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Creamy Jalapeño Cilantro Coleslaw

creamy jalapeño cilantro coleslaw - featured image

A creamy, zesty coleslaw with a spicy kick from jalapeños and fresh brightness from cilantro, perfect for summer gatherings and as a versatile side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups finely shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 12 medium jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for milder heat or kept for extra kick)
  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Finely shred about 4 cups of green cabbage and shred 1 cup of carrots. Finely chop 1-2 jalapeños, removing seeds if you prefer less heat. Chop ½ cup fresh cilantro.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon honey, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  3. Add the shredded cabbage, carrots, jalapeños, and cilantro into a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the veggies and gently toss with a large spoon or spatula to coat evenly without bruising the cabbage.
  4. Cover the coleslaw and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally an hour, to let the flavors meld and the cabbage soften slightly while staying crisp.
  5. Before serving, give the coleslaw a gentle toss and taste for seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Use fresh, firm cabbage and shred finely but not too thin to maintain texture. Remove jalapeño seeds for milder heat. Chill coleslaw for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors and keep cabbage crisp. Avoid over-mixing to prevent sogginess. Can substitute mayo and sour cream with Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternatives for lighter or dairy-free versions. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: coleslaw, jalapeño, cilantro, creamy coleslaw, spicy coleslaw, summer side dish, easy coleslaw recipe, barbecue side, fresh coleslaw