Chipotle Slaw
A bold, smoky twist on classic coleslaw. Crisp shredded cabbage and carrots are tossed in a creamy, spicy chipotle-lime dressing. Perfect as a taco topper, pulled pork sidekick, or zesty barbecue side dish ready in minutes.
For 4 servings
- prep
Shred the cabbage and carrots.
1.Remove any wilted outer leaves from both cabbages, cut the heads into quarters, and slice out the cores.2.Thinly slice the green and red cabbage into fine shreds using a sharp knife or mandoline.3.Julienne the carrot into thin matchsticks or grate using the large holes of a box grater. - mix
Make the chipotle dressing.
1.In a small bowl, combine the minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, mayonnaise, yogurt, lime juice, and honey.2.Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.3.Whisk until the dressing is smooth and evenly blended.TIPAdd an extra spoon of adobo sauce for more heat; taste and adjust before dressing the slaw. - mix
Toss the slaw with the dressing.
1.Place the shredded cabbage and carrots in a large mixing bowl.2.Pour the chipotle dressing over the vegetables.3.Use tongs or your hands to toss until every shred is evenly coated.TIPMassage the dressing into the cabbage for 30 seconds to soften the texture slightly. - rest · ~10 min
Let the slaw rest for 10 minutes.
Cover the bowl and leave at room temperature. This resting time softens the cabbage slightly and lets the smoky, tangy flavors meld together.
- garnish
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve.
Give the slaw a final toss, transfer to a serving bowl, and scatter the chopped cilantro on top. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, slice the cabbage as thinly as possible—a mandoline works great.
- 2Massage the dressing into the cabbage for 30 seconds to soften it slightly.
- 3Let the slaw rest 10 minutes before serving so the flavors meld and the cabbage wilts just a bit.
- 4Taste the dressing before tossing; add a little more adobo sauce for extra heat.
- 5Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days—the slaw will soften but stay tasty.
- 6If making ahead, keep the dressing and vegetables separate, then toss just before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo and use plant-based yogurt (like coconut or soy) to make this slaw fully plant-based without losing creaminess.
extra crunchyExtra-crunchy
Add 1/4 cup of toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) or sunflower seeds just before serving for a nutty crunch.
smokierSmokier
Swap 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for the cumin to amplify the smoky flavor profile.
milderMilder
Reduce chipotle peppers to 1 and omit the adobo sauce; add an extra pinch of smoked paprika for a gentle hint of smoke without heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Green and red cabbage are excellent sources of vitamin C, which supports immune health and collagen production.
Good Source of Fiber
The shredded cabbage and carrot provide dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting satiety.
Probiotic-Friendly
Greek yogurt adds beneficial probiotics that support gut health, especially when served fresh.
Low-Calorie Base
The slaw is built on low-calorie vegetables, making it a light yet satisfying side dish.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use a 450g bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix. It will save time, but the texture may be slightly less crisp.



