If you think coleslaw is boring, this Cheddar Dill Coleslaw is here to completely change your mind. It’s creamy without being heavy, crunchy without being dry, and bursting with bold flavor from sharp cheddar cheese, tangy dill pickles, fresh herbs, and a zesty dressing. This isn’t your average barbecue slaw—it’s a modern, flavor-packed side dish that steals the spotlight every time it hits the table.
Perfect for summer cookouts, potlucks, sandwiches, burgers, tacos, or even as a snack straight from the bowl, this coleslaw delivers comfort and freshness in every bite. The combination of cool cabbage, rich cheese, and pickle tang creates a balance that’s both satisfying and addictive.
If you’re a fan of pickles, ranch-style flavors, or creamy-crunchy textures, this recipe is about to become a staple in your kitchen.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Coleslaw
This Cheddar Dill Coleslaw stands out because it hits all the right notes:
Creamy but light – thanks to sour cream or ranch
Crunchy and fresh – shredded cabbage and pickles
Bold and savory – sharp cheddar cheese
Bright and herby – fresh dill and Dijon mustard
Quick and easy – ready in minutes, no cooking required
It’s the kind of side dish people ask for the recipe after just one bite.
🥬 Ingredients
For the Coleslaw:
2 cups shredded green cabbage
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped dill pickles (drained well)
1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill
(or 1/2 teaspoon dried dill)
For the Dressing:
1/3 cup sour cream or ranch dressing
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon pickle juice (optional, for extra tang)
Black pepper, to taste
Salt, to taste (if needed)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables
Start by shredding the green cabbage into thin strips. You can use a sharp knife, mandoline, or food processor. Place the shredded cabbage into a large mixing bowl.
Finely chop the dill pickles and make sure to drain them well. Excess pickle juice can make the slaw watery, so pat them dry if needed.
2. Add the Flavor Boosters
To the cabbage, add the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped dill pickles, and fresh dill. Toss gently to distribute everything evenly.
This step alone already smells incredible—the cheddar and dill combination is a preview of the flavor to come.
3. Make the Creamy Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or ranch dressing), Dijon mustard, and pickle juice if using. Add black pepper to taste.
Taste the dressing before adding salt—pickles, cheddar, and ranch already contain salt, so you may not need much, if any.
4. Combine and Toss
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture. Using tongs or a large spoon, toss until everything is evenly coated.
The slaw should be creamy but not soupy. If you prefer a looser texture, add a tablespoon of milk or pickle juice. For thicker slaw, add a bit more sour cream.
5. Chill and Serve
For best flavor, cover and refrigerate the coleslaw for 15–30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly while staying crunchy.
Give it one final toss before serving.
⭐ Tips for the Best Cheddar Dill Coleslaw
Drain pickles well: Too much liquid can water down the dressing
Use sharp cheddar: It adds stronger flavor than mild cheddar
Don’t overdress: You can always add more dressing later
Let it chill: Resting time improves flavor dramatically
Fresh dill = best flavor, but dried works in a pinch
🔄 Variations & Add-Ins
This recipe is incredibly flexible. Try these delicious twists:
🥕 Extra Crunch
Add shredded carrots
Toss in thinly sliced red onion
Add chopped celery
🌶️ Spicy Kick
Add sliced jalapeños
Sprinkle in cayenne or red pepper flakes
Use spicy ranch dressing
🧀 Extra Cheesy
Mix in shredded Monterey Jack or Colby Jack
Add a spoonful of cream cheese for richness
🥓 Savory Upgrade
Add crispy crumbled bacon
Toss in chopped smoked sausage
🍔 How to Serve Cheddar Dill Coleslaw
This coleslaw pairs beautifully with:
Burgers and sliders
Fried chicken or chicken sandwiches
BBQ ribs or pulled pork
Tacos, wraps, and hot dogs
Grilled meats or veggie skewers
It also works wonderfully inside sandwiches or piled on top of burgers for extra crunch and flavor.
🥗 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
This coleslaw can be made up to 24 hours ahead
Store covered in the refrigerator
Stir before serving
Best enjoyed within 2–3 days
The cabbage will soften slightly over time but still retain a pleasant crunch.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Cheddar Dill Coleslaw is proof that a simple side dish can be bold, exciting, and completely crave-worthy. With creamy dressing, crunchy cabbage, sharp cheddar, and tangy pickles, it delivers comfort and freshness in every forkful.
Whether you’re serving it at a summer cookout, adding it to sandwiches, or enjoying it straight from the bowl, this slaw is guaranteed to impress. It’s easy, quick, and packed with personality—just the way great food should be.
Once you try it, this won’t be “just a side dish” anymore—it’ll be a must-make favorite.