This crunchy coleslaw is a fun twist on the classic! Made with fresh cabbage and a zesty dill pickle dressing, it’s a great side dish for any meal.
Honestly, what could be better than crunching on this coleslaw? I love it so much that I sometimes eat it for lunch. Just add some grilled chicken, and you’re all set!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Coleslaw mix: You can use a pre-packaged coleslaw mix for convenience. However, if you want to make your own, simply shred green cabbage, purple cabbage, and carrots. This gives you freshness and control over the mix!
Mayonnaise: While mayonnaise adds creaminess, Greek yogurt is a great low-fat substitute. You’ll get that same creaminess, plus a boost of protein!
Dill Pickle Juice: Sweet pickle juice adds a nice touch, but if you prefer a tangier flavor, use the juice from dill pickles or even apple cider vinegar for added zing.
Dill weed: Fresh dill is a fantastic substitution if you have it on hand—just use about three times the amount since fresh herbs are less concentrated in flavor than dried.
What’s the Best Way to Mix the Dressing Without Clumps?
Mixing the dressing well is key to avoiding clumps in your coleslaw. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with room temperature mayonnaise; it blends easier.
- In a bowl, whisk the mayonnaise and other ingredients vigorously until smooth.
- Gradually add the vinegar and sweet pickle juice, whisking continuously for a consistent texture.
- Toss the dressing with the coleslaw mix gently to ensure every bite is evenly coated.
Taking the time to mix well makes for a creamy, delightful coleslaw experience!
Easy Dill Pickle Coleslaw
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Coleslaw:
- 1 (14 oz) bag coleslaw mix (shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, and carrots)
- 2-3 dill pickles, chopped (plus some whole pickles for garnish)
For The Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle juice (from dill pickles)
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy dill pickle coleslaw takes about 15 minutes to prepare and you’ll want to let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to blend beautifully and gives you a crispy, refreshing side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Base Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, take your coleslaw mix and add in the chopped dill pickles. This will give your coleslaw that delicious zing from the pickles right from the start!
2. Make the Zesty Dressing:
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet pickle juice, white vinegar, sugar, dried dill weed, and onion powder. Keep whisking until it’s nice and smooth. This creamy dressing will bring everything together later!
3. Mix It All Together:
Now, pour that yummy dressing over your coleslaw and pickle mix. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every bite is coated in that flavorful dressing.
4. Adjust Seasoning:
Sprinkle in some salt and pepper, tasting as you go. Adjust it to your liking—you want the balance of flavors to be just right!
5. Chill and Let the Flavors Meld:
Transfer your coleslaw to the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors blend and allows the coleslaw to cool down, making it even more refreshing!
6. Serve with a Final Touch:
Before serving, give the coleslaw a good stir to mix everything back together. You can garnish with whole dill pickles on top for an extra pop of flavor and presentation!
7. Enjoy!
Serve your easy dill pickle coleslaw chilled as a zesty and crunchy side dish. It pairs wonderfully with BBQ, sandwiches, or even on its own as a light snack. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Fresh Cabbage Instead of a Coleslaw Mix?
Absolutely! If you prefer to use fresh cabbage, you can shred about 4 cups of green cabbage and 1 cup of purple cabbage, along with some grated carrots. This allows you to customize your coleslaw blend for the freshest taste!
How Can I Make This Coleslaw Vegan?
To make the coleslaw vegan, simply substitute the mayonnaise with a plant-based mayo or a mixture of silken tofu blended until smooth. You can also use non-dairy yogurt for a creamy texture!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Coleslaw?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other veggies like bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even radishes for extra color and crunch. Just make sure to keep the total volume similar to ensure the dressing coats everything evenly.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Coleslaw?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier! Just give it a good stir before serving!
