Practical Southern Cooking

  • Recipe Index
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • About me
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • About me
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • About me
×
Home » Recipes » Sides

Spicy Coleslaw (The Perfect Slaw for Pulled Pork Sandwiches!)

Published: May 15, 2025 by Sharon Rigsby · Leave a Comment

Jump to Recipe Save Recipe

This Spicy Coleslaw is the fiery little sidekick you didn’t know your pulled pork was missing. Creamy, crunchy, tangy, and just the right amount of kick from jalapeños, it’s the perfect contrast to rich BBQ pork or grilled meats.

Spicy coleslaw made with shredded red and green cabbage in a white bowl.

Whether serving it at a cookout, piling it high on sandwiches, or just needing a zesty slaw to jazz up dinner, this quick and easy recipe, like my air fryer sweet potato wedges, delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Jump to:
  • Quick Look at the Recipe
  • Why you’ll love this recipe (and make it again and again)
  • Ingredient notes and smart swaps
  • How to make the best spicy coleslaw
  • What to serve with spicy coleslaw
  • Fun twists and tasty variations
  • Shortcut to supper (Time-saving tips)
  • Storing & reheating (Keep it fresh!)
  • Supper & then some (Reimagining leftovers)
  • Make it ahead (plan and prep tips)
  • Recipe FAQs (common questions answered)
  • Pro tips for foolproof results
  • Try this recipe, and let me know what you think!
  • Spicy Coleslaw Recipe (The Perfect Slaw for Pulled Pork!)

Quick Look at the Recipe

  • 🧊 Make-Ahead Friendly: Yes 
  • ✅ Ready in: 10 minutes 
  • 🛒 Ingredients: 8 pantry staples 
  • 🍽️ Serves: 8 
  • 👩‍🍳 Difficulty: Easy → “No-Fuss Favorite”

Why you’ll love this recipe (and make it again and again)

  • It’s cool, creamy, crunchy, and spicy—a flavor and texture dream team!
  • Adds the perfect punch to pulled pork sandwiches, tacos, or burgers.
  • Comes together in minutes with just a handful of ingredients.
  • Totally make-ahead friendly and gets better as it chills.
  • Great way to dress up bagged slaw mix for a no-fuss side dish.

Ingredient notes and smart swaps

Here’s what you need to make this bold and spicy coleslaw. The recipe card below provides a complete list of all ingredients and measurements.

Spicy coleslaw ingredients include mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, jalapeno, onion, and a bag of coleslaw mix.
  • Coleslaw mix – Use a 14 oz bag of pre-shredded cabbage and carrots to save time. I like to chop mine up a bit more than the way it comes. You can shred your own if you prefer!
  • Mayonnaise – The creamy base that brings it all together. Use full-fat for the best flavor. I like Dukes.
  • Red onion – Adds sharpness and a pop of color.
  • Jalapeños – Bring the heat! Use more or less depending on your spice preference. You can also sub with pickled jalapeños for a tangy twist.
  • Red wine vinegar – Gives the slaw a little tang to balance the creaminess.
  • Granulated sugar – Just a touch to mellow out the vinegar and spice.
  • Kosher salt & black pepper – Essential for seasoning and flavor balance.

🔁 Swap Tip: Not a fan of mayo? Try Greek yogurt or a blend of yogurt and sour cream for a lighter take.

How to make the best spicy coleslaw

This couldn’t be easier—and it tastes even better after chilling a bit!

  1. Add the coleslaw mix, sliced red onion, and chopped jalapeños to a large bowl. Whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a separate small bowl.
  2. Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss until evenly coated.
A large bowl of coleslaw topped with coleslaw dressing.
A large bowl of coleslaw with tongs to toss the slaw and dressing.
  1. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors mingle.
  2. Give it a taste before serving—adjust salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed.
A white bowl full of coleslaw made with red and green shredded cabbage.

🧊 Make It Ahead: This slaw holds beautifully in the fridge for up to 2 days, and the flavor gets even better over time!

What to serve with spicy coleslaw

It’s the perfect BBQ sidekick, but don’t stop there! Try it with:

  • Air Fryer Pulled Pork (yes, you knew that was coming!)
  • Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters
  • Chuck Roast Chili
  • Pecan Crusted Chicken

Fun twists and tasty variations

Want to make it your own? Here are a few ideas:

  • Add shredded carrots, diced celery, or chopped cilantro.
  • Swap jalapeños for sriracha or hot sauce in the dressing.
  • Stir in a little Dijon mustard in the dressing for extra tang.

Shortcut to supper (Time-saving tips)

  • We are using bagged coleslaw mix to skip chopping or shredding the cabbage.
  • Chop the onion and jalapeños earlier in the day and stash them in the fridge.
  • Make the dressing ahead—it’ll keep in the fridge for a few days.

Storing & reheating (Keep it fresh!)

Okay, no reheating here—but you can store this spicy slaw like a pro:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Give it a good stir before serving—it may need a splash of vinegar or mayo to freshen it up.

