We could all use a few more side dishes in our repertoire, especially ones that come together quickly and can be made ahead of time. Coleslaw recipes always fit the bill, and this spicy coleslaw is one of our favorites. It’s crisp, crunchy and tangy, everything you want in a refreshing slaw.
Serve this slaw alongside rich barbecued and grilled meats, or stuff it inside fish tacos and pulled pork sandwiches. And, since we don’t use dairy in the dressing, it’s perfect alongside plant-based and vegan soul food recipes.
Ingredients for Spicy Coleslaw
- Angel hair coleslaw mix: This bagged coleslaw mix contains finely shredded cabbage. It’s usually made with just green cabbage, so you won’t find the red cabbage or carrots you’d get with other coleslaw mixes.
- Jalapeno chiles: Chiles give this coleslaw its spicy kick. Wear disposable gloves when cutting and handling hot chiles to prevent jalapeno hands.
- Bell peppers: A variety of peppers add flavor and crunch to this slaw. The red peppers add a sweet juiciness, while the green peppers add a grassy, bitter note.
- Green onions: Green onions are milder than other types of onions, and they contribute the perfect subtle pungency to this slaw.
- Vinegar dressing: An easy whisking of white wine vinegar, lime juice, canola oil, sugar, salt and pepper makes for a delightfully tangy dressing.
Directions
Step 1: Mix the coleslaw mixture
Place the angel hair coleslaw mix, red pepper, green pepper, jalapenos and green onions in a large serving bowl.
Step 2: Make the coleslaw dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, lime juice, canola oil, sugar, salt and pepper.
Step 3: Toss the coleslaw
Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture. Toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Make it creamy: Prefer a creamier coleslaw? Add mayonnaise, sour cream or strained (Greek-style) yogurt to the coleslaw dressing.
- Add herbs: Chopped fresh cilantro would be fantastic addition to this spicy coleslaw, especially if you’ll be serving it over fish tacos.
- Swap the vinegar: Most types of vinegar would work in this coleslaw dressing. Tart apple cider, bright red wine and mild rice vinegar are all good choices. A fresh citrus juice like lemon or lime juice would also work well.
Can you make spicy coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can make spicy coleslaw ahead of time. In fact, it’s a fantastic make-ahead dish because it only gets better with time. Store it, covered, in the refrigerator for up to five days. The dressing can become watery over time, so drain any excess liquid just before serving if desired.
Spicy Coleslaw Tips
Can you use regular coleslaw mix to make spicy coleslaw?
Yes, you can use regular coleslaw mix in our spicy coleslaw recipe. It has a thicker shred than angel hair coleslaw, and it often contains shredded carrots mixed with red and green cabbages. For an ultra-fresh slaw, you can easily shred the cabbage yourself at home.
How can you adjust the heat in spicy coleslaw?
You can make this coleslaw less spicy by reducing the amount of jalapeno. Removing the seeds and ribs from the jalapeno will also help reduce the heat. To make spicy coleslaw even spicier, increase the amount of jalapeno, or add hot sauce to the dressing. You can also swap in a spicier chile like habanero or serrano.
What do you serve with spicy coleslaw?
Spicy coleslaw is an ideal side dish for barbecue, picnic or potluck fare. It pairs perfectly with grilled meats and barbecue recipes like ribs, brisket and smoked pork butt. Pair it with baked beans and one-pot mac and cheese for a delicious cookout. It’s also a smart topping for fish tacos, hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches or burgers.
