Spicy coleslaw is a tantalizing twist on the classic picnic side dish, infusing traditional cabbage and carrot mixtures with a fiery kick. What sets spicy coleslaw apart is its bold combination of ingredients that awaken the taste buds with each crunchy bite. At its core, this zesty variation typically features a creamy base, often mayonnaise, tempered with tangy apple cider vinegar and a hint of sweetness from sugar. However, it’s the addition of fiery elements like jalapenos, poblano peppers, and ground red pepper that truly elevate this coleslaw to a new level of flavor excitement.
The heat of spicy coleslaw is not overpowering but rather adds a delightful intensity that complements a wide range of dishes, especially those with smoky or savory profiles. The marriage of crisp vegetables with the bold heat of peppers creates a dynamic texture and flavor contrast, making every mouthful an adventure in taste. Whether served alongside pulled pork sandwiches at a summer barbecue or paired with spicy fried chicken for a Southern-inspired feast, spicy coleslaw adds a vibrant and memorable element to any meal. With its refreshing crunch and fiery zest, spicy coleslaw is sure to become a favorite among those who crave a little extra kick in their culinary creations.
Spicy Coleslaw
Ingredients
Coleslaw Dressing:
- 1 cup Mayo
- 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Ground Red Pepper or Red Pepper Flakes
Veggies:
- 1 Poblano deseeded and thinly sliced
- ½ Red Onion thinly sliced
- 1 Jalapeno deseeded and thinly sliced
- 1 bag Coleslaw Mix Purple and Green Cabbage with Carrots
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayo, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and ground red pepper or red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Add the prepared veggies to the bowl.
- Gently fold the veggies into the dressing until evenly coated.
- Refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best flavor.
- Enjoy your coleslaw with any BBQ dish, such as smoked pulled pork.