Pickled Watermelon Rind BBQ Slaw

If you think watermelon rind is just a part to toss away, think again! This Pickled Watermelon Rind BBQ Slaw takes that often-overlooked ingredient and turns it into the star of a vibrant, refreshing, and slightly tangy side dish. Perfect for summer cookouts or as a crunchy topping for your favorite grilled dishes, this slaw delivers a unique twist on traditional coleslaw. With the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and creamy, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed BBQ without it.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This Pickled Watermelon Rind BBQ Slaw is a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their BBQ game or add a fresh, unexpected texture to their meal. Unlike classic coleslaw, the pickled watermelon rind adds a crunchy, tangy bite that pairs beautifully with smoky, savory dishes. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to reduce food waste by using the entire watermelon. The combination of shredded cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper creates a colorful medley that’s both nutritious and delicious. The creamy homemade dressing, infused with apple cider vinegar and honey, perfectly balances the acidity and sweetness. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or just want a new side to brighten up dinner, this slaw will quickly become a favorite.

If you’re a fan of vibrant salads, you might also enjoy the fresh flavors of the Carrot Raisin Salad, which offers a similarly refreshing and sweet twist to your meal lineup.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup chopped pickled watermelon rind
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

How To Make Pickled Watermelon Rind BBQ Slaw

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by shredding the cabbage and carrots. Use a sharp knife or a food processor with a shredding attachment for speed and consistency. Dice the bell pepper and red onion into small, uniform pieces to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor. Chop the pickled watermelon rind into bite-sized chunks—this will give the slaw its signature tangy crunch.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard until smooth and creamy. The apple cider vinegar adds acidity, balancing the richness of the mayonnaise, while the honey brings a subtle sweetness that ties all the flavors together. Season the dressing with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.

Step 3: Combine and Toss

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, chopped pickled watermelon rind, diced bell pepper, and red onion. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss everything thoroughly until well coated. Make sure every shred and chunk is covered so you get flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

For best results, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the slaw for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled alongside your favorite BBQ dishes or as a refreshing stand-alone salad.

Expert Tips

• Pickling your own watermelon rind: If you can’t find pre-pickled watermelon rind, you can easily pickle it yourself with a simple brine of vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices. It adds a fresh, homemade touch to the slaw.
• Adjust sweetness and acidity: Taste the dressing and adjust the honey or vinegar to suit your palate. Some prefer a tangier slaw, while others like it slightly sweeter.
• Use crisp vegetables: Fresh, crunchy vegetables make a huge difference in texture. Avoid wilted cabbage or limp carrots for the best crunch.
• Make ahead: This slaw tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Prepare it in advance for stress-free entertaining.
• Serving suggestion: This slaw pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, pulled chicken sandwiches, or even as a topping for tacos. For a delicious twist, try it with a smoky grilled protein or alongside spicy dishes.

Variations and Customizations

• Add fresh herbs: Toss in chopped cilantro, parsley, or mint for a fresh herbal note that brightens the slaw.
• Swap mayo for Greek yogurt: For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with creamy Greek yogurt. This boosts protein and adds a slight tang.
• Include nuts or seeds: Sprinkle toasted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or chopped pecans on top for added crunch and nutrition.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dressing for a subtle kick.
• Make it vegan: Use a vegan mayo alternative and maple syrup instead of honey to keep the slaw plant-based.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover Pickled Watermelon Rind BBQ Slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 3 days, but for the best texture and flavor, enjoy it within 24 hours. Before serving again, give it a quick stir and taste to see if it needs a little extra salt, pepper, or vinegar to revive the flavors.

FAQ

Can I use fresh watermelon rind instead of pickled?

Fresh watermelon rind is quite tough and bland compared to pickled rind. If you want to use fresh, consider pickling it first or blanching to soften the texture. The pickling process is what gives the slaw its unique tangy flavor.

Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option or use vegan mayo if you prefer. Both alternatives will maintain the creamy texture of the dressing.

How spicy is this slaw? Can I make it milder or spicier?

This recipe is naturally mild, focusing on sweet and tangy flavors. If you want to add spice, you can mix in cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or jalapeño slices. To keep it milder, simply omit any spicy additions.

What dishes pair well with Pickled Watermelon Rind BBQ Slaw?

This slaw pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, pulled pork, burgers, and even fish tacos. It’s a fantastic side for any BBQ or picnic spread and adds a bright contrast to rich, smoky flavors. It also complements dishes like the Chipotle Peach Shrimp Tacos With Slaw, bringing a fresh crunch to the plate.

Conclusion

Pickled Watermelon Rind BBQ Slaw is a delightful way to breathe new life into your BBQ sides. Its crunchy texture, balanced flavors, and colorful presentation make it a standout dish that’s simple to prepare and irresistibly tasty. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a fresh, flavorful salad, this slaw delivers every time. Embrace the unexpected with pickled watermelon rind and watch this recipe become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

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