This crunchy and deliciously spiced Cajun coleslaw recipe is a quick, low-fat side dish. If you are looking for a creamy condiment with a zing, no look further this recipe is all yours.
Learn how to make this easy Cajun slaw with the right combination of pantry staple ingredients.
About this recipe
Cajun coleslaw is a simple, low-carb recipe that tastes satisfying. Its hearty texture and vibrant flavors will make you cozy and comfortable with every spoonful. This unpredictably creamy dish with a hint of heat brightens up anything that we serve.
Once you try it for the first time, I bet you will stop following the old recipe and switch to this spicy version.
Why Cajun coleslaw?
Quick. Like any other salad recipe, this one is easy to wrap up in under 10 minutes, including the chopping time. If you have a food processor, we have already saved half of the time. Just stir up all the ingredients together and get ready to enjoy this spicy coleslaw whenever you think of it.
Simple. I follow a few guidelines for any recipe I share here. primarily, it should be simple to remember with uncomplicated procedures. This recipe is tailor-made to meet all my criteria. It is so simple and requires just mixing.
Creamy. The slaw is excellent, rich, creamy, and comparatively low in fat. The creamy sauce tastes fabulous, so I make it very often.
Flavorful. It's not only packed with flavors but also an absolute way of relishing them. The olive oil, white wine vinegar, and lemon juice complement each other well and make this Cajun coleslaw memorable.
Party friendly. This delightful slaw is ready in under 15 minutes so that you can whip up the whole dish without much work. Chopping is the only uphill task in here. We can reduce the prepping time to half when you use a mandolin or a food processor. To make it a lot quicker, get the packaged slaw mix.
Pantry-ready ingredients. Check your pantry; you might already have them. No worries if you do not; you have certain things handy. We will discuss their importance and substitutions below.
Make-ahead. It is great to store it in the refrigerator; make it a day before, in advance.
Other condiment recipes you may like,
- Sriracha aioli sauce
- Banana pepper sauce
- Spicy mango sauce
- Boom boom sauce
- Spicy teriyaki sauce
- Spicy condiments
How spicy is this hot cajun coleslaw?
I would say this coleslaw is more about the spicing up and not the Heat. This coleslaw is creamy to taste with a hint of heat; hot sauce is the only heat source here.
The hot sauce heat gets thinned in the creaminess of the mayo. However, the level of heat tolerance varies with every individual. If you feel it is too hot to handle, reduce the heat to half the hot sauce mentioned in this recipe.
Best to serve with
The spicy, creamy coleslaw is heavenly as a sandwich topping or with grilled meat. It would be a delightful choice to serve with any savory dish, like hot dogs or hamburgers.
The recipe variations.
Without brown sugar. The first choice of my variation would be to remove the sugar. The natural sweetness from the cabbage would be more sufficient for people who prefer spicy Cajun coleslaw.
Carrots. Another delicious twist with a pleasing look. Cabbage and carrots are usually inseparable. They complement well with the texture, taste, and color. Furthermore, they increase the nutrient value of this coleslaw.
The slaw mix. Instead of making the slaw with shredded cabbage, you can make it with the ready-made coleslaw mix as well. They come in a variety of packages with cabbage, carrots, or chopped Brussels sprouts; choose the one you prefer. Not to mention that every one of these brings a whole new experience.
Greek yogurt. A lighter variation of Mayonnaise gives a creamy texture but with fewer calories. this is my all-time favorite Mayo substitution. Try it and let us know it worked well for you.
Shrimp. Combine cooked shrimp with cabbage and make shrimp coleslaw. This is a party-friendly adaptation that turns out to be one of the first few items to disappear in large gatherings.
How to make Cajun coleslaw
The ingredients
Cabbage. As I have mentioned throughout the day, you may use Cabbage alone or along with carrots or Brussels sprouts. Use Cabbage alone or in combination with these.
Dijon mustard. It is a classic addition, a flavor booster that gives a nice kick to any spicy and savory leading food.
Light mayo. I just use the light mayo to cut down some calories. But feel free to use the regular one if you prefer. Vegans can substitute with vegan mayonnaise or plant-based yogurt.
Olive oil. It provides rich flavor. Added to balance the Cajun spice blend.
White wine vinegar. It's one reason this recipe is called a spicy coleslaw. It simply meets the Cajun flavors wholesomely. Alternatively, you may skip it as well.
Brown sugar. Substitute with honey is raw sugar. If you feel that the cabbage's sweetness is enough, you skip the brown sugar.
Cajun seasoning. Available in all the grocery stores and you can find them on the Spices aisle next to the Baking section. A tablespoon is good for this recipe, the rest can be stored to make other dishes like Instant pot boiled peanuts, shrimp appetizer on toothpick.
Hot sauce. Another pantry staple ingredient is to choose the one you usually use. Make sure to add half the quantity initially and increase it gradually after tasting. Adding in stages helps to avoid any disaster.
Garlic salt. I have added it to make the hot coleslaw dressing more flavorful and refreshing.
Lemon juice. Brinks all the ingredients together with a beautiful punch.
Cajun coleslaw recipe directions.
Start by prepping the vegetables. Shred the cabbage finely using a mandolin or the food processor.
Next, in a small mixing bowl, combine Dijon mustard, light mayo, white wine vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, hot sauce, Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, and garlic salt.
Whisk for 1 minute or until all the ingredients are combined.
Now stir in the finely shredded cabbage and combine well again until the cabbage is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
Printable recipe card
Cajun coleslaw
Ingredients
For whisking
- 2 tablespoon dijon mustard
- â…“ cup light mayo
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- 3 tablespoon lemon juice
For mixing
- 1 cup cabbage shredded/readymade slaw mix
- ¼ cup onion thinly sliced
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, add dijon mustard, mayo, olive oil, white wine vinegar, brown sugar, cajun seasoning, hot sauce, garlic salt, and lemon juice
- Whisk until all the ingredients combined together.
- Add shredded cabbage and onion slices.
- Combine again gently, and serve.
Alice
Love this dish with ribs from the air fryer!
Sujatha Muralidhar
I'm glad to hear that it matched your air fryer ribs! Happy exploring!
Donna
This sounds so good. What "hot sauce" did you use? There are so many.
Thanks
Sujatha Muralidhar
Thanks Donna for stopping by, any hot sauce of your choice would work fine in here. Sriracha sauce, Franks hot sauce, Louisiana hot sauce are some to choose from.
Holley
I am loving the flavors in this dish! Something fun and different to put on the weekly dinner rotation!
kushigalu
WHat an interesting twist to coleslaw. SOunds delicious. Thanks for sharing.
Tara
Definitely a quick and easy side! All of the flavors in this coleslaw sound absolutely incredible.
Colleen
We like things a little spicy, so this coleslaw was perfect! Thanks for this recipe, I'll be making it again.
Michelle
Love the creamy spicy cajun dressing for this slaw!
Faye
is it 1 teaspoon or tablespoon of cajun seasoning
Sujatha Muralidhar
Thanks for pointing out, it should be 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning