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Chipotle Coleslaw Recipe

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Looking for a flavor-packed side dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious? Look no further than this creamy chipotle coleslaw.

With just a handful of simple ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you’ll have a vibrant and spicy coleslaw that’s the perfect side dish for grilled meats, backyard parties, or even as a quick side for busy weekdays.

mixing spicy coleslaw together with wooden spoons


Chipotle Coleslaw

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This twist on coleslaw is a delicious side for your favorite bbq and smoker recipes like Pellet grill Tri Tip, Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken, or Easy CrockPot Dr. Pepper Baby Back Ribs.

Chipotle Coleslaw Ingredients

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

  • Chipotle Mayo. If you cannot find chipotle mayonnaise, look for a spicy mayo. You could also make your own by mixing your favorite hot sauce with mayo (start with a little hot sauce and work your way up) or by blending mayo with canned chipotle peppers in adobo (start with half a pepper and taste as you go).
  • White Vinegar. You could swap this for apple cider vinegar if you prefer.
  • Honey. Use any sweetener you like: sugar or maple syrup are other options.
  • Cilantro. If you don’t like cilantro, you can leave it out.
  • mixing spicy mayo for a dressing
  • spicy coleslaw dressing
  • adding bagged cabbage to slaw

How to make the slaw less creamy.

If you prefer a lighter or less creamy coleslaw, you can reduce the amount of mayonnaise. This will make it less spicy and change up the recipe a bit.

Start with a smaller amount of mayo and gradually add more until you achieve your desired consistency.

You can also add extra vinegar and honey/sugar to help balance it all out.

Randa and Stacie Canadian food bloggers in their kitchens

We used bagged coleslaw mix and added a little extra red cabbage for an extra pop of color. Using a premade cabbage mix saves time and makes this recipe short and sweet (or spicy).

chipotle coleslaw with red cabbge

How to Make Slaw Vegan

If you are vegan, simply use a vegan approved spicy mayo or make your own with your vegan mayo as a base and add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (a little at a time).

FAQs about Chipotle Slaw

Yes! The spiciness of the coleslaw largely depends on the amount of how much spicy mayo you use. If you prefer milder heat, use a little less mayo and add a little extra honey. Start with half and taste and adjust as you mix it together.

The chipotle coleslaw will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days. However, keep in mind that the cabbage may become softer overtime due to the dressing. For the best texture, we recommend eating it within 24 hours.

You bet. The chipotle slaw can be made in advance, and this allows the flavors to meld. Prepare the coleslaw as instructed in the recipe, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. Just give it a good stir before serving to ensure that the dressing is evenly distributed. We recommend making it at least an hour before serving.

coleslaw in a small bowl

What Goes with Coleslaw?

Here are some great main dishes to serve coleslaw with. Whether you’re using it as a side salad, bringing it to a potluck or bbq, or topping your sandwiches – spicy coleslaw is versatile.

  • Barbecue Ribs: The smoky and spicy flavors of chipotle coleslaw pair perfectly with juicy barbecue ribs, creating a delicious balance of flavors.
  • Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Add a punch of flavor to your pulled pork sandwiches by serving them with chipotle coleslaw on top or on the side. The creaminess of the coleslaw cuts through the richness of the pork.
  • Fish Tacos: Chipotle coleslaw can add a refreshing and spicy element to fish tacos. The crunch and zesty flavor of the coleslaw perfectly complements the fish.
  • Grilled Burgers: Jazz up your burgers by adding a scoop of chipotle coleslaw on top. The creaminess and smoky kick of the coleslaw will take your burger to the next level.
  • BBQ Chicken: Whether you’re grilling or oven-roasting chicken, serving it with chipotle coleslaw adds an exciting burst of flavor and texture alongside the juicy chicken.
  • Smoked Brisket: The smoky and tender goodness of smoked brisket pairs wonderfully with the tangy and spicy chipotle coleslaw.
coleslaw salad in a white bowl with wooden bowls stacked in the background

Busy Day Dinners Recipes to Serve with Coleslaw

This spicy coleslaw recipe would be delicious with the following recipes:

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Creamy Chipotle Coleslaw

You're going to love this quick and easy spicy coleslaw recipe. The bold and spicy kick of chipotle adds an irresistible twist to the classic coleslaw. It's perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or even as a zesty topping for your sandwiches.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe
mixing spicy coleslaw together with wooden spoons
Prep Time:5 minutes
Total Time:5 minutes

Equipment

Mixing Bowls
Whisk
Salad Servers

Ingredients
 

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the spicy mayo, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Taste the dress and adjust to your tastes. I personally like a sharp slaw, but you can add more honey or sugar if needed.
  • Once the dressing is smooth add in the bagged cabbage and toss it until evenly coated.
  • Top with fresh cilantro and serve.

Notes

Adjusting the spiciness.

The spiciness of the coleslaw largely depends on the amount of how much spicy mayo you use. If you prefer milder heat, use a little less mayo and add a little extra honey. Start with half and taste and adjust as you mix it together.

Making the slaw in advance

The chipotle slaw can be made in advance, and this allows the flavors to meld. Prepare the coleslaw as instructed in the recipe, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. Just give it a good stir before serving to ensure that the dressing is evenly distributed. We recommend making it at least an hour before serving.

How long does this last in the fridge?

The chipotle coleslaw will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days. However, keep in mind that the cabbage may become softer overtime due to the dressing. For the best texture, we recommend eating it within 24 hours.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 149kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 1gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 325mgPotassium: 119mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 86IUVitamin C: 24mgCalcium: 29mgIron: 0.4mg
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 149kcal


Certified Holistic Nutritionist, Recipe Devleoper

Randa is the Certified Holistic Nutritionist (and busy mom of two) behind Busy Day Dinners, Randa Nutrition, and Party Food Favorites. She's on a mission to make healthy living easier with realistic nutrition. With her mouthwatering recipes and wellness insights, Randa shows you can have a balanced lifestyle without giving up your favorite foods (or spending a ton of time in the kitchen).

2 Comments

  1. I like to add white or red onion to my slaw and I like to try different vinegars as well. Today I used blueberry vinegar and added a 1/4 cup of fresh blueberries to my slaw. It will be served as my side with my homemade honey garlic and mustard ribs. It will give me 2 meals.
    I have also used some shredded apple or pear in my slaw as well as 1/4 cup of raisons or cranberries and sometimes 1/8 cup of sunflower or pumpkin seeds

    Reply

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