Pickle Slaw Recipe – A Creamy, Crunchy Twist on Classic Coleslaw

Difficulty:

1/5

Pickle Slaw Recipe

This pickle slaw recipe is a creamy, crunchy, and tangy twist on classic coleslaw, packed with bold dill flavor and fresh vegetables. Featured on Everyday Excellent with host Vanessa Gianfrancesco, this easy no-cook recipe combines purple cabbage, carrots, and pickles with a pickle-brine dressing for a refreshing side dish that elevates everything from burgers to barbecue plates.

The Inspiration

Pickle slaw draws inspiration from traditional deli-style coleslaw and the universal love of dill pickles. Across many cuisines, pickled vegetables are used to add acidity, crunch, and balance to rich foods, and this recipe leans fully into that idea. On Everyday Excellent, Vanessa Gianfrancesco focuses on approachable recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, and this slaw perfectly fits that philosophy.

By incorporating pickle brine directly into the dressing, this recipe transforms a familiar side into something distinctive and crave-worthy. The acidity cuts through creamy mayonnaise, while fresh garlic and honey round out the sharpness. This pickle slaw isn’t just a side—it’s a flavor tool that brightens plates and makes simple meals feel thoughtfully composed.

Ingredients

1/2 head purple cabbage
1 jumbo carrot, peeled and shredded
4 scallions
2 jumbo pickles
1/2 cup (116 g) mayonnaise
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 tbsp (44 ml) pickle brine
1 tbsp (15 ml) honey
Salt and pepper

Methods

Cut cabbage into quarters and carefully shred thin. Cut pickles into a thin julienne. Slice scallions and add to a mixing bowl with carrot, cabbage and pickles.
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, pickle brine, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper.
Add sauce to bowl with vegetables and mix thoroughly. Let sit a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy pickle slaw is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with both casual and elevated dishes. Serve it alongside burgers, pulled pork, fried chicken sandwiches, or grilled sausages for a refreshing contrast to rich, savory flavors. It’s also excellent tucked into tacos, piled onto hot dogs, or spooned next to barbecue ribs.

For entertaining, this slaw is a reliable make-ahead option that holds its crunch and flavor. Serve it chilled in a large bowl with extra pickles and fresh herbs for garnish. It’s perfect for summer cookouts, potlucks, weeknight dinners, or as a bright side on a holiday table.

Final Thoughts

This pickle slaw recipe is a celebration of bold acidity, creamy texture, and satisfying crunch. By transforming everyday ingredients into a vibrant side dish, it showcases the beauty of simple cooking done well. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard barbecue or adding it to a weeknight sandwich, this slaw delivers balance, brightness, and big flavor.

Inspired by Everyday Excellent, it encourages home cooks to experiment, taste as they go, and embrace the power of pickles to elevate any meal. Once you try it, this pickle slaw is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Find more recipes from Everyday Excellent here!