Coleslaw is the perfect summer side, and this Jalapeno Coleslaw is the ideal way to mix things up. With southwestern flavors, it is perfect for serving with tacos, fajitas, or a simple chicken dinner. No matter what you dish up with this recipe, it is sure to be a hit!
When it comes to cookouts, everyone loves a good side dish.
And if you're looking for something different than the usual potato salad or pasta salad, why not try Jalapeno Coleslaw?
We’ve added jalapenos and punchy cilantro to this slaw, giving it a nice kick. Whether you use jalapeno slaw for tacos or a simple side, this spicy slaw is sure to be a hit.
Let's Talk Ingredients
I use white vinegar for the dressing, but I’ve tested both apple cider and rice vinegar, and they are both great here. A good extra virgin olive oil gives the best flavor, though vegetable oil works in a pinch.
A touch of sugar balances the acidity. I’ve tested white, brown, and honey; they all work.
Celery salt adds great flavor, but regular salt gets the job done, too.
Cilantro makes the slaw pop, but you can skip it if it’s not your thing. I don’t recommend substituting parsley; it is better without it, based on my recipe testing.
Use pickled jalapenos for a milder flavor that will still give a little kick.
Tips & Tricks
- To shred your cabbage, start by cutting the cabbage in half. Then, cut each half into thin strips. Finally, cut the strips into small pieces. If you have a food processor, you can also use that to shred the cabbage.
- To make this recipe ahead of time, simply mix all ingredients and store them in the fridge. The coleslaw will taste even better after it's had a chance to sit and the flavors have had a chance to meld together.
- If you find that the coleslaw is too acidic, you can add a little more sugar to balance it out. Conversely, if you find it too sweet, you can add a little more vinegar.
- This recipe is best served chilled. However, if you're in a hurry, you can serve it immediately after mixing everything.
How to Make Jalapeno Coleslaw
First, start your jalapeno cole slaw by making the dressing. To do this, mix the vinegar, olive oil, mayonnaise, lime juice, sugar, and celery salt in a bowl.
You can do this up to two days in advance if you like.
Next, put green cabbage, red cabbage, red onion, carrots, and chopped jalapeno peppers in a large bowl.
Add the dressing to the coleslaw mix and toss to combine.
Refrigerate for at least an hour.
Top with the cilantro just before serving. Taste and add salt and black pepper if needed.
Serve cabbage cilantro jalapeno slaw chilled or a room temperature.
Ridiculously Good Jalapeno Coleslaw with Lime
Equipment
- Food Processor optional
- Whisk
Ingredients
Dressing
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon celery salt
Slaw
- 3 cups shredded white cabbage
- 3 cups shredded red cabbage
- ½ red onion sliced thin
- ½ cup shredded carrot
- 2 jalapeños seeded and finely chopped
- ⅓ cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, mayonnaise, lime juice, sugar, and celery salt.
- Combine cabbage, red onion, carrots, and jalapeños in a large bowl.
- Toss with the dressing.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the flavors to combine.
- Toss with fresh cilantro just before serving.
- Serve this jalapeño coleslaw filled or at room temperature.
Raquel says
What a great coleslaw recipe that is so easy to put together. Everyone loved it.
Bernice says
I love my coleslaw with a little zip and highly recommend this recipe!
Glenda says
Over the moon for this scrumptious coleslaw! It is definitely one of the best I've ever eaten. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Phoebe says
My family loves all things spicy! Thank you for this recipe!
Amy says
Hello! I like to substitute pickled jalapeño juice for the vinegar in slaw and chop jalapenos to put in it. I am going to modify your recipe with pickled jalapeno juice but use fresh jalapenos.
Michelle says
Great recipe thank you! I did not have celery salt and used onion instead and it worked perfectly! This was already requested again!
Wendy Polisi says
I am so glad that you enjoyed it!
Kristin says
This is absolutely the most fresh tasting and delicious slaw I’ve made/had! I needed to use ingredients on hand, and had them all. Quick to prep, and served it with a black bean burger. So yummy!
Wendy Polisi says
I am so glad that you enjoyed it!
nick says
Great, i added a diced nectarine to it.
Wendy Polisi says
What a fun addition! I am going to try that.