Chipotle Coleslaw

As a kid, I never understood the point of coleslaw. Sugary, limp cabbage, mauled beyond recognition, like the day your pet tiger turns on you? Why waste a side dish slot on that when you could get–gasp–mashed potatoes and gravy?

OK, so I still don’t totally understand choosing, let’s be honest, any side dish over mashed potatoes and gravy, but my understanding of coleslaw has blossomed, as I’ve discovered how balancing the dish can be when it’s done well. Crunchy and a bit sweet, creamy and a little tangy, it’s the perfect foil to a rich barbecue sauce or crispy fried chicken.

But I still thought we could do better.

I made appallingly simple BBQ shredded chicken sandwiches in the Crockpot  for our gender reveal party, and O nearly had a breakdown when he realized he only got *one* the entire day. Never mind that I offered him three after a frenzied photoshoot before the guests arrived, he ate only one, then regretted it for the rest of his life (if by the rest of his life, you mean until I remade the recipe just for him). 

When I made the recipe again during the week–sharing soon!–I decided to up the ante and elevate the coleslaw. I’d settled for the flaccid deli option before, out of sheer necessity, but this time? This time, it’s on. Inspired by my love for a crunchy, simplistic red cabbage slaw on fish tacos, I opted for an infusion of smoky chipotle peppers and adobo sauce–two of O’s and my favorite elements–with a touch of mild green onions. Layered on top of the sweet, smoky-in-a-whole-‘nother-way shredded BBQ chicken, I finally fell in love with coleslaw.
Oh! You’re what coleslaw is meant to be! I see now.. crunchy and flavorful and light and sweet and vibrant and tart and yesyesyes. O hoarded the bowl of extra on the outside edge of his claim to the table–as far away from me as he could–and by the time I could see the bottom of the bowl, he asked innocently, “Oh, did you want some?”

He’s lucky I wasn’t having a particularly vengeful craving, else he’d be still wandering the streets with one sock half-on, stubble verging on full-blown beard, muttering to himself about how it all went wrong. 

Not that I’m like.. hormonal, or anything.

 But seriously, this is your new favorite coleslaw! Perfect for barbecues and potlucks and summer in general, you’ll be so impressed at how much flavor is packed into 10 minutes of prep and how beautifully it pairs with BBQ sandwiches especially. Make this! 

Or you’re next (, you one-sock-wearing, stubble-verging-on-full-blown-bearing, muttering-to-yourselfing piece o’..)

5 from 1 vote

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Chipotle Coleslaw

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Servings 6

Author Cheryl Malik

Ingredients

• 14 ounces of coleslaw mix or mixed chopped cabbage , red cabbage, and carrots
• Scant 1 cup good-quality mayonnaise or vegan mayo (I recommend Just Mayo)
• 1 clove garlic , peeled and smashed
• 2 chipotle peppers
• 1 teaspoon adobo sauce (sauce that chipotle peppers come in)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• salt , to taste
• 2 green onions chopped
• chopped cilantro , for garnish, optional

Instructions

1. Place coleslaw or mixed cabbage & carrots in a medium mixing bowl.
2. In the bowl of a food processor, combine mayonnaise, garlic, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Process until completely smooth. Pour over coleslaw or mixed cabbage & carrots and toss to coat completely. Add salt to taste and then gently stir in chopped green onions.
3. Cover and chill until ready to serve. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
4. Goes perfectly with pulled BBQ sandwiches!