Bursting with vibrant color and a zesty kick, this Spicy Mango Coleslaw is your ticket to side dish stardom! Crunchy cabbage mingles with sweet, juicy mango and a splash of heat for a fresh salad that’s as exciting as it is easy to toss together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet & Spicy Harmony: Juicy mango and crisp jalapeño create a perfectly balanced flavor explosion with every bite.
- Colorful & Crowd-Pleasing: The gorgeous blend of vibrant produce makes this dish a guaranteed showstopper at any picnic or potluck.
- Light, Fresh, and Guilt-Free: With only a handful of wholesome ingredients, this coleslaw is delightfully healthy, gluten-free, and vegan without skimping on taste.
- Quick As Can Be: You can have the entire Spicy Mango Coleslaw ready in just 10 minutes—no fancy equipment, no fuss!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it simple! Each ingredient stars in its own way—adding either crunch, sweetness, heat, or that essential tang. Grab these fresh picks and you’ll be amazed how incredibly they come together in Spicy Mango Coleslaw.
- Cabbage (4 cups, thinly sliced): The crisp, refreshing backbone of any slaw. Use green, purple, or a colorful combo—or simply grab a 10oz bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix to save time!
- Fresh Mango (1 mango, peeled and diced): The juicy, sunshiny pop of sweetness that sets this coleslaw apart—make sure it’s ripe for maximum flavor.
- Red Bell Pepper (1, diced): Adds crunch, color, and a touch of natural sweetness that balances the chili heat.
- Jalapeño (1, finely diced): For that zippy, spicy bite—seed it for a milder salad, or leave the seeds in if you’re feeling bold!
- Green Onions (¼ cup, thinly sliced): Brings gentle oniony sharpness that ties all the flavors together.
- Rice Vinegar (1 tablespoon): The mild, delicate tang lifts and brightens the whole dish. Substitute with white wine vinegar if needed.
- Salt & Black Pepper (to taste): Essentials for letting each ingredient shine. Don’t skimp on seasoning—taste and adjust as you go!
Variations
The beauty of Spicy Mango Coleslaw is how flexible it is! Don’t hesitate to riff with what you have—this slaw embraces all the fun swaps you can dream up for different dietary needs or flavor adventures.
- Make it Creamy: Add a few spoonfuls of Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for extra richness—perfect if you prefer a classic creamy slaw feel.
- Boost the Heat: Toss in a diced serrano or hotter chile, or even a splash of sriracha if you love a more daring kick.
- Fruit Swap: Try pineapple, papaya, or even juicy peaches instead of mango for a new tropical twist.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle in roasted peanuts, cashews, or sunflower seeds for extra texture and flavor dimension.
- Herb Power: Fresh cilantro or mint will add a burst of herbal freshness—just slice and sprinkle right on top before serving.
How to Make Spicy Mango Coleslaw
Step 1: Prep Your Produce
Start by slicing the cabbage thinly, dicing the sweet mango, and chopping up your red bell pepper, jalapeño, and green onions. The key here is to keep the pieces pretty uniform so you get that perfect combination of crunch, color, and mango in every forkful.
Step 2: Combine and Season
In a large mixing bowl, add all the prepped veggies and mango. Drizzle with rice vinegar, then sprinkle over a bit of salt and black pepper. This is the magic moment—the flavors begin to dance, and the colors pop!
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Using clean hands or tongs, toss everything together gently. Take a quick taste—does it need a bit more salt, a splash more vinegar, or maybe an extra touch of heat? Adjust as you like, and don’t be shy about fine-tuning to suit your own palate.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Although it’s tempting to dig in straight away, Spicy Mango Coleslaw only gets better with a short rest in the fridge. Chill for at least 10 minutes (or up to a few hours) to let all those vibrant flavors meld together—your patience will be rewarded!
Pro Tips for Making Spicy Mango Coleslaw
- The Mango Test: Choose mangoes that give slightly to a gentle squeeze—this means they’re ripe, juicy, and flavor-packed for your slaw.
- Thin Slices Win: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice cabbage extra thin; this really improves tenderness and lets all those tangy juices soak in.
- Heat Customization: Always taste your jalapeño before adding; if you like it mild, remove all the seeds and white membrane—or go full throttle for extra kick!
- Let It Rest: Even a short chill makes a big difference. Allowing the slaw to sit helps the flavors marry, so the Spicy Mango Coleslaw is even tastier when served cold.
How to Serve Spicy Mango Coleslaw
Garnishes
Top your Spicy Mango Coleslaw with extra green onion slices, a scattering of sesame seeds, or a flourish of fresh cilantro for a truly show-stopping finish. A squeeze of fresh lime added just before serving can also amp up that tropical zing beautifully.
Side Dishes
This vibrant slaw shines as a side with barbecue favorites, grilled chicken, fish tacos, or burgers. Its sweet heat balances out spicy mains and perks up even the simplest weeknight meal—think rice bowls, sandwiches, or anything off the grill.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Spicy Mango Coleslaw in lettuce cups for a playful handheld appetizer, or pile it high atop sliders and tacos for a colorful crunch. You can also layer it in mason jars for a grab-and-go picnic treat that shows off those gorgeous stripes of color!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Spicy Mango Coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay crisp and delicious for up to 2 days, but be sure to give it a gentle toss before serving as the juices may settle.
Freezing
This coleslaw is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing changes the texture of the cabbage and mango. If you need to prep in advance, just chop the veggies and mango and store separately, then toss together right before serving.
Reheating
Spicy Mango Coleslaw is meant to be served chilled or at cool room temperature. If you find the slaw has lost its chill, simply pop it back in the fridge for 10 minutes—no reheating required for this fresh, vibrant dish!
FAQs
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Can I make Spicy Mango Coleslaw ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, a little resting time in the fridge allows the flavors to meld together even more deliciously. Just keep in mind that the cabbage softens as it sits, so for the crispiest texture, serve within a day of making.
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What if I don’t have fresh mango—can I use frozen?
You can use thawed, drained frozen mango in a pinch, but fresh mango provides the best texture and flavor for this coleslaw. If using frozen, be sure to blot away excess liquid before adding so the slaw doesn’t get watery.
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How can I make Spicy Mango Coleslaw less spicy?
If you prefer a milder salad, simply remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño or even use half the amount. You can also swap in a milder chili like poblano, or skip the hot pepper entirely for a purely fruity, tangy slaw.
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Can I use bagged coleslaw mix instead of slicing my own cabbage?
Absolutely! Using a 10oz bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix is a perfect shortcut and tastes just as bright and crunchy—just mix it in with the mango, peppers, and dressing as directed.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something fresh and fiery with just a hint of sweetness, give this Spicy Mango Coleslaw a place at your table. It’s a quick delight that promises to brighten up any meal and earn you rave reviews—let your creativity (and taste buds) soar!
Print
Spicy Mango Coleslaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Spicy Mango Coleslaw is a refreshing twist on traditional coleslaw recipes. The combination of sweet mango, crunchy cabbage, and spicy jalapeño creates a flavorful and colorful side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or as a light standalone salad.
Ingredients
Coleslaw:
- 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- Salt and black pepper
- 4 cups cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeño, finely diced, seeded or not
- 1 mango, peeled and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
Instructions
- Add the cabbage, mango, green onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño pepper to a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, drizzle with the vinegar. Taste and adjust the seasonings.
Notes
- Can use purple or green cabbage or use a 10oz package of coleslaw mix.
- Add more jalapeños if you’d like it hotter.
- Rice vinegar is mild and gives the best results; you can use white wine vinegar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 60 kcal
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 0.4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
