Spicy Cole Slaw

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Spicy Cole Slaw is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that offers the perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and spice. The fresh mix of red and green cabbage provides a satisfying texture, while the shredded carrots and cucumbers add sweetness and freshness. The dressing brings it all together with its rich, creamy base and just the right amount of heat from horseradish, Dijon mustard, and cayenne pepper. It’s versatile, easy to make, and can be adjusted to your preferred spice level, making it the ideal companion for a variety of meals.

Ingredients

• 5 cups cabbage (I used half red and half green cabbage)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups cucumber, shredded or diced (use seedless cucumber for the best texture)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• 1 1/2 tbsp prepared creamy horseradish
• 1 1/2 tsp coarse grained Dijon mustard
• Pinch or two of red pepper flakes (omit if you don’t want it spicy)
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (omit if you don’t want it spicy)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cabbage (both red and green), shredded carrots, chopped green onions, and cucumber.
2. Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, black pepper, mayonnaise, sour cream, horseradish, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper.
3. Combine: Pour the dressing over the prepared vegetables and toss everything together until evenly coated.
4. Chill: Cover the slaw and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste.
5. Serve: Give it one final toss and serve chilled as a side dish to grilled meats, sandwiches, or tacos.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. Prep time is approximately 15 minutes, and chilling time is at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Variations

• Heat Adjustment: If you prefer a milder slaw, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes. For extra spice, increase the horseradish or add a chopped jalapeño.
• Vegan: For a vegan version, substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with dairy-free versions like cashew cream or vegan mayo.
• Add-ins: Feel free to add in other vegetables like bell peppers, radishes, or even sweet corn for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The slaw may get slightly softer over time, but the flavor will continue to develop.
• Reheating: This dish is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. Just pull it from the fridge and serve.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cole slaw ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, this cole slaw tastes even better after it has had time to chill and let the flavors meld together. Prepare it a few hours or the day before serving.

2. Can I use regular cucumber instead of seedless?

Yes, you can use a regular cucumber, but be sure to remove as many seeds as possible to avoid excess moisture in the slaw.

3. Can I make this slaw spicier?

Yes! You can increase the amount of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or horseradish to suit your spice preference.

4. Can I use a different vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar?

You can substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar or rice vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Spicy Cole Slaw is naturally gluten-free, as none of the ingredients contain gluten.

6. Can I skip the sour cream?

Yes, you can omit the sour cream if you prefer a lighter dressing, or substitute it with additional mayo or Greek yogurt for creaminess.

7. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, simply substitute the mayo and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives like vegan mayo or cashew cream.

8. How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

9. Can I add other vegetables to the slaw?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, radishes, or even sweet corn for added flavor and crunch.

10. Can I adjust the sweetness of the slaw?

Yes, you can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar depending on your taste preference. You can also use honey or maple syrup as an alternative sweetener.

Conclusion

This Spicy Cole Slaw is a must-try for anyone who loves a flavorful twist on the classic coleslaw. With its crunchy vegetables and creamy, tangy dressing, balanced with just the right amount of spice, it’s a perfect addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it at a BBQ, as a topping for sandwiches, or as a side dish, this slaw is sure to impress. Adjust the spice level to your liking and enjoy a dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious!

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