Spicy Coleslaw

Add a bit of spicy love to your coleslaw. This spicy coleslaw recipe contains vegetables and vegan kimchi in a tangy vinegar dressing. As a side dish or an entree salad with grilled tofu, spicy coleslaw is divine!

This spicy coleslaw recipe is one of my favorite ways to eat veggies with a bit of added heat! Regardless of the vegan meal I prepare, I always serve some salad. Why? Because we need raw vegetables, the more nutrient-dense, the better. 

Jump to:

• Spicy Coleslaw Ingredients
• Spicy Coleslaw Ingredient Substitutions
• Coleslaw Dressing
• What is Kimchi? 
• Recipe FAQs
• Tips
• More Vegan Salads Suggestions
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Reviews

For instance, I'm serving  Tofu Banh Mi tonight, so spicy coleslaw is the natural side dish. The benefit of including green cabbage and red cabbage in your diet makes coleslaw a staple at my house. 

According to Healthline, cabbage is very low in calories, yet it has an impressive nutrient profile.

In fact, just 1 cup (89 grams) of raw green cabbage contains:

• Calories: 22
• Protein: 1 gram
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Vitamin K: 85% of the RDI
• Vitamin C: 54% of the RDI
• Folate: 10% of the RDI
• Manganese: 7% of the RDI
• Vitamin B6: 6% of the RDI
• Calcium: 4% of the RDI
• Potassium: 4% of the RDI
• Magnesium: 3% of the RDI

Cabbage also contains small amounts of other micronutrients, including vitamin A, iron, and riboflavin. Not only is cabbage highly nutritious, but it also reduces inflammation and aids in digestion.

Spicy Coleslaw Ingredients

First, it's the combination of ingredients that make the perfect spicy coleslaw recipe. I like to use various cabbage in my coleslaw to make It colorful and for the added textures. 

• White Cabbage: White cabbage has firm, tightly-packed, solid heads of leaves. They are not white; the leaves are very pale green.
• Red Cabbage: Red cabbage is a good source of vitamin K and provides small amounts of calcium, magnesium, and zinc, which can help build and maintain healthy bones. Red cabbage is high in fiber, making it easier to digest foods and keep your digestive system healthy.
• Green Onions: Green onions, also called scallions, have the sharp, somewhat-spicy, peppery flavor that white and yellow onions produce. This makes them a nice substitute for small amounts of chopped onions in a pinch. 
• Carrots: Carrots are full of benefits—they may promote healthy vision, balance your blood sugar, help with weight management, lower your risk of cancer, regulate blood pressure, reduce heart disease, improve immunity, and boost brain health
• Red Bell Pepper: Red peppers pack the most nutrition because they've been on the vine the longest. Bell peppers come in various colors, including red (the sweetest), orange, yellow, and green.
• Cilantro: Cilantro is said to have a fresh, citrusy, and soapy taste — depending on who you ask — and is also called Chinese parsley. Its seeds, on the other hand, are often referred to as coriander, which is a nutty- and spicy-tasting spice
• Kimchi: Choose vegan kimchi, and choose your heat preference; it comes in mild, medium, and hot. I like it really spicy.

Spicy Coleslaw Ingredient Substitutions

• Napa cabbage is lighter and more dense than white cabbage.
• Radicchio is close to the texture and color of red cabbage.
• Spring onions are similar to green onions. Or try red onion or pickled red onions.
• Any type of parsnip replaces carrots in recipes.
• Choose baby bell peppers instead of red bell peppers for the same flavor with added color.
• Basil is often used instead of parsley, or choose your favorite fresh herb.
• If cilantro tastes like soap, skip it. Add another fresh herb.
• If you don't like kimchi or can't find it where you live, several substitutes will give your dishes that same delicious, slightly spicy flavor. You can use sauerkraut, pickled cucumbers, or pickled radishes.

The dressing, which always makes or breaks a salad, is simple and oil-free, of course. 

Coleslaw Dressing

• Kimchi Liquid: Kimchi liquid is the fluid inside the bag or jar of kimchi.
• Soy Sauce: Soy sauce provides the umami flavor to the coleslaw dressing.
• Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar is acidic yet sweet.
• Lime Juice: I prefer using fresh lime juice whenever possible.
• Fresh Grated Ginger: Fresh ginger is always best.
• Sesame Seeds: Choose white or black sesame seeds.
• Cashew Mayo (Optional): The cashew mayo option is for a creamy dressing instead of a vinaigrette dressing. It tastes fabulous with or without vegan mayo.

What is Kimchi? 

Kimchi, a staple in Korean cuisine, is a traditional side dish of salted and fermented vegetables, such as napa green cabbage and Korean radish, made with a widely varying selection of seasonings, gochujang, spring onions, garlic,  and ginger.

Even though most kimchi is vegan, some brands contain fish sauce, so you need to look for vegan brands without fish sauce. For instance, most vegan brands have a “V,” indicating vegan, but here are a few of my favorites.

• Choi’s Kimchi (made in the US)
• Organic Raw Vegan Kimchi
• Lucky Foods Seoul Kimchi 
• Korean Nappa Cabbage Kimchi (Trader Joes)

Also, there are a variety of spice levels as well; mild, spicy, etc. So you can pick the spice level you prefer before buying kimchi. 

Recipe FAQs

Tips

• Sometimes, I serve spicy coleslaw as a side dish, but other times, I eat it right from the bowl as an entree salad. Add a little tempeh grilled or teriyaki tofu, and it's a meal! 
• Whenever I make a coleslaw recipe, I always dress for at least an hour before serving, so the flavors enhance the refrigerator. 
• Similarly, leftover spicy coleslaw only gets better the longer it sits in the refrigerator, so don't worry about dressing the coleslaw. 
• For easier digestion, chop the cabbage and vegetables finely.
• Try to use fresh herbs whenever possible.

So, the next time you're craving a little spice for your coleslaw, give this spicy coleslaw recipe a try! 

More Vegan Salads Suggestions

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📖 Recipe