Jalapeño Coleslaw Recipe is the perfect spicy slaw that you can easily make and add to rice bowls, tacos, salads, sandwiches and wraps. You will love the slightly spicy flavor that the jalapeño adds to the cabbage mixture. Prep this ahead of time when you do your meal-prep.
I love fresh veggie slaws and use them a lot in my meals. I find that coleslaw adds flavor and texture to rice bowls, sandwiches, burgers, wraps and salads.
Today’s Jalapeño Coleslaw Recipe is similar to a classic coleslaw but with a slight kick to it.
The jalapeño adds a wonderful spice level that will bring flavor to any meal. You can add more or less depending on how much spice you like.
I often make this Easy Mango Cabbage Coleslaw, Healthy Coleslaw or this Caribbean Coleslaw when I want a vinegar based or non-creamy coleslaw.
For a creamy coleslaw I enjoy this Mexican Coleslaw.
Try adding this Jalapeno Slaw to this Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowl, Beef Shawarma Wrap, Sweet Potato Bowl, Slow Cooker Cuban Pork Rice Bowls or Sweet and Spicy Turkey Burgers.
Why You Will Love this Recipe:
- Easy to Make: This coleslaw is a simple recipe and can be on your table in under 10 minutes. If you buy a pre-packaged coleslaw mix that will save you time. This is one of those side dishes you will make time and time again.
- Simple Ingredients: I love that this recipe uses simple ingredients. You can either use a head of green and red cabbage, carrots and jalapeño peppers. It is a nice way to incorporate some vegetables into your meals. This is a great way to take traditional coleslaw to the next level.
- Versatile Side Dish: You can use this slaw in a lot of ways. You can eat it as a side dish or you can add it to rice bowls, hummus bowls, to top your seafood, add to wraps, salads or sandwiches.
Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Coleslaw Mix: I used a bag of coleslaw mix in this recipe but you can just use the below red cabbage and sub shredded green cabbage for this coleslaw mix.
- Shredded Cabbage: Add shredded red cabbage into the mix for color and added crunch. If you don’t have red cabbage on hand just use an extra cup of the cabbage mix instead.
- Shredded Carrots: You can buy matchstick carrots or shred your own at home. Try colorful rainbow carrots to add extra color to your coleslaw.
- Jalapeño: This recipe uses 1-2 jalapeño but you can use more for a spicier slaw.
- Greek Yogurt or Mayonnaise: For the dressing I used Greek yogurt {or you can use mayonnaise}. Another option is to use 1/2 mayo and 1/2 Greek yogurt.
- Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard is added to the dressing for extra flavor.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: The vinegar helps bring a slightly acidic flavor to the dressing. You could use red wine vinegar instead.
- Spices: The spices that I used for the dressing are celery salt and smoked paprika.
How do you Make Jalapeño Slaw
This spicy coleslaw recipe couldn’t be easier. You can create this in under 10 minutes and makes a great addition to your weekly meal-prep.
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients for the Slaw: Combine the coleslaw mix, purple cabbage, carrots, onion, and jalapeños in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing: Mix all the dressing ingredients together and pour over the coleslaw. Toss to combine.
Serve as a side dish or on your favorite fish tacos, pork sandwiches, wraps, salads, sandwiches or tacos.
Store the leftover coleslaw in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Ways to Modify this Slaw
- Seeds and Nuts: I love adding nuts and seeds to add crunch and texture. Try toasted sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, chopped pistachios, sliced almonds, walnuts or pecans.
- Spices: Adding spices can change the flavor of the slaw. Try regular paprika instead of smoked, sumac or za’atar, curry or chili powder.
- Vegetables: Addition vegetables add a nice colorful, nutritional element to the slaw. Try mixing in zucchini noodles, fresh corn, red onion, sliced cucumber, radish, green onions, pickled vegetables or pickled red onions.
- Spices Level: You can adjust the spice level but using more jalapeño. You could also add hot sauce, crushed red pepper or cayenne pepper.
- Vinegar: This recipe uses apple cider vinegar. Try swapping for red wine vinegar, rice vinegar or balsamic vinegar.
- Creaminess: Adjust the creaminess by varying the amount of mayonnaise or sour cream. For a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt.
- Fruit: Fruit can add a sweetness to the slaw. Try fruits like pineapple, mango, or apples for a sweet and fruity twist. Grate citrus zest like lemon zest or lime zest into the slaw for a zesty kick. Citrus juice like lemon juice or fresh lime juice can also add brightness to the overall flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can be a nice finishing touch. Try fresh parsley, mint or fresh cilantro.
Recipe FAQ
I suggest tossing the shredded cabbage with a little salt and let it sit for 20–30 minutes. This helps draw out moisture and keeps the slaw crisp. Rinse the salt off and pat dry before mixing with other ingredients.
I suggest tossing the shredded cabbage with a little salt and let it sit for 20–30 minutes. This helps draw out moisture and keeps the slaw crisp. Rinse the salt off and pat dry before mixing with other ingredients.
Let this easy mexican coleslaw recipe chill in the fridge for at least 1–2 hours before serving. This helps the flavors infuse into the cabbage.
Coleslaw can be prepared a day in advance. However, keep dressing and cabbage separate until closer to serving to maintain crispness.
Other Sides You Might Like:
- LEMON ARUGULA SALAD RECIPE
- CRUNCHY KALE SLAW
- MEDITERRANEAN WHITE BEAN SALAD
- ARUGULA ORZO SALAD
- THAI CUCUMBER SALAD
- LEMON BRUSSELS SPROUT SLAW
- COCONUT RICE SALAD
- BROCCOLI SLAW RECIPE
Jalapeno Coleslaw Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups coleslaw mix
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup red onion, shredded
- 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
FOR THE DRESSING
- 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt {or mayonnaise}
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar {or honey}
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine the coleslaw mix, red cabbage, carrots, onion, and jalapenos in a large bowl. Mix together.
- Mix all the dressing ingredients together and pour over the coleslaw. Toss to combine.
- Serve as a side dish or on your favorite sandwich or taco.
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- This recipe is very versatile and you can just use all coleslaw mix or just green or red cabbage if you prefer.
- I prefer fresh jalapenos, but pickled jalapenos work well.