Creamy Cajun Coleslaw
Take your side dishes to the next level by trying this Cajun coleslaw recipe! Packed with bold and zesty flavors, it effortlessly combines smoky spices, tangy dressing, and a little bit of heat in one crisp dish. This creole coleslaw truly delivers big on flavor without being big on effort!
Crunchy, refreshing, and downright delicious — a classic coleslaw has it all. But Cajun coleslaw takes things up a notch by also offering a bold burst of flavor alongside the creaminess with its lively mix of seasonings, mayo, mustard, and vinegar! It’s the perfect way to add a little Louisiana-inspired kick to every meal. Happy eating!
~Kristen
Why You’ll Love This Cajun-Spiced Slaw
- It’s very quick and easy to make at home.
- This coleslaw recipe perfectly balances richness and smoky heat in every bite.
- Cabbage is low in calories but rich in nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, potassium, and protein, making this dish great for your health.
- You can easily adjust the taste of this Cajun slaw to suit your preferences.
- It’s a great alternative to regular green salads that you can serve anytime, from weeknight dinners to picnics and BBQs.
Ingredient Notes
Keep in mind that this is just a quick overview — head to the recipe card for detailed instructions and exact measurements!
Coleslaw Mix: Provides a delightfully crunchy base for the dish. You can also use a blend of green and red cabbage plus carrots if preferred. A box grater works great for this purpose!
Mayonnaise: Adds a smooth, rich texture to the Cajun coleslaw, keeping it moist and flavorful. Use vegan mayo if necessary.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Imparts a bright, tangy kick. If you do not have ACV, white and red wine vinegar taste delicious.
Dijon Mustard: Adds depth and some bite to the dish. Brown mustard or even yellow mustard will get the job done in a pinch.
Cajun Seasoning: Cajun seasoning gives the salad its signature bold, smoky, and spicy flavor.
Smoked Paprika: Enhances the warm, smoky flavors of the Cajun seasoning.
Garlic Powder: Provides the coleslaw with an umami boost.
Onion Powder: Adds a savory-sweet taste.
Hot Sauce: Balances the sweet and smoky flavors with some heat. I like to use a habanero hot sauce, but if you are sensitive to spice, you can omit it or use a mild hot sauce instead.
Maple Syrup: Rounds out the bold flavors with a bit of natural sweetness. Honey or granulated sugar make suitable alternatives if needed.
Ground Black Pepper: Adds a layer of warmth and depth to the salad.
Salt: Acts as a flavor enhancer.
How to Make Cajun Coleslaw
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayo, vinegar, mustard, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, hot sauce, maple syrup, and black pepper until smooth.
- Add the coleslaw mix and toss until well-coated.
- Season with a pinch of salt, taste, and adjust as needed.
- Let it rest for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve and enjoy!
Serving Ideas
- Paired with a veggie burger.
- Top off quinoa or rice bowls.
- Served alongside French fries.
- Paired with buttery biscuits.
- Served with mac and cheese.
- Served with slow-cooker black beans.
- Paired with a chickpea salad sandwich.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It’s good to eat for up to 5 days.
Stir the slaw before serving to redistribute any dressing that may have settled at the bottom of the container.
Expert Tips
- The amount of salt needed will greatly depend on the kind of Cajun seasoning you choose to use. Some store-bought blends contain salt already, while others are salt-free, so adjust the salt level accordingly.
- If you’re using fresh cabbage instead of a coleslaw mix, aim to make thin, uniform slices to get a consistent crunch in every bite of the slaw.
- Adjust the spice level if needed. If you like a stronger bite, consider also adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.
- If possible, serve the Cajun coleslaw slightly chilled for the best texture and taste.
- Instead of Dijon mustard, you can also use either Cajun or Creole mustard if desired.
- You can also incorporate other veggies into the coleslaw for added crunch, color, and nutrients. Sliced bell peppers, celery, cucumber, and cauliflower will work well here.
You Might Also Enjoy These Delicious Slaw Recipes
Cajun Coleslaw
Ingredients
- 8 ounces coleslaw mix a blend with red and green cabbage and carrots works great
- ¼ cup mayonnaise use vegan mayo if needed
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon maple syrup
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayo, vinegar, mustard, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, hot sauce, maple syrup, and black pepper.
- Add the coleslaw mix and toss until evenly coated.
- Add a pinch of salt, taste and adjust as needed.
- Let it sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Enjoy!