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Cajun Coleslaw

Packed full of bold flavors, this cajun slaw is a simple and delicious side. Great for tacos and BBQ, it's perfectly creamy with just the right amount of spice.
A large bowl of cajun slaw with two serving spoons in it.

Last Updated on March 22, 2021 by Betty Davies

Add some spice to your slaw with this tasty recipe! This creamy cajun coleslaw is simple and easy to make with just a few ingredients. Perfect to serve with BBQ and roasted meats, it’s a great make ahead side that everyone will devour!

Cajun slaw garnished with fresh cilantro in a large bowl with two serving spoons.

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A good slaw is one of my favorite types of salad, super quick and easy to make and it’s so easy to add extra flavor to give it a real punch.

This creamy Cajun coleslaw is super quick and easy to make and the Cajun seasoning adds a bold, slightly smoky and earthy flavor that makes it an ideal side for all your BBQ needs.

For more cold sides, be sure to check out my Caprese salad and Greek salsa recipes.

Why you will love this recipe

  • Make ahead: This is a great make ahead option if you are planning to serve it as part of a bigger feast. The leftovers keep well and are super delicious!
  • Quick: It takes no more than 10 minutes to make this slaw from scratch. Just chop everything, mix and you are good to go!
  • Dietary info: This Cajun coleslaw is gluten-free, low carb and vegetarian.
Side view of cajun slaw in a large serving bowl.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: Cabbage, carrots, red and green belle pepper.
  • Cilantro: Cilantro adds a nice freshness and herby flavor.
  • Mayonnaise: For a creamy slaw.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: ACV adds a nice tang to help balance out the creaminess.
  • Cajun Seasoning: This seasoning adds a great flavor to the slaw, a little smokey with just a hint of spice, this is what sets this slaw ahead of the competition.
  • Dijon Mustard: Just a little to add more depth to the slaw.

How to make Cajun coleslaw

Be sure to scroll down for the full recipe!

Simply add all of your ingredients to a big bowl and stir to combine. Easy!

Two step by step photos to show how to make the slaw.

Recipe Variations

This Cajun slaw is super delicious as it is, but you easily adapt it to suit your tastes:

  • Make it vegan by using a vegan mayonnaise.
  • Use red cabbage instead of green. Green cabbage is a little more peppery and red is a touch sweeter. Both will work well on this recipe.
  • If you don’t like cilantro, swap it for parsley so you still get that fresh herby flavor.
  • Make it healthier by using a low fat mayo, or swap half of it for sour cream
  • Make it spicier by adding in some extra cayenne pepper.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is in Cajun seasoning?

Cajun food is from Louisiana and this mix of spices gives us that signature Southern flavor. Ingredients will vary between different brands of Cajun seasoning, but they generally contain garlic, black pepper, cayenne, oregano, paprika, salt, onion and bell peppers.

How long does it keep?

Once you have mixed all of the ingredients together, keep your slaw covered in the fridge and it will keep well for up to 4 days. The cabbage may start to release some liquid after a couple of days of sitting in the fridge and you can easily drain this off to serve if you like.

How do you shred cabbage?

I prefer to cut the cabbage by hand rather than use a food processor which can mush it up a little too much sometimes. Cut it in long thin strips with a sharp knife. Alternatively, you can run a vegetable peeler down the cut side of the cabbage to shred it.

For this Cajun coleslaw, I prefer to buy shredded carrots from the store. They are super fine and combine easier with the other ingredients.

Slaw with sliced bell peppers, carrots and cabbage topped with fresh herbs.

Serving Suggestions

This Cajun slaw is particularly great to serve with BBQ like brisket and ribs. It’s great to add to fish and shrimp tacos, top burgers or serve as an easy side to any weeknight meal.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • Shred the cabbage and other veggies as evenly as you can so that they combine easily.
  • Keep the Cajun coleslaw refrigerated. Because this slaw contains mayo, it shouldn’t be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro, parsley or chives.
Close up of cajun slaw served in a bowl.

More Recipes!

If you’ve tried this recipe, be sure to leave a star rating and a comment below!

A large bowl of cajun slaw with two serving spoons in it.

Cajun Coleslaw

Packed full of bold flavors, this cajun slaw is a simple and delicious side. Great for tacos and BBQ, it's perfectly creamy with just the right amount of spice.
4 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 293kcal
Author: Betty Davies

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Shred the cabbage and cut the rest of the vegetable and herbs.
  • Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl and combine well.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors develop.

Notes

  • Shred the cabbage and other veggies as evenly as you can so that they combine easily.
  • Keep the salad refrigerated. Because this slaw contains mayo, it shouldn’t be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro, parsley or chives.

Nutrition

Calories: 293kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 286mg | Potassium: 285mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 5013IU | Vitamin C: 50mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 1mg

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3 Comments

  1. 4 stars
    I made it this way and my family was not feeling the peppers so I made it again and personalized it . I used red cabbage , skipped the other veggies . Did the Mayo , white vinegar cause that’s what I had, tsp of cayenne and I sprinkled a little sugar over it and tossed it. Maybe a teaspoon give or take to your own taste . Used it as a topping to my Cajun grilled shrimp tacos , along w pickled red onion. Was a big hit will use again . Thanks for the recipe .

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