Spicy Peach Coleslaw: A Sweet and Fiery Summer Side Dish

Peach season is a glorious time, and while we often think of sweet desserts when we think of peaches, they’re surprisingly versatile in savory dishes too! This Spicy Peach Coleslaw is a fantastic example. It’s a vibrant, flavorful side dish that perfectly balances the sweetness of ripe peaches with a fiery kick of chili and a creamy, tangy dressing. This coleslaw is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at barbecues, potlucks, or even as a light lunch. Get ready to elevate your coleslaw game!

## Why This Spicy Peach Coleslaw Works

* **Sweet and Spicy:** The combination of juicy, sweet peaches and spicy chili creates an exciting flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more.
* **Textural Delight:** The crisp cabbage, juicy peaches, and crunchy nuts provide a delightful mix of textures.
* **Creamy and Tangy Dressing:** The dressing is the perfect complement to the other ingredients, bringing everything together with its creamy texture and tangy flavor.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal cooking. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
* **Versatile:** This coleslaw is a great side dish for grilled meats, fish, or even veggie burgers. It can also be served as a light lunch or snack.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Spicy Peach Coleslaw:

* **Coleslaw Mix:** 1 (14-16 ounce) bag of coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots). You can also shred your own cabbage and carrots if you prefer.
* **Peaches:** 2-3 ripe but firm peaches, pitted and diced. The key is to use peaches that are ripe enough to be sweet but firm enough to hold their shape when mixed with the other ingredients.
* **Red Onion:** 1/4 cup finely diced red onion. Red onion adds a nice bite and color to the coleslaw.
* **Jalapeño:** 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced. Adjust the amount of jalapeño to your spice preference. For a milder coleslaw, remove the seeds and membranes completely. For a spicier coleslaw, leave some of the seeds in.
* **Cilantro:** 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the coleslaw.
* **Toasted Pecans or Almonds:** 1/2 cup toasted pecans or almonds, roughly chopped. Toasted nuts add a nice crunch and nutty flavor. You can toast the nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or bake them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

**For the Dressing:**

* **Mayonnaise:** 1/2 cup mayonnaise. Use your favorite brand of mayonnaise. You can also use a light mayonnaise to reduce the fat content.
* **Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt:** 1/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. Sour cream adds richness and tanginess, while Greek yogurt adds protein and a slightly tangier flavor.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy flavor and helps to balance the sweetness of the peaches.
* **Honey:** 1 tablespoon honey. Honey adds a touch of sweetness and helps to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor.
* **Chili Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon chili powder. Chili powder adds a smoky and spicy flavor.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this amazing Spicy Peach Coleslaw:

**Step 1: Prepare the Peaches and Other Ingredients**

* Wash the peaches thoroughly. Pit the peaches and dice them into bite-sized pieces. Place the diced peaches in a large bowl.
* Finely dice the red onion. Mince the jalapeño, removing the seeds and membranes for less heat, or leaving some in for more spice.
* Chop the fresh cilantro. Roughly chop the toasted pecans or almonds.

**Step 2: Make the Dressing**

* In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more honey for sweetness or more chili powder for spice.

**Step 3: Combine the Ingredients**

* Add the coleslaw mix, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro to the bowl with the diced peaches.

**Step 4: Dress the Coleslaw**

* Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture. Gently toss everything together until the coleslaw is evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the coleslaw soggy.

**Step 5: Add the Nuts**

* Stir in the toasted pecans or almonds.

**Step 6: Chill and Serve**

* Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the coleslaw to chill. The coleslaw can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it is best served fresh.
* Before serving, give the coleslaw a good stir. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Garnish with extra chopped cilantro and toasted pecans or almonds, if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Peach Variety:** Use your favorite variety of peaches for this coleslaw. Yellow peaches, white peaches, or even donut peaches will work well. Just make sure they are ripe but firm.
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of jalapeño to your liking. For a milder coleslaw, remove the seeds and membranes completely. For a spicier coleslaw, leave some of the seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
* **Other Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the coleslaw, such as shredded carrots, bell peppers, or celery.
* **Fruit Additions:** Consider adding other fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries, or mangoes, for extra sweetness and flavor.
* **Protein Boost:** Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the coleslaw for a complete meal.
* **Vegan Option:** Use vegan mayonnaise and maple syrup instead of honey to make this coleslaw vegan.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can make the dressing and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the coleslaw. This will save you time when you are ready to serve.
* **Different Nuts/Seeds:** Substitute the pecans/almonds with walnuts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for a different flavor profile.
* **Citrus Zest:** Add the zest of one lime or lemon to the dressing for a brighter flavor.
* **Smoked Paprika:** A pinch of smoked paprika in the dressing will add a nice smoky depth.

## Serving Suggestions

This Spicy Peach Coleslaw is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Grilled Meats:** Serve it with grilled chicken, pork chops, steak, or ribs.
* **Fish:** Serve it with grilled salmon, tuna, or mahi-mahi.
* **Sandwiches and Burgers:** Use it as a topping for pulled pork sandwiches, burgers, or veggie burgers.
* **Tacos:** Add it to fish tacos, shrimp tacos, or vegetarian tacos.
* **Barbecue:** Bring it to your next barbecue or potluck. It’s sure to be a hit!
* **Light Lunch:** Enjoy it as a light lunch or snack on its own.

## Storage Instructions

Store leftover Spicy Peach Coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The coleslaw may become slightly softer as it sits, but it will still be delicious. It is best served fresh.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 250-350 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Fat: 15-25g
* Protein: 3-5g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Fiber: 3-5g

## Recipe Card

Spicy Peach Coleslaw Recipe

A sweet and spicy coleslaw featuring ripe peaches, jalapeño, and a creamy, tangy dressing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

* 1 (14-16 ounce) bag coleslaw mix
* 2-3 ripe peaches, pitted and diced
* 1/4 cup diced red onion
* 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
* 1/2 cup toasted pecans or almonds, roughly chopped

Dressing:

* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* 1 tablespoon honey
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
* Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine coleslaw mix, peaches, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over coleslaw mixture and toss gently to coat.
4. Stir in toasted pecans or almonds.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

* Adjust the amount of jalapeño to your spice preference.
* Add other vegetables or fruits as desired.
* Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Enjoy this Spicy Peach Coleslaw as a side dish, topping, or light meal!

## Final Thoughts

This Spicy Peach Coleslaw is a delicious and refreshing side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet peaches, spicy jalapeño, and creamy dressing is simply irresistible. Give it a try and let me know what you think!