Love a bit of spice with your crunch? Then this jalapeno coleslaw is for you! This coleslaw with jalapenos recipe is easy to follow and simple to make. It's the ideal summer dish for carry-ins, potlucks, and outdoor family gatherings.
I've been a fan of coleslaw forever. It's one of those classic side dishes that can be eaten with just about anything. The jalapenos and the corn make a really spicy and sweet combination that you just can't ignore. And once you add in that fresh cilantro, it's literally like a party in your mouth.
This was inspired by my bell pepper salad recipe on this site, and pairs well with this amazing air fryer skirt steak.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Crisp: The use of fresh ingredients ensures great taste and a lot of crunch.
- Tangy and Sweet: The combination of oil and lime juice with a touch of sweetness balances the heat wonderfully.
- Versatility: This coleslaw pairs well with a variety of dishes. It's a great side for grilled meats, fish tacos, sandwiches, pulled pork and so much more.
- Easy Make-Ahead Recipe: The coleslaw should be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful side dish whenever you need it.
Ingredients
You'll find that this jalapeno coleslaw recipe takes minimal ingredients but delivers boatloads of flavor!
- Package Slaw Mix: You can purchase this from the store or chop up fresh cabbage as well.
- Canned Corn: Defrosted frozen corn, or fresh corn will work as well.
- Pickled Jalapenos: You can use fresh jalapenos as well or instead but the pickled ones add flavor and you get to use some of the juice for this recipe, too.
- Red Pepper: Green, orange or yellow peppers will work great too!
- Red Onion: Use white or yellow onions instead.
- Cilantro: Use fresh parsley, basil or dill if preferred.
- Lime Juice: Use lemon juice instead.
- Queso Fresco: Use feta, cotija cheese, ricotta salata or queso blanco as a substitute.
- Olive Oil: Use your favorite vegetable oil instead or grapeseed oil.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
Substitutions and Variations
Don't have the correct ingredients on hand? Or want to change something up? Here are some helpful tips for you to change this spiced coleslaw recipe.
- Add Seeds: Use hemp, chia, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds or pine nuts.
- Add Vegetables: Dice celery, cucumber, green onions, scallions, zucchini noodles, radish, or pickled vegetables as well.
- Add Fruits: Add chopped mandarin oranges, grapes or pineapple.
How to make Spicy Coleslaw
While this coleslaw recipe looks hard, I can promise you it's not! Just a few simple steps and you're done.
Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the slaw, corn, jalapenos, red pepper, onion, and cilantro.
In a small bowl, combine the lime juice and olive oil. Pour over the slaw and toss to combine. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Hint: Be prepared to double up liquid or dressing if you're adding lots of extra ingredients to your coleslaw so every piece has a little dressing on it.
If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy our classic pasta salad, Creamy Shrimp Pasta Salad, and our Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days for best results.
Make Ahead: Coleslaw is one of those recipes that gets better the longer it marinates. So if you can make this dish a few hours ahead of time or even the day before, it's going to have so much more flavor and taste!
What to Serve with
It's great as it stands and is delicious on fish tacos, amazing on pulled pork and makes a super crunchy topping for burgers as well.
Tips
- Allow the coleslaw to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving so flavors meld and coleslaw becomes more flavorful.
- You will need to add more liquid or dressing if you're adding lots of other ingredients. Double up dressing and add a little more at a time until coated.
- Shred or slice the vegetables as thinly as possible for best texture and will absorb the dressing better.
FAQ
Do you have questions about jalapeno coleslaw? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about it.
Red cabbage has a denser bulb, a stronger, earthier flavor and green cabbage tends to be a bit sweeter.
If you're not going to buy cabbage mix that is already cut for you, the next best thing is to shred the cabbage yourself. Once you've cleaned the head of cabbage and removed the core, you can thinly slice it using a knife, box grater, food processor or mandolin.
Fresh jalapenos are raw. They haven't been cooked, deseeded, or cleaned. They're typically hotter, have a nice crunch and are a bright green color as well. Pickled jalapenos are pickled with vinegar and other spices, are less spicy and less crunchy.
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More Salad Recipes
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Jalapeno Coleslaw
Ingredients
- 1 pkg (16 oz) package slaw mix, red cabbage slaw mix, green cabbage slaw mix or broccoli slaw
- 1 can (15 oz) corn drained
- ½ cup pickled Jalapenos, sliced with juice
- ½ red pepper, diced
- ⅓ cup red onion diced optional
- ⅓ cup cilantro diced or parsley instead
- ¼ cup queso fresco or parmesan
- ¼ cup lime juice
- ¼ cup olive oil
- salt
- pepper
Options
- 1-2 carrots shredded
- ½ cup canned pineapple, drained crushed or chunks
- ½ cup mandarin oranges, drained canned or fresh, chopped
- ½ cup red grapes chopped
Instructions
- Pull out and measure the ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the slaw, corn, Jalapenos, red pepper, onion, cilantro and queso fresco. Toss to combine.
- In a small bowl, combine the lime juice and olive oil. Pour over the slaw and toss.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve.
Video
Notes
- Allow the coleslaw to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving so flavors meld and coleslaw becomes more flavorful.
- You will need to add more liquid or dressing if you're adding lots of other ingredients. Double up dressing and add a little more at a time until coated.
- Shred or slice the vegetables as thinly as possible for best texture and will absorb the dressing better.
Nutrition
This post was originally published in May 2021. It has been updated with new content and new images.
Lc says
What is the ingredient in the center. Looks like parmesan.
Karin and Ken says
What an amazing eye you have. Would you believe I never noticed I forgot to list the ingredient. I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to ask. It’s 1/4 cup queso fresco, but parmesan will definitely work. I’ve used it myself. Thank you again. All the best. Karin
Maggie says
What a fun take on coleslaw. Its so colorful and tasty. I love it for bringing to my mom's place for her dinner parties. I have to make extra to leave at home for me to eat. I will take it to work with me for lunches a well. It's the perfect thing for summer.
Karin and Ken says
I love this recipe. It’s easy and so tasty. I’m so happy you’re enjoying it. Thank you for letting me know. Take care. Karin