Spice up your BBQ spread with this bold and Creamy Jalapeno Coleslaw! Crunchy cabbage, fiery jalapeños, and a tangy yogurt-lime dressing come together in a slaw that’s anything but boring.
This coleslaw with jalapeno peppers is quick to whip up, even better after chilling, and totally customizable. Whether you want it kid-friendly or crave a fiery kick, it’s the kind of side that disappears fast at BBQs, taco nights, or even meal-prepped lunches.
Love bold sides? You’ll also want to try my German Fried Cabbage with Bacon Bits or Vegan Baked Beans—both are next-level crowd-pleasers.
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Bold and balanced: Creamy, crunchy, and just the right amount of heat.
- 10-minute prep: Quick enough for weeknights, tasty enough for parties.
- Easy to customize: Adjust spice, add fruit, or boost protein with extras.
⭐ Star Ingredients
- Jalapeño peppers: The main event! I finely chop mine to get that signature heat in every bite. Remove seeds for a milder version or leave them in if you love the fire.
- Shredded cabbage (white & purple): This combo gives the best crunch and color contrast.
- Greek yogurt or sour cream: Keeps things creamy and tangy without mayo overload.
- Lime juice & zest: Fresh, citrusy brightness that balances the heat perfectly.
- Cilantro & cumin: Earthy and herby notes that take the slaw from simple to crave-worthy.
Substitutions And Variations
- Spicy Mango Slaw: Add diced mango for a sweet and spicy combo that’s perfect for summer BBQs.
- Creamy Avocado Coleslaw: Mash half an avocado into the dressing for a rich, creamy twist.
- Tex-Mex Slaw: Toss in some black beans and corn for a hearty, Southwest-style slaw.
- Pickled Jalapeño Slaw: Swap fresh jalapeños for pickled ones for a tangy twist and gentler heat—great for little taste buds!
- Buttermilk Dressing Option: Replace Greek yogurt with buttermilk for a lighter, more pourable dressing with extra tang.
- Sweet Pineapple Slaw: Stir in some fresh pineapple chunks for juicy sweetness that balances the heat.
- Cotija Cheese Crumble: Sprinkle in some crumbled Cotija or feta to add a creamy, salty contrast.
- Slaw Wraps or Tacos: Use this jalapeño slaw as a filling in wraps, burritos, or pulled pork sandwiches—it totally steals the show.
If you love bold flavors like this, try it alongside my Shrimp Cakes with Hot Sauce or stuff it into Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas.
How To Make Jalapeno Coleslaw
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded white cabbage, purple cabbage, and carrots. This will be the crunchy base of your slaw.
- Step 2: Add finely chopped cilantro, red onion, and jalapeño pepper to the bowl. These will add fresh flavor and a little heat.
- Step 3: Gently stir the vegetables and herbs together until everything is evenly mixed.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, add the Greek yogurt or sour cream, freshly squeezed lime juice, lime zest, cumin, black pepper, and salt.
- Step 5: Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy—this is your flavorful dressing.
- Step 6: Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture.
- Step 7: Toss well to coat all the vegetables evenly with the dressing.
- Step 8: Serve your jalapeno coleslaw garnished with extra jalapeño slices for a little extra kick!
💡Hint: Salt your cabbage and let it sit for 10 minutes before dressing—this keeps the slaw from getting watery.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Control the heat: Remove jalapeño seeds for a milder version or toss in a pinch of cayenne for extra spice.
- Add creaminess: Blend in a little mayo with the yogurt for a richer texture.
- Make ahead: The flavor deepens over time, so it’s a great prep-ahead option for potlucks or parties.
FAQ's
It depends! Remove the seeds for a gentler kick or keep them in for a bolder flavor. You can also adjust by using more or less pepper.
Yes! It’s packed with fiber, vitamins, and fresh ingredients, especially if you use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Yes, but for the best crunch, mix the dressing in advance and toss it with the veggies right before serving.
It stays fresh for about 2 days in an airtight container. The cabbage may soften over time, but the flavors will meld nicely.
Yes, the longer it sits, the more the spice from the jalapeños will infuse into the dressing.
Sprinkle a little salt on the cabbage and let it sit for 10 minutes before mixing to draw out excess moisture.
💖 Serving Suggestions
This spicy slaw pairs beautifully with:
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings – crispy, juicy, and made for dipping into creamy slaw.
- Slow Cooked Spare Ribs – balances that rich, tender meat with cool crunch.
- Tilapia Fish Tacos – layer it right on top for the ultimate Baja-style bite.
- Beetroot And Black Bean Burgers – a crunchy topping that adds serious flavor.
- Air Fryer Shrimp With Paprika – light, fresh, and perfect with the zingy lime-jalapeño combo.
🍽 More BBQ Sides You'll Love
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Jalapeno Coleslaw
Ingredients
- 2 Cups White Cabbage (shredded)
- 1 Cup Purple Cabbage (shredded)
- ⅔ Cup Carrots (shredded)
- 1 tablespoon Jalapeño Pepper (sliced)
- 2 tablespoon Red Onion (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Powder
- ⅓ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 Lime
- 4 tablespoon Cilantro (chopped)
- 4 tablespoon Sour Cream
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded white cabbage, purple cabbage, and carrots. This will be the crunchy base of your slaw.
- Add finely chopped cilantro, red onion, and jalapeño pepper to the bowl. These will add fresh flavor and a little heat.
- Gently stir the vegetables and herbs together until everything is evenly mixed.
- In a separate bowl, add the Greek yogurt or sour cream, freshly squeezed lime juice, lime zest, cumin, black pepper, and salt.
- Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy—this is your flavorful dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture.
- Toss well to coat all the vegetables evenly with the dressing.
- Serve your jalapeno coleslaw garnished with extra jalapeño slices for a little extra kick!
Notes
Nutrition
I just made a double batch of this for our weekend BBQ and it disappeared so fast! Have you tried adding mango or avocado to your jalapeño coleslaw? I'd love to hear your favorite twists or how you serve it—drop your ideas below!