Dill Pickle Coleslaw (Dillgurken-Krautsalat)

by: Lydia Fulson  /  Writer, Artist, Traveler, Granddaughter & Ever-Learning German Cook

Dill pickle coleslaw, dillgurken-krautsalat, boasts dill pickles and a creamy northern-inspired mayonnaise dressing mixed with a cabbage medley. It's refreshingly perfect for all your summer ventures!

Jump to recipe ⇣

A refreshingly crispy treat for those warm summer nights

Introducing ours and soon to be yours, new summer staple! I've always been a big coleslaw person, as I was raised in a family that had it often. It was a big part of my childhood summers, and I learned to make it using my mom's famous recipe. 

Then I had one of those lightbulb moments. We love coleslaw, and we love pickles. We already have this great recipe, so why not elevate it into a pickle slaw? Genius, if I do say so myself.

Oma and Opa's Thoughts:

Storytime!

I brought a dish for Oma and Opa to try, well knowing that Opa isn't typically a coleslaw person whatsoever. Oma taste-tested a spoonful of it, and her eyes lit up. She thought it was so good, she called Opa in for the ultimate test.

Below and behold, there he stood, taking spoonful after spoonful. After downing almost the entire dish, we all stared in awe. He said, "Knowing the good stuff that's in there and who made it, that makes it good." 

So that just proves even the picky ones can love this recipe! Opa really is our ultimate test for new recipes. But would I say he's that picky? No. Just a man of simple, good taste. And this slaw is easy, simple, and certainly good to taste.

What to Serve With Slaw?

Coleslaw is best served with anything that's rather heavy as a main. Perhaps you've noticed that in restaurants it is often served alongside hamburgers or sandwiches. Sometimes even on them!

It's also common to be found beside fish on a plate. Salmon makes for a super refreshing pairing. But if you want something even more German to serve with your coleslaw, try Oma's famous pork chops, as I did below.

A match made in heaven!

From Oma's heart to your table

Complete your set today - order now!

What Kind of Cabbage? How do I prepare it?

The best cabbage for making coleslaw is a mix of green and red cabbage. Here's how to prepare it.

• Wash the cabbage.
• Cut in half through the core.
• Lay each half flat and cut the core out in a V-shape.
• To get the thin shreds, slice thinly using a chef's knife or a mandoline.

If you don't have time to prep your own cabbage, you can take the easy route and buy a bag of shredded cabbage-and-carrot mix. It's fresh, quick, just as affordable, and there's no shame in taking the quick route. I'll let you in on a secret: that's exactly what I use!

Bags of tri-colored coleslaw here to make life easier in the kitchen!

Let's Make It:

Step #1: Gather ingredients. With only a few, you can make quite a memorable recipe!

Gather your ingredients and get ready for a recipe that'll up your summer potluck game!

Step #2: Shred those pickles and add them to a bowl with the cabbage... but do watch your fingers. Been there. Not fun. 

Here comes the good stuff

Step #3: To create your coleslaw dressing, mix mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, pickle juice, and seasonings.

Let's make that irresistible dressing!

Step #4: Whisk until everything is incorporated. Pour over cabbage and pickle mixture.

Now for the best part!

Step #5: Serve with your favorite main and dig in!

Enjoy!

Print Recipe ♥ Save Recipe

Dill Pickle Coleslaw (Dillgurken-Krautsalat)

Dill Pickle Coleslaw boasts cabbage, carrots, and pickles, topped with a creamy, northern-inspired mayonnaise dressing. It's refreshingly perfect for all summer ventures!

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Chill Time:

4 hours

Total Time:

4 hours 20 minutes

Servings:

8-10 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 bag of shredded cabbage and carrot
• 6-8 baby dill pickles, shredded
• 1 cup (130 grams) mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) pickle juice
• 1/4 cup (62 grams) white sugar
• 2 tablespoons (6 grams) dried dill weed
• pepper, garlic salt, and parsley to taste

Instructions:

1. Put shredded cabbage in a large serving bowl.
2. Shred 6-8 baby dill pickles using a cheese grater. Stir shredded pickles into the bowl of cabbage.
3. In a small mixing bowl, add mayonnaise, white vinegar, pickle juice, white sugar, herbs, and seasonings to make coleslaw dressing. Whisk together with a fork.
4. When fully incorporated, pour dressing over cabbage mixture and stir well.
5. Cover with Saran Wrap and place to chill in the fridge for 4 hours.
6. Serve with your favorite main dish and enjoy!

Notes/Hints:

• Add more or fewer dill pickles as preferred.
• Coleslaw can be refrigerated for up to 4 days, as long as it is covered and sealed, either with tight Saran Wrap or cling wrap, or transferred to an airtight Tupperware-style container.
• Use regular or bagged cabbage. Both options work and taste just the same, though the bagged cabbage saves time.
• Light mayonnaise works just the same as regular mayonnaise. Use light mayonnaise if preferred.

*  *  *  *  *

Unless otherwise noted recipe, images and content © Just like Oma | www.quick-german-recipes.com

Updated: September 13, 2026

What’s for Dinner?

Let Oma help! Join my Kaffeeklatsch for easy German recipes and a little taste of Germany in your inbox.

 

You’ll also get my free Most Popular Recipes ebook right away.

 

Email address

First name

YES, SEND ME THE RECIPES!

Thanks for joining!

Keep your eyes on your inbox for my email. 

---

Follow Oma on Social Media:

instagramyoutubefacebookpinterest

Comments?  Questions?

You can leave a comment about this recipe or ask a question...

Pop right over to my private Facebook group, the Kaffeeklatschers. You'll find thousands of German foodies, all eager to help and to talk about all things German, especially these yummy foods. 

Meet with us around Oma's virtual table, pull up a chair, grab a coffee and a piece of Apfelstrudel, and enjoy the visit.

Recent Articles

• 
• 

1. Dill Pickle Coleslaw (Dillgurken-Krautsalat)

   Sep 14, 26 01:12 AM

   
   Dill Pickle Coleslaw boasts cabbage, carrots, and pickles, topped with a creamy, Northern-inspired mayonnaise dressing. It's refreshingly perfect for all summer ventures!

   Read More

2. Authentic German Bratwurst and Sauerkraut Recipe

   Sep 11, 26 10:24 AM

   
   Oma’s German bratwurst and sauerkraut recipe with authentic flavors in this dish of hearty bratwurst, tangy sauerkraut, and apples, that popular throughout Germany.

   Read More

3. Traditional German Red Cabbage Recipe – Oma's Rotkohl Rezept

   Sep 08, 26 08:53 PM

   
   The red cabbage recipe (rotkohl) is sweet, tangy, and easy to make. A German classic with big flavor and little fuss—just how Oma likes it!

   Read More

PIN to SAVE this recipe to your Pinterest board!

And let’s be friends on Pinterest!

Let's connect...

From Oma's heart
to your table

Complete your set today - order now!

More about me >

Hi, I'm Oma Gerhild! As a food writer and cookbook author, I'm always looking to find ways to pass on my German heritage using local ingredients. Quick and easy. That's my goal. Wunderbar food. That's the result.