Spicy Coleslaw with Honey & Jalapeño

Not all slaws are created equal, and this sweet and spicy coleslaw recipe proves this theory. After making it for the first time, we decided at that moment, this will be our default way for our family to make a coleslaw. Your friends and family will beg you to make this recipe at your next family gathering, BBQ, and potluck. I'm not proud of myself for saying this, but this is the only version of coleslaw where I can selfishly sit with the whole bowl and chomp away at it.

Combining the creamy sweet tanginess of the dressing with the savory flavors of minced garlic, Jalapeño and onion is delightful. Topping it off with the delectable crunch of the Red and Green Cabbage with the carrots will take you away. This dish pairs well with Pulled Pork, BBQ Chicken, Steak, Street Tacos, and Sandwiches. It doesn't matter where you put it either, it can be on the side, or as part of your main dish, it will make your tastebuds sing.

I know there are a few of you that are not fond of Mayo or simply want to try something on the healthier side. If that's the case, be sure to check out our Healthy Coleslaw Recipe that skips the mayonnaise, but not the sweet and spicy coleslaw flavor!

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. 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 to the mix, 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!
• White Onion: What's not to love about these bulbs of flavor? They're fantastic! We are going to grate it into a pulp to blend seamlessly into the mix for the maximum flavor.
• Pure Honey: What's not to love about honey it's natural, full of enzymes, and it has an incredibly sweet taste. While it has more calories than sugar, it's healthier, contains antioxidants and is a decent allergy reliever. Anytime you can substitute honey for sugar, go for it! Your body will thank you.
• Brown Sugar: Even though we added honey, we are still adding a generous amount of brown sugar. This will add another level of sweetness to the mix.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: For this ingredient, I tend to use Apple Cider Vinegar with the mother. 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 Spicy Coleslaw with Honey & Jalapeño

Step 1

Thinly Slice the Red and Green Cabbage utilizing a sharp knife or mandolin, then place into a large bowl.

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

Mince the Garlic and toss it into the large bowl with the cabbage.

Step 4

Peel and chop of the end of the onion, then grate. Also grate jalapeño with the seeds, then toss them into the large bowl with the other ingredients. 

Step 5

Toss the vegetables around until thoroughly mixed, then place in the fridge. h the other ingredients. 

Mixing the dressing

In a separate smaller bowl, Combine the Mayonnaise, Apple Cider Vinegar, Honey, Brown Sugar, Kosher Salt, and Freshly Ground Black Pepper. 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. Now you will have the best sweet and spicy coleslaw, you've ever tried! Enjoy!

Conclusion

This coleslaw recipe became an instant hit when my wife's mom came to visit from Florida. We were making BBQ Ribs with my own sauce mix and wanted something a little different as a side. So, after mixing these ingredients together we were all taken aback at how amazing this recipe ended up tasting. It was in those moments where I decided that this was my default go to recipe for coleslaw.