Healthy Coleslaw – Sweet and Spicy (No Mayo)

This healthy coleslaw recipe is an excellent sweet and spicy treat for people that simply do not like mayo. This vinegar-based coleslaw blends its tanginess with the sweetness of maple syrup combined with a little heat from the Jalapeño. Along the ride we have the crunch from the carrots, and the savory flavors from the green onion and cilantro. Top it all off with the sliced almonds and the pepitas and you have a delightful sweet and spicy coleslaw that all will love.

This is one of those dishes that I love to bring to a BBQ, party, or potluck. It pairs very well with Pulled Pork, BBQ Chicken, and even Brisket. It also tastes great in Sandwiches, as well.

Sweet and Spicy Coleslaw Ingredients

• Red and Green Cabbage: Cabbage is at the heart of most coleslaws, it's the one universal ingredient that we all know and love. This is the one ingredient you can't substitute, and why would you? They're exceptionally healthy and are high in both Vitamins C and K, improve digestion and may ease inflammation.
• Carrots: Yet another staple that tend to lend their service to Healthy Coleslaw. Don't be afraid to add a little more than the recipe intends, they're delicious and are also great for you while being low in calories.
• Jalapeño: This ingredient is one of my favorites. It has an amazing flavor and a well-balanced spice when added to recipes. The green ones may be a little spicy, but the red ones can turn up the heat. For this recipe it's advised to stick with the green one, unless you're with a group that loves spice!
• Cliantro: Originating from southern Europe and Asia, this ingredient is sometimes mistaken to come from Mexican Cuisine. If you can add cilantro to anything this is the perfect dish to add it to. This ingredient blends the sweetness of the Maple Syrup and the Savory flavors of the Green Onion.
• Green Onion: Who doesn't love this ingredient? In this recipe, you will only be using the green part of the onion. You may save the white part for later or you may fill a glass with water, grow the roots out and replant it in your garden for infinite green onions.
• Pepitas: Shucked from the outer part of the pumpkin seed, these little roasted flavor bombs are amazing to put on everything and are great for your immune system. While you're making this recipe, feel free to eat a few out of the bag and snack on them.
• Sliced Almonds: These little guys and gals add the perfect nutty crunch to the meal and are also rich in antioxidants and magnesium. While you're tasting the pepitas, grab a handful of these as well.
• Maple Syrup: Only 100% pure maple syrup will do. Apart from being sugary, it's rich in antioxidants. The fake stuff is not only unhealthy, but it doesn't even contain maple syrup or any of the benefits that come from the pure stuff.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: When making most of my recipes that use this ingredient, I tend to use Apple Cider Vinegar with "the mother" because it's great for you. Not only does it contain a small amount of natural probiotics but it aids in balancing blood sugars and is also another great source of antioxidants.

Making the Healthy Coleslaw

Step 1

Thinly slice the Red and Green Cabbages, then place them in a large bowl. I typically use a mandolin to make my slaw extra thin. 

Step 2

Next, toss the shredded carrots into the bowl. Either pre-shredded carrots or freshly shredded carrots will do fine. If you shred the carrots by hand, I like to use a Julienne Peeler, however, if you don't have one of those on hand a grater will work as well.

Step 3

Seed and finely dice the Jalapeño then toss it into the bowl. It's preferred to wear food grade gloves so as not to irritate your skin when handling spicy peppers.

Step 4

Finally, add the Pepitas, Almond Slices, Cilantro and sliced Green Onion into the bowl and mix it around. 

Making the Dressing

In a separate smaller bowl, Combine the Cayenne Pepper, Kosher Salt, Ground Black Pepper, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, Pure Maple Syrup, and the finely minced clove of Garlic. Whisk together until it has a smooth consistency, then place in the fridge.

Ready to Serve

Once you are ready to serve, if there is excess water at the bottom of the coleslaw mix, drop it into a large strainer. Place it back in the bowl, then fold in the dressing into the coleslaw mix just enough to coat the cabbage. Enjoy!

Infinite Green Onions

Since we are not fans of wasting food, be sure to propagate your Green Onions. We have propagation vials, but this also works in a glass of water. After a couple days of sitting in the water, the onions roots will begin to grow. From there you will be able to plant them in soil!