Supper & then some (Reimagining leftovers)

Leftover spicy coleslaw? Lucky you!

  • Pile it on tacos or burritos.
  • Add it to a BBQ pulled pork pizza or flatbread.
  • Use it as a crunchy topping for loaded hot dogs or chili dogs.

Make it ahead (plan and prep tips)

  • The slaw is best if made at least 30 minutes before serving.
  • You can make the dressing up to 3 days in advance and toss it with the veggies when ready.

Recipe FAQs (common questions answered)

Can I use pickled jalapeños instead of fresh?

Yes! Pickled jalapeños add tang and are a bit milder than fresh. They’re a great swap if you want less heat.

How do I make it less spicy?

Use fewer jalapeños or remove the seeds and membranes—that’s where most of the heat lives!

Can I make this dairy-free?

Sure! Just use a dairy-free mayo substitute, but it will taste slightly different.

What if I don’t have red wine vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar both work as substitutes—just adjust the sugar to taste.

Pro tips for foolproof results

  • Chop jalapeños finely so the heat is more evenly distributed.
  • Let it chill—even 30 minutes in the fridge makes a big difference in flavor.
  • Taste before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • If serving on sandwiches, drain off a little excess dressing to prevent sogginess.

There you go—spicy slaw magic in minutes! It’s creamy, crunchy, and a little fiery—in other words, the perfect side dish for your next BBQ feast. And if you’re making my Air Fryer Pulled Pork, don’t even think about skipping this slaw. Trust me. It’s a match made in sandwich heaven.

Try this recipe, and let me know what you think!

⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐
Did you try this recipe for Spicy Coleslaw? I’d love to know how it turned out!
Did you give it your own twist or have a shortcut that made it even easier? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to leave a star rating. Your feedback helps others (and totally makes my day).

Thanks so much for visiting Practical Southern Cooking! I hope you’ll stop by again soon for more no-fuss comfort food and simple Southern favorites.

Want to Save This Recipe?

Enter your email & I’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

A bowl of spicy coleslaw with red and green cabbage.

Spicy Coleslaw Recipe (The Perfect Slaw for Pulled Pork!)

This Southern spicy coleslaw comes together in minutes and is packed with bold flavor. The creamy dressing is sweet, tangy, and spicy—thanks to fresh jalapeños and red wine vinegar. It’s perfect for topping pulled pork sandwiches, pairing with grilled meats, or serving up at your next BBQ or potluck.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 174 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 14 ounce bagged coleslaw mix
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sliced red onion
  • ½ cup chopped jalapeno
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons white granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Add the coleslaw mix, sliced red onion, and chopped jalapeños to a large bowl. Whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a separate small bowl.
  • Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss until evenly coated.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors mingle. Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed.

Notes

Chop jalapeños finely so the heat is more evenly distributed.
Let it chill—even 30 minutes in the fridge makes a big difference in flavor.
Taste before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.
If serving on sandwiches, drain off a little excess dressing to prevent sogginess.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 174kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 1gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 289mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 123IUVitamin C: 26mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 0.3mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

More Sides

  • A white bowl full of chicken Caesar pasta salad topped with dressing and toasted panko.
    Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad (With Creamy Homemade Dressing!)
  • Oven baked four cheese macaroni and cheese in a white baking dish.
    Four Cheese Macaroni and Cheese (Rich and Creamy)
  • A white bowl full of whipped crock-pot mashed potatoes topped with a pat of butter.
    Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes (Make-Ahead Magic)
  • Homemade honey butter biscuits with honey being drizzled over them.
    Honey Butter Biscuits (Drop Cornmeal Biscuits from Scratch)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Sharon Rigsby headshot

Welcome!

Hello, and welcome to Practical Southern Cooking—where Southern comfort food meets simplicity!

More about me

Popular

  • A white baking dish filled with chicken breasts in a French onion soup mixture, topped with provolone cheese.
    French Onion Chicken Bake(Easy Cheesy Casserole Recipe)
  • A white bowl full of chicken Caesar pasta salad topped with dressing and toasted panko.
    Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad (With Creamy Homemade Dressing!)
  • Oven baked four cheese macaroni and cheese in a white baking dish.
    Four Cheese Macaroni and Cheese (Rich and Creamy)
  • Chuck Roast Chili – A Hearty, Flavor-Packed Favorite

Seasonal

  • A white baking dish filled with chicken breasts in a French onion soup mixture, topped with provolone cheese.
    French Onion Chicken Bake(Easy Cheesy Casserole Recipe)
  • A white bowl full of chicken Caesar pasta salad topped with dressing and toasted panko.
    Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad (With Creamy Homemade Dressing!)
  • Oven baked four cheese macaroni and cheese in a white baking dish.
    Four Cheese Macaroni and Cheese (Rich and Creamy)
  • Chuck Roast Chili – A Hearty, Flavor-Packed Favorite

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Accessibility Policy

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact
  • FAQ

Copyright © 2025 Practical Southern Cooking