Easy + Delicious Smoky Summer Slaw Side Dish Recipe

Make your summer BBQ complete with Smoky Summer Slaw! A crunchy and creamy side dish full of flavor and spice.

Why We Love This Summer Coleslaw Recipe

This smoky slaw hits all the right notes — crunchy cabbage, sweet carrots, a splash of acid, and the irresistible creaminess of chipotle mayo. It’s the perfect pairing for grilled burgers, pulled pork, fish tacos, or even a simple BBQ tempeh sandwich during those hot summer months. It’s easy to whip up ahead of time and only gets better as it chills.

Pile it high on fish, shrimp, pork carnitas, or grilled veggie tacos for a crunchy, smoky, and creamy finish. It’s the perfect complement, offering a cool contrast to warm fillings and a zesty kick from the chipotle-lime dressing.

This easy recipe shines as a standalone side for grilled meats, pulled pork sandwich, hot dogs, ribs, or even a simple rotisserie chicken at your summer bbq. It’s lighter than potato salad but just as satisfying. This will quickly become your favorite coleslaw, I promise!

Key Ingredients for this Summer Coleslaw Recipe

Coleslaw Mix

A convenient packaged coleslaw mix of shredded green cabbage and carrots) provides a base, adds crunch and fiber while saving you prep time.

Shredded red cabbage

Red or Purple cabbage adds a pop of vibrant color and a slightly peppery flavor. It also holds its texture beautifully in the fridge.

Fresh Cilantro

Fresh herbs always offer a fresh, herbaceous brightness that keeps the slaw light and lively. Chopped cilantro adds a cooling contrast to the smoky spice to this perfect side dish.

Red Bell Pepper

Red bell peppers have a natural sweetness that complements the tanginess of the dressing and the slight bitterness of cabbage. This sweetness helps round out the flavor profile, and adds a bright red pop brings visual appeal and makes the slaw feel more summery and fresh.

Mayo

Mayo provides a rich, velvety texture that coats the shredded vegetables and binds everything in this recipe together. It turns crunchy ingredients into a cohesive, creamy coleslaw
. It adds depth and richness that balances sharp or spicy jalapeños and chipotle in the creamy dressing.

Lime Juice

Adds acidity and brightness, cutting through the creaminess of the mayo of this homemade coleslaw and tying all the flavors together in this cabbage slaw with the perfect tang.

Spices

Chili powder, smoked paprika and ground chipotle powder deepens the flavor of the coleslaw dressing without adding more heat to this classic summer side dish.

Jalapeno

Jalapeños bring a gentle, spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds. They’re not overwhelmingly spicy, but just enough to give the slaw a bold edge — especially when paired with the creamy chipotle mayo.

Salt and pepper to taste

Essential for enhancing and rounding out all the flavors. Adjust to taste after the slaw has had a chance to sit and marinate.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make This Summer Slaw Recipe

Combine the slaw base

In a large bowl, add the coleslaw mix, shredded cabbage, red bell pepper, black beans, grilled corn, cilantro, and jalapeño. Toss everything together until well mixed.

Make the smoky dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients until smooth: mayo, lime juice, spices and water

Dress the slaw

Pour the chipotle-lime dressing over the slaw mixture and toss in a big bowl to coat all the ingredients.

Chill and serve:
Let the slaw sit for at least 20–30 minutes in the fridge before serving. It tastes even better the next day!

 A cool, creamy, and crunchy coleslaw is hard to resist, but add some bold flavors and spice and you really have something that is crave-worthy.

Additional Recipes to Try

Creamy Cilantro Chimichurri – This herb-packed chimichurri aioli made with a zesty blend of fresh herbs, garlic, and mayo is perfect for dipping, drizzling, and spreading.

Sun-Kissed Sipper – Stay cool this summer with a whiskey cocktail. Discover the Sun-Kissed Sipper, a refreshing mix of whiskey and strawberries.

Charred Corn and Pineapple Salsa – Elevate your dishes with corn and pineapple salsa. This refreshing recipe is perfect for grilled meats and dips.

Grilled Chicken Taco Salad – looking for more delicious summer salads? With juicy grilled taco-seasoned chicken, fresh veggies, drizzled with a creamy cilantro dressing, this is a salad you’ll be craving all summer long!

Tried this recipe? Please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. You can also stay in touch with us through social media by following us on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!

FAQ and Expert Tips

How to Store Leftovers:

1. Use an Airtight Container

Transfer the coleslaw to a sealed, airtight container. This keeps it from absorbing odors from the fridge and prevents it from drying out.

2. Refrigerate Promptly

Place it in the refrigerator within 2 hours of serving to prevent bacterial growth. Coleslaw contains mayonnaise, which can spoil if left out too long.

3. Keep It Cold

Store it in the coldest part of your fridge (usually the back or bottom shelf) at or below 40°F (4°C).

4. Stir Before Serving Again

The veggies may release water as they sit, so give the slaw a good stir before serving. If it seems watery, you can drain off excess liquid or add a small spoonful of mayo to revive the texture.

Print