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Jalapeno Cilantro Slaw

Jalapeno Cilantro Slaw - Gourmet And Food

As the summer sun heats up and the grill comes to life, it’s time to explore new flavors. Enter Jalapeno Cilantro Slaw—a dish that’s vibrant, crunchy, and bursting with freshness. 
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 104
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Slaw:
  • 2 to 2 3 fresh jalapeños, deseeded and thinly sliced
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced into half-moons
  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
  • 3 medium carrots, coarsely grated
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced scallions green onions
  • ½ medium green cabbage, finely shredded
For the Dressing:
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey or agave nectar
  • ¾ cup good-quality mayonnaise
  • ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 of Juice fresh limes approximately 3 tablespoons
  • Kosher salt, to taste

Method
 

  1. Let’s get to the fun part—making your slaw! Ready to get your hands dirty? Follow these step-by-step instructions.
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
  1. Chop, slice, and grate your veggies! Start by deseeding and thinly slicing the jalapeños. If you’re not a fan of too much heat, remove the seeds completely. Next, slice the red onion into half-moons, chop your cilantro, and grate the carrots.
Step 2: Mix the Cabbage
  1. Finely shred the green cabbage. I can’t stress enough the importance of shredding versus chopping. Thin strips will better absorb the dressing and maintain a delightful crunch.
Step 3: Combine the Slaw Ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced jalapeños, red onion, chopped cilantro, grated carrots, sliced scallions, and shredded cabbage. Give it a good toss. Visualize your slaw mixing together like old friends meeting for the first time.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, honey (or agave), toasted sesame oil, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste your dressing. It should be tangy with a hint of sweetness.
Step 5: Dress the Slaw
  1. Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture. Toss until every shred is coated in that luscious dressing. This is where the magic happens!
Step 6: Chill and Serve
  1. Let your slaw chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to mingle beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, give it another quick toss and enjoy your creation!

Notes

Here are some tips that I’ve learned along the way to elevate your slaw game:
  • Select Fresh Ingredients: Fresh veggies make a huge difference. Look for vibrant colors and firm textures at your local market.
  • Adjust the Heat: Not everyone loves spicy food. Start with one jalapeño and taste-test. You can always add more heat later!
  • Use High-Quality Mayonnaise: Since mayonnaise is the base of your dressing, opting for a premium brand can enhance the flavor.
  • Experiment with Additions: Consider adding avocados for creaminess or mango for sweetness. Switching things up keeps it fun!
Store Properly: If you have leftovers, ensure they’re stored in an airtight container. This prevents the slaw from wilting.