until the coleslaw is evenly coated. It’s okay to get your hands in there if you want to make sure every piece gets some love!
4. Chill Out:
Once everything is combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This time allows all those delicious flavors to meld together. Plus, it’ll be refreshing and cool when you serve it!
5. Final Touches:
Before serving, give the coleslaw another toss to mix things up again. You might want to adjust with a pinch of salt or pepper based on your taste. Garnish with some whole or halved dill pickles on top for that lovely presentation!
6. Enjoy!
Serve this tasty dill pickle coleslaw chilled as a side dish. It goes perfectly with burgers, sandwiches, or at any barbecue. Enjoy your zesty and crunchy treat!
FAQ
Can I Use Fresh Cabbage Instead of Pre-Packaged Coleslaw Mix?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh cabbage, you can shred about 4 cups of green and purple cabbage and mix in some grated carrots. This gives you the same texture and flavor while allowing you to customize the veggie mix!
How Do I Make This Recipe Vegan?
You can easily make this coleslaw vegan by substituting the mayonnaise with a plant-based mayonnaise or a creamy vegan yogurt. Just make sure to check the ingredients to ensure they fit your dietary preferences!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover coleslaw can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as dressing may separate over time.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to mix in additional ingredients like chopped apples for sweetness, diced bell peppers for crunch, or even some chopped onions for an extra kick. Just keep in mind that each addition will change the overall flavor a bit!
