Colorful, crunchy, and with just the right kick, Spicy Mango Coleslaw is the ultimate side salad that transforms every plate into a party! Perfectly sweet mango meets zesty jalapeño and crisp cabbage for a fresh bite that wakes up your taste buds every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursts of Fresh Flavor: Each forkful brings a delicious combination of sweet mango, crunchy cabbage, and a hint of heat that’s both refreshing and vibrant.
- Ridiculously Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and barely any prep, you’ll have a showstopper side ready in ten minutes flat.
- Guilt-Free Goodness: This Spicy Mango Coleslaw is naturally vegan, low-calorie, and absolutely packed with vitamins and fiber.
- Insanely Versatile: Serve it alongside tacos, grilled foods, or pile it high on sandwiches—this slaw makes every meal feel special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are a few everyday ingredients to create a coleslaw that’s anything but ordinary. Each component has a job—whether it’s crunch, spice, or sweetness—to make this Spicy Mango Coleslaw truly irresistible.
- Cabbage (4 cups, thinly sliced): The crunchy base that soaks up all the zesty flavors; green or purple cabbage both work well, or grab a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix for convenience.
- Mango (1 whole, peeled and diced): The juicy star! Mango lends gorgeous color and a natural sweetness that balances the heat.
- Red Bell Pepper (1, diced): For a pop of color and sweet crunch—it plays perfectly with the mango and cabbage.
- Jalapeño (1, finely diced): The main source of heat; remove the seeds for milder flavor, or leave them in if you’re craving extra kick.
- Green Onions (¼ cup, thinly sliced): They add subtle sharpness and a hint of oniony zest that ties everything together.
- Rice Vinegar (1 tablespoon): The light, slightly sweet tang balances the richness of the other flavors; white wine vinegar works as a backup.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for brightening and seasoning every ingredient in your Spicy Mango Coleslaw.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Spicy Mango Coleslaw is just how easy it is to put your own spin on it! Have fun with the fresh produce you have on hand, or tweak the flavors to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs.
- Try a Different Fruit: Swap mango for pineapple or papaya for a fresh, tropical twist that’s equally vibrant.
- Boost the Heat: Add a second jalapeño (or even a dash of hot sauce) if you’re a serious spice fan!
- Creamy Version: Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for a creamier, tangier slaw experience.
- Extra Herbs: Finish with chopped cilantro or mint for a bright, herbal pop that makes the salad even more refreshing.
- Add Protein: Toss in shelled edamame, cooked shrimp, or grilled chicken to turn your slaw into a satisfying light meal.
How to Make Spicy Mango Coleslaw
Step 1: Prep the Veggies and Mango
Start by thinly slicing your cabbage and green onions, dicing up the red bell pepper, and finely chopping that fresh jalapeño (don’t forget to wash your hands after handling it!). Peel and dice your mango into bite-sized pieces—the juicier, the better! It’s amazing how the simple act of prepping these ingredients already fills your kitchen with color and anticipation.
Step 2: Toss It All Together
Add everything—cabbage, mango, red bell pepper, jalapeño, and green onions—into a spacious mixing bowl. Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper, then drizzle over the rice vinegar. Toss with tongs (or clean hands) until every shard of cabbage and mango cube is glistening and combined beautifully.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
This is where Spicy Mango Coleslaw gets personal! Give it a little taste and feel free to add extra salt, more vinegar, or an extra sprinkle of pepper. Want it hotter? Toss in a few more jalapeño bits. It’s all about finding that sweet-tangy-spicy spot you love most.
Pro Tips for Making Spicy Mango Coleslaw
- Choose a Ripe Mango: The sweetest, juiciest mangoes add life to your slaw—look for fruit that gives slightly when you press it for optimum sweetness.
- Uniform Slicing Matters: Slice your cabbage, peppers, and mango as evenly as possible for a coleslaw that’s easy to mix, eat, and looks stunning in the bowl.
- Let the Flavors Meld: If you have time, let your Spicy Mango Coleslaw sit in the fridge for 15–30 minutes before serving—the flavors become even more vibrant and harmonious.
- Customize the Heat: Always taste a slice of your jalapeño before adding! Some are fiery, some are mild—it’s the best way to control the spice level to your liking.
How to Serve Spicy Mango Coleslaw
Garnishes
Echo the bold colors of this slaw by sprinkling with extra sliced green onions, vibrant cilantro leaves, or a smattering of toasted sesame seeds. For a citrusy pop, add a squeeze of lime right before serving—your guests will swoon over that finishing touch!
Side Dishes
Spicy Mango Coleslaw practically begs to be paired with anything grilled: think smoky BBQ chicken, juicy burgers, or crispy tofu. It’s also a knockout side for fish tacos or pulled pork sandwiches—the freshness cuts through the richness in the best possible way.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, serve your coleslaw in lettuce cups, atop tostadas, or even layered in mason jars for colorful picnic fare. If you’re entertaining, try piling spoonfuls onto mini crostini or alongside sliders for maximum visual (and flavor!) impact.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Spicy Mango Coleslaw in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cabbage stays surprisingly crisp, and the flavors continue to develop—making tomorrow’s lunch even more delicious!
Freezing
While freezing isn’t recommended (the veggies lose their crunch), you can definitely prep the chopped mango and veggies ahead and store them separately in the fridge, ready to toss together right before serving.
Reheating
No reheating needed—Spicy Mango Coleslaw is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature. Just give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute those bright flavors.
FAQs
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Can I make Spicy Mango Coleslaw ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients several hours ahead of time and refrigerate them. For the freshest texture, toss everything together with the vinegar and seasonings just before serving.
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What if I don’t have fresh mango?
If fresh mango isn’t available, you can use thawed frozen mango—just pat it dry to avoid extra moisture. In a pinch, try diced pineapple for a similar burst of sweetness and tropical flair.
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Is Spicy Mango Coleslaw suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It holds up beautifully for about 3 days in the fridge. If you like, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat for maximum crunch.
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Can I adjust the spice level?
Definitely—simply remove the jalapeño seeds to tone things down, or add extra diced jalapeño if you’re all in for the heat. Taste as you go for your perfect level of zing.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to brighten up your table with something refreshing, bold, and a little bit unexpected, Spicy Mango Coleslaw never disappoints. I hope you’ll give it a try, mix it up to make it your own, and enjoy those sweet, spicy, and crunchy flavors as much as I do!
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 and flavorful twist on traditional coleslaw. The sweet mango and spicy jalapeño add a delicious kick to the crunchy cabbage and bell pepper.
Ingredients
Coleslaw:
- 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 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
