Single Cauli Slider
The Single Cauli Slider stacks a breaded fried cauliflower tender on a toasted brioche bun with dill pickles and kale slaw — the plant-based take on Dave's signature slider, at all seven heat levels. Vegetarian, crispy, and the friendliest entry point to Dave's NOT Chicken.
About the Single Cauli Slider
The Single Cauli Slider takes Dave's most beloved format and makes it meat-free: a golden, breaded cauliflower tender tucked into a toasted brioche bun with crunchy dill pickles and cool kale slaw. It's the plant-based mirror of the Single Slider, served at all seven heat levels with no upcharge for spice.
The brioche bun and kale slaw do more than fill out the sandwich — they buffer the Nashville rub, so Medium on a slider lands softer than Medium on a bare tender. That makes the Cauli Slider the friendliest on-ramp to the Dave's NOT Chicken menu. At roughly 620 calories and $4.49, you get the bun, slaw, and pickles for just over a dollar more than the tender alone. It's vegetarian but not vegan, since the batter, bun, and slaw dressing contain dairy and egg.
What's Inside the Single Cauli Slider
Fresh Cauliflower Tender
The same breaded, fried cauliflower floret from the Single Cauli Tender — crisp crust, tender center — now housed in a bun. Carries the Nashville rub identically.
Brioche Bun
Toasted, slightly sweet, with a soft crumb that soaks up Dave's Sauce and the floret's juices. The sweetness counterbalances the spice rub.
Dill Pickles
Crunchy, briny slices that add acid contrast and reset the palate between bites, keeping the heat from stacking too fast.
Kale Slaw
Cool, tangy, slightly creamy slaw that actively lowers perceived heat. It's a functional buffer, not just a garnish.
Seasoned Batter & Breading
Flour, dairy, and egg batter under a seasoned-flour crust — the coating that makes the slider crunchy and vegetarian rather than vegan.
Nashville Spice Rub
The same cayenne-forward blend applied hot after frying. The bun and slaw modify how it lands, but the rub itself is identical to the chicken sliders.
The 7 Dave's Spice Levels
Every tender and slider comes in one of seven heat levels at no extra cost. The heat builds as you eat — order one level below what you think you can handle.
No Spice
Pure crispy flavor — golden, crunchy, zero heat. Great for kids.
Lite Mild
A gentle whisper of warmth — very manageable for spice-sensitive eaters.
Mild
Flavor-forward with a friendly kick. A safe first-timer choice.
Medium 🔥
The crowd favorite — real Nashville balance of flavor and burn.
Hot
Where the chili heat kicks in hard. The seasoning really sings.
Extra Hot
Intentional, lingering heat. Order this one on purpose.
Reaper ☠️
Carolina Reaper extract — most locations require a signed waiver.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Estimated values — may vary by location and preparation.
How to Customize
Free Heat, Any Level
All seven spice levels free. The bun and slaw buffer the burn, so push one level higher than you would on a bare tender to hit the same intensity.
Plant-Based Swap
The cauliflower swap of the Single Slider — same brioche, slaw, and pickles, just cauliflower instead of chicken. Vegetarian (contains dairy & egg).
Extra Pickles (Free)
Ask for extra dill pickles at no charge. More brine and crunch amplify the contrast against the spice rub.
Extra Dave's Sauce (+$0.50)
The brioche soaks up Dave's Sauce beautifully. Order extra on the side and add between bites for a heat ratio you control.
Add Fries
Turn the slider into a combo feel by adding crinkle-cut fries — a neutral, salty break between spicy bites.
Best Pairings
Kale Slaw
A side of extra slaw lets you cool the palate between bites — the most effective built-in heat buffer.
Best Contrast
Dave's Sauce
The brioche absorbs Dave's Sauce better than any other format. Drizzle it onto the open bun before closing.
Must Order
Crinkle Fries
Salty, neutral fries give your palate a break between slider bites and round out the meal.
ClassicFrequently Asked Questions
Is the Single Cauli Slider vegan?
No. The Cauli Slider is vegetarian but not vegan. The batter, brioche bun, and kale slaw dressing all contain dairy and egg, even though the cauliflower itself is plant-based.
How much does the Single Cauli Slider cost?
The Single Cauli Slider costs $4.49 at most Dave's Hot Chicken locations in 2026 — about a dollar more than the Single Cauli Tender, with the brioche bun, kale slaw, and pickles included.
How many calories are in a Single Cauli Slider?
A Single Cauli Slider contains approximately 620 calories, including the brioche bun, kale slaw, and pickles. Most of the increase over the bare tender comes from the bun.
Does the Cauli Slider come in all seven spice levels?
Yes — all seven heat levels are available at no extra charge. Because the bun and slaw buffer the rub, a given level feels about one notch milder than the same level on a bare tender.
Is the Cauli Slider gluten-free?
No. Both the brioche bun and the breading contain wheat, so the Cauli Slider is not gluten-free and isn't suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Which spice level should a first-timer choose?
Start with Mild or Medium. The bun and slaw make these approachable on a slider. If you've enjoyed Medium on a bare tender and want similar heat, try Hot on the slider.
