If you’re looking for a crisp, colorful side dish that instantly brightens up tacos, pulled pork sandwiches, burgers, grilled meats, or BBQ platters, this easy Pickled Cabbage Slaw is about to become a new favorite.
Unlike traditional creamy coleslaw, this vinegar-based cabbage slaw is light, refreshing, and packed with bold flavor. The quick pickling process softens the cabbage slightly while keeping it crunchy and delicious. It’s the perfect make-ahead side dish for cookouts, summer gatherings, meal prep, and weeknight dinners.
This quick pickled slaw combines shredded cabbage, carrots, onions, and a simple sweet-and-tangy brine that gets better as it sits. Make a batch today and enjoy it for days!
More Summer Side Dishes You’ll Love
Why You’ll Love This Pickled Cabbage Slaw
- Quick and easy to make
- No mayonnaise required
- Perfect for meal prep
- Great on tacos, burgers, and sandwiches
- Naturally gluten-free
- Keeps well in the refrigerator
- Sweet, tangy, and crunchy
What Is Pickled Cabbage Slaw?
Pickled cabbage slaw is a vinegar-based slaw made by soaking fresh vegetables in a seasoned brine. The pickling liquid lightly marinates the cabbage, creating a bright, tangy flavor while maintaining plenty of crunch.
It’s similar to traditional coleslaw but lighter and more refreshing, making it ideal for warm weather meals and barbecue spreads.
Ingredients
- 1 small green cabbage, finely shredded
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 2 large carrots, shredded
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
Pickling Brine
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup white vinegar
- ½ cup water
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon mustard seed
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
How To Make Pickled Cabbage Slaw
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Place the green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, and red onion into a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Make the Brine
In a saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, celery seed, mustard seed, and black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
Step 3: Pickle the Slaw
Carefully pour the warm brine over the vegetables.
Toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill
Allow the mixture to cool slightly before transferring it to a large container or jar.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. For the best flavor, chill overnight.
Step 5: Serve
Serve chilled as a side dish or use as a topping for tacos, sandwiches, burgers, pulled pork, hot dogs, and grilled meats.
Tips For The Best Pickled Slaw
- Let it sit overnight for maximum flavor.
- Use a mandoline for perfectly thin slices.
- Add jalapeños for heat.
- Mix in fresh cilantro for a taco-inspired version.
- Use red wine vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.
Variations
Mexican Pickled Slaw
Add sliced jalapeños, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Southern Pickled Slaw
Increase the sugar slightly and add extra celery seed.
Spicy Pickled Cabbage
Add red pepper flakes or thinly sliced serrano peppers.
Rainbow Pickled Slaw
Use green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers.
What To Serve With Pickled Cabbage Slaw
Tangy Pickled Cabbage Slaw Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 SERVINGS 1x
Description
This easy pickled cabbage slaw is crisp, colorful, and packed with sweet and tangy flavor. Made with fresh cabbage, carrots, red onion, and a simple vinegar brine, it’s the perfect topping for tacos, pulled pork sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, and BBQ favorites.
Ingredients
Slaw
- 1 small green cabbage, finely shredded
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 2 large carrots, shredded
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
Pickling Brine
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup white vinegar
- ½ cup water
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon mustard seed
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place the green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, and red onion in a large mixing bowl.
- In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, celery seed, mustard seed, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Carefully pour the warm pickling liquid over the cabbage mixture.
- Toss well until all of the vegetables are coated.
- Allow the slaw to cool slightly before transferring to a large container or mason jar.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. For best flavor, refrigerate overnight.
- Toss again before serving and enjoy chilled.
Notes
- The flavor gets better after sitting overnight.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy version.
- Great on fish tacos, pulled pork sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, and BBQ platters.
- Use pre-shredded coleslaw mix for a shortcut.
- Prep Time: 15 MINUTES
- Chill Time: 2 HOURS
- Cook Time: 5 MINUTES
- Category: SIDE DISH | SALAD
- Cuisine: American
Storage
Store pickled cabbage slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
The flavor continues to improve after the first day, making it an excellent make-ahead side dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does pickled cabbage slaw last?
Stored properly in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to one week.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after sitting overnight.
Does the cabbage stay crunchy?
Yes. The quick-pickling process softens the cabbage slightly while maintaining a crisp texture.
Can I use bagged coleslaw mix?
Absolutely. A pre-shredded coleslaw mix makes this recipe even faster.
Is pickled cabbage slaw healthy?
Yes. It’s packed with vegetables and contains no mayonnaise, making it a lighter alternative to traditional coleslaw.
Final Thoughts
This easy Pickled Cabbage Slaw is crunchy, colorful, and bursting with sweet-and-tangy flavor. Whether you’re topping tacos, serving it alongside barbecue, or adding it to sandwiches, this quick pickle slaw brings freshness and brightness to every meal. Keep a batch in the refrigerator and you’ll always have the perfect side dish ready to go.
