Ah, coleslaw: the savory side dish that has split the nation for many decades.
While some people cannot stand the sight or the smell of it, others will willingly eat the whole tub alone while using a spoon. We happen to side with the latter. Come on, how can you not like coleslaw?
It is creamy, crunchy, sweet and fresh tasting, pairing perfectly and brilliantly with so many dishes. In our opinion, there are not many savory meals that cannot, and will not, be vastly improved by adding a hefty scoop of slaw. There is just nothing quite like it.
This side dish is made up primarily of finely chopped raw cabbage along with some form of creamy sauce, including mayonnaise, salad cream, or vinaigrette. Some variations may include shredded carrots, onions, apples, raisins, and/or cheese, depending on what area of the world you are from.
Most areas have their own preferred, regional version of coleslaw, but they are all fairly similar due to using the same base: cabbage and some type of creamy condiment.
In this article, we are going to be looking at recipes that not only use coleslaw, but use spicy coleslaw. This list goes out to those who love their food to tingle their taste buds, heating up their mouths as they consume their favorite meals. If you are one of those people, you are in luck.
Below, we have listed 10 delicious sweet yet spicy coleslaw recipes. You will, undoubtedly, find something that you will like in this list, if you do not fall in love with every single one.
So, let’s get into it.

Sweet And Spicy Coleslaw (Foodnetwork.Co.Uk)
First up on our list, we are starting sweet and simple. This form of coleslaw is fairly similar to the original concoction, being switched up by adding a couple extra, spicier ingredients.
The base of the dish is made from green cabbage, yellow onion, carrots, and mayonnaise, but the fiery kick comes from the additionally added cayenne pepper and mustard. Absolutely delicious.
Spicy Korean Coleslaw (Thespruceeats.Com)
This dish is a simple Korean slaw with a kimchi-like flavour profile. It’s a light, crisp spin on a traditional Korean dish that only takes a couple of minutes to fully prepare!
The tasty dressing mixed in with the raw cabbage, onion, and carrot is made using garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and vinegar. It is suggested that this dish be served with chicken, beef, or fish.
Hot And Fruity Caribbean Coleslaw (The Happy Foodie)
Following up from the last, we have got a wonderful sweet and spicy coleslaw that perfectly accompanies a plate filled with grilled meat. The Caribbean flavours in this coleslaw recipe will certainly liven up whatever BBQ food you serve it with.
This slaw is fruity, spicy, and even nutritious, and it goes great with barbequed pork. This dish will undoubtedly jolt your taste buds awake.
Crunchy Asian Slaw (Hungry Healthy Happy)
This Asian Slaw may be one of the crunchiest salads you’ll ever eat. It is packed with vegetables: carrots, cabbage, and apples are all brought together in this lively side dish, along with a splash of lime juice, fresh mint, coriander, pungent soy sauce, a touch of chilli, as well as little sweetness from the honey.
This Asian-inspired coleslaw is a terrific way to up your vegetable consumption while also serving as a delicious side dish for chicken and fish.
Thai Carrot Slaw (BBC Good Food)
Continuing our list, here is another Asian-inspired slaw that will please everyone. Instead of utilising cabbage as a base, this meal uses bean sprouts along with the rest of the components. The flavor is sweet and spicy, and it is all around wonderful.
All you need to do is shred some carrots, peppers, and onions, leave out the mayonnaise, and combine with Asian spices for a fairly nutritious coleslaw.
Spicy Beetroot And Slaw Stuffed Sweet Potatoes (PlantBased Magazine)
Sweet potatoes are a lighter, sweeter version of the white potato that are incredibly wonderful and delicious, and will become a magnificent dish when roasted before being stuffed with spicy beets and pickled cabbage.
This recipe can be served as a light and delectable main course, or as a delicious side dish. In any case, we are convinced that you will be blown away by this incredible dish.
Fish Tacos With Spicy Slaw (Lifesambrosia.Com)
The fish has a crunchy batter, while the slaw is zesty, creamy, and spicy. Plus, they are so easy to put together. What could possibly go wrong when creating these mouthwatering tacos?
Crispy Fish Tacos are simple to prepare, and are always a success. This is the ultimate taco for your next Taco Tuesday, made with wonderfully crispy breadcrumb-crusted cod and a spicy slaw packed inside a soft tortilla.
Pulled Pork With Spicy Coleslaw (BBC Food)
Our mouths are watering just at the very thought of tasting this delectable recipe. When cooked just right, pulled pork should be tender enough to melt in your mouth. When paired with some fiery, sweet coleslaw, you will have a combination of flavors that are absolutely to die for.
Fill some crusty bread rolls with this slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork for the ultimate meaty, juicy sandwich.
Vegan Southern Fried Tofu With Spicy Slaw (Cauldron Foods)
Next up, we have a vegan option that tastes just as amazing as the previously mentioned entrees. This Southern fried tofu will undoubtedly keep you coming back for more.
This recipe transforms the Cauldron Organic Tofu block into crunchy, golden chunks packed with flavour after being southern fried in a blend of fragrant herbs and spices. For a delightful feast, serve with the spicy vegan slaw and a homemade mustard dip.
Hot ‘N’ Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich With Jalapeño Slaw And Spicy Mayo (Bidfood)
Lastly on this list, but certainly not least, here is a sandwich that will tickle your tastebuds in all the right places.
Not only is the chicken burger itself delicious, but the jalapeno infused coleslaw and the fiery mayonnaise takes the dish to the next level, turning up the heat in every way possible. We definitely recommend that you try this tasty meal: you will not regret it, we promise you.
Final Thoughts
Some people may argue that you should not mess with an original recipe: if something tastes great alone, nothing needs to be changed.
We beg to differ.
Yes, original coleslaw tastes amazing, but that does not mean that it cannot be improved, or at least slightly altered for a slightly different flavor… especially when it means a little heat is being added to the mix. The list above vouches for our reasoning.
We hope you enjoy these spicy yet sweet coleslaw recipes.
Enjoy!