Spicy Purple Cabbage Coleslaw is a creamy and delicious side dish option (perfectly paired with ribs or pork shoulder) with just the right amount of spice!

Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- That Spice: Some recipes are just better when served with a little spicy coleslaw!
- Cilantro: I am a huge fan of cilantro so there is a ton of it in here! So good!
- Not Your Typical Coleslaw: Don’t get me wrong, regular coleslaw is good too! But sometimes you just want to switch things up – that is where this recipe comes in.
What You Will Need:
- Cabbage: we use a mix of green and red cabbage
- Green Pepper: this adds just a little bit of crunch
- Yellow Onion: this also adds a little crunch
- Jalapeño: you can omit this if you don’t want things TOO spicy
- Anaheim pepper: these really aren’t spicy at all so don’t be intimidated
- Cilantro: loooove that fresh cilantro in here
- Kosher Salt: just to amplify the flavors
- Mayo: to get that creaminess
- White Vinegar: balancing things out with a little acid rounds out the flavor in the dressing
- Sugar: just a little! feel free to use coconut sugar instead
- Cayenne Pepper: use as much or as little as you like
- Smoked Paprika: regular paprika works fine too
Recipe FAQ + Tips
- Whole30/Paleo Mayo: here is a homemade Whole30/Paleo mayo, but feel free to use store-bought as well
- Cilantro: Add your cilantro right before serving so it is nice and fresh!
- Storage: Feel free to store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days (then it tends to get a little too soft).
- Purple Cabbage: Feel free to use all purple cabbage if you want!
- Spice Level: If you want a little spice, but not too much then I would suggest omitting the jalapeño. The Anaheim pepper really doesn’t give much spice, but the cayenne pepper will!
- Sugar: Omit the sugar for Whole30 and use coconut sugar as a substitute for Paleo.
- Smoked Paprika: I know people can’t always find smoked paprika, regular paprika works just as well!
What To Serve With Spicy Purple Cabbage Coleslaw






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Spicy Purple Cabbage Coleslaw
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: Serves 10 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Counter Top
- Cuisine: American
Description
Spicy Purple Cabbage Coleslaw – My go-to coleslaw recipe that is ALWAYS a hit!
Ingredients
- 1/3 green cabbage, cut into thin slices and halved
- 1/2 purple cabbage, cut into thin slices and then halved
- 1/2 green pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 jalapeno pepper, diced
- 1 Anaheim pepper, diced (optional – this really amps up the spiciness)
- 1–2 cups cilantro, chopped, loosely packed
- pinch of kosher salt
- 1/2 cup mayo, use Whole30/Paleo mayo as desired
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar, omit if making Whole30 and use coconut sugar if Paleo
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, use more or less if desired
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, regular paprika works just fine
Instructions
- In one large bowl, combine green and purple cabbage, green pepper, onion. jalapeño, and anaheim pepper.
- In separate smaller bowl, combine mayo, vinegar, sugar, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika and then whisk.
- Add sauce to bowl of cabbage.
- Add a pinch of kosher salt.
- Toss until sauce is spread evenly throughout.
- Can be served immediately or refridgerated. Would recommend putting in fridge for at least an hour.
- Add cilantro immediately before serving and toss again.
Notes
- Whole30/Paleo Mayo: here is a homemade Whole30/Paleo mayo, but feel free to use store-bought as well
- Cilantro: Add your cilantro right before serving so it is nice and fresh!
- Storage: Feel free to store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days (then it tends to get a little too soft).
- Purple Cabbage: Feel free to use all purple cabbage if you want!
- Spice Level: If you want a little spice, but not too much then I would suggest omitting the jalapeño. The Anaheim pepper really doesn’t give much spice, but the cayenne pepper will!
- Sugar: Omit the sugar for Whole30 and use coconut sugar as a substitute for Paleo.
- Smoked Paprika: I know people can’t always find smoked paprika, regular paprika works just as well!
Keywords: purple cabbage coleslaw, spicy coleslaw
(Originally published May 4, 2016)
Wendy Sharkey says
Our daughter made this wonderful slaw for us on Mother’s Day and we loved it! The combination of the peppers, onions, & cilantro amp up the flavor and lift this slaw above your common coleslaw! Thanks for sharing this recipe!
★★★★★
Erin says
So glad you enjoyed it! It is a family favorite 🙂 thanks for taking the time to leave a review + feedback – I really appreciate it!
Karlee says
What a perfect side for pulled pork. I’m so into putting this directly into the pulled pork sandwich. You have me drooling like always, Erin!
★★★★★
Erin says
Aaaaw!! Thank you, Karlee!! ❤️.