I have two very special ladies in my life – Sol and Sarah. They have been two of my biggest supporters over the last 4 years. They are always there for me no matter my need, and I am there for them and would do the most for them anytime. I feel so lucky to call them my confidants and best friends. I love you both so much! This keto coleslaw journey starts with them.
Sol, Sarah, and I
The History of the BEST Spicy Slaw
Last year, I got the opportunity to go to Austin, TX with BOTH of them! Even though the weekend was crazy, I got to spend time with two of my favorite people. We had the absolute best time eating hot wings and watching funny movies at the AirBnB instead of partying on 6th Street.
One of the days we were there, Sol picked out a little brunch place that had an incredibly elaborate menu. I ended up ordering a burger and the most keto-sounding side dish I could find – coleslaw. I figured it would probably be sweet and I could just ignore it, I like to go with the flow and, really, it wasn’t that big of a deal. A little while later, out came this burger with the most flavorful, tangy, spicy coleslaw I had ever had… it was like, what burger? I only had eyes for the coleslaw.
Photo of Famous Coleslaw
I couldn’t stop talking about this coleslaw for weeks after this trip, so I finally created my own low carb slaw! I have a mild version and a spicy one – I make the spicy one because I like some adventure, but, please note, this coleslaw gets spicier the longer it sits! Also, if you are not a fan of spicy, you can leave out all the jalapenos and just have a really flavorful coleslaw.
This slaw is low carb and keto approved, and it’s also spicy, crunchy, cool and creamy – you won’t miss the kind with sugar! It pairs perfectly with a huge bacon burger or a pile of smoked ribs. I’ve been eating it as an afternoon snack by itself! I guarantee, everyone will ask you for the recipe at your summer barbecues all season long!
Ingredients for Sam’s Spicy Slaw
- 14 ounces chopped cabbage or one bag of prepackaged coleslaw cabbage mix
- 5 jalapenos (use 2 if you want mild)
- 4 green onions (use 2 for a more mild taste)
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 2 tbsp spicy mustard, I used horseradish mustard but any will do
- 1 tbsp vinegar – I used apple cider, white would work
- 1 tbsp sweetener of choice, I use Pyure Organic sweetener, you can also use 3-5 drops of Pyure Organic Liquid Stevia
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 3 shakes of chili powder
- 2 shakes black pepper
- Salt to taste
Equipment:
- 2 mixing bowls, very large bowl and small bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Sharp Knife – I use this one and love it!
- Cutting Board- This is the one you have seen me use on Instagram!
Tip From Sam: Make sure the large bowl is bigger than you think you will need, mixing up coleslaw can get messy so a huge bowl really helps!
Directions
- Chop the cabbage. Start by cutting the top of the cabbage off, directly on the other side of the stem. This makes it easier to cut off chunks of cabbage without the head rolling around on the board. Then, cut the cabbage into chunks and until they are the size you want. I really like to do this myself. The bagged cabbage isn’t bad, but I like a thicker-cut cabbage so there is a lot of crunch, even if this sits in the fridge for a couple days.
- Cut off the ends of the green onions and cut.
- Cut the ends of the jalapenos off, de-seed half of the jalapenos and then chop. If you do not want it to be spicy, get rid of all the seeds, that is where the most spice comes from. I like to live on the edge.
- Mix together mayo, mustard, vinegar, sweetener, cumin, chili powder, black pepper and salt to taste in a separate bowl. This should be just enough coleslaw dressing for about 16 ounces of coleslaw but if you like a more wet slaw, make 2 servings of this recipe.
- Mix all together. Let all the flavors marinate together in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but this recipe is best after a few hours. Enjoy with any meats or have as a snack any time!
This dish will stay good in the fridge for up to 5 days (if it lasts that long!)
Makes 8 servings
Macros:
Calories- 115g |Fat- 9.8g | Carbs: 7.5g | Net Carbs: 6g | Protein 0.9g

Sam's Spicy Slaw (Keto Coleslaw)
Ingredients
- 14 ounces chopped cabbage one bag of prepackaged coleslaw cabbage mix
- 5 Jalapenos use 2 if you want mild
- 4 green onions use 2 for a more mild taste
- 2/3 cup mayo
- 2 tbsp spicy mustard
- 1 tbsp vinegar I use apple cider, white or red would work
- 1 tbsp low carb sweetener You can also use a few drops of liquid stevia
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 3 shakes Chili powder
- Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- Chop the cabbage. Start by cutting the top of the cabbage off, directly on the other side of the stem. This makes it easier to cut off chunks of cabbage with out the head rolling around on the board. Then cut the cabbage into chunks and until they are the size you want. I really like to do this myself. The bagged cabbage isnt bad, but I like a thicker cabbage so that there is a lot of crunch even if this sits in the fridge for a couple days.
- Cut off the ends of the green onions and cut.
- Cut the ends of the jalapenos off, deseed half of the jalapenos and then chop. If you do not want it to be spicy, get rid of all the seeds, that is where the most spice comes from. I like to live on the edge
- Mix together mayo, mustard, vinegar, sweetener, cumin, chili powder, black pepper and salt to taste in a separate bowl. This should be just enough coleslaw dressing for about 16 ounces of coleslaw but if you like a more wet slaw, make 2 servings of this recipe.
- 5. Mix all together. Let all the flavors marinade together in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but this recipe is best after a few hours.
Notes
Nutrition
I LOVE this recipe!!!
I’ve made it once a week for at least the last three weeks. I never have fresh jalapeno’s on hand, but I’ve been using the jarred diced jalapenos and their juice/vinegar for the vinegar in the recipe. Delish!
Make this – you won’t regret it! <3
PS: I added chopped bacon this week because why not right!? Made it yesterday and it's already 1/2 gone!
OH I have bacon I need to eat and jarred jalapenos are genius! Using the vinegar in the jar is so smart and I bet adds a nice kick!
We have fresh cabbage and green onions from our garden. I made a double batch last Friday and another double batch tonight. I LOVE this!!
I am so glad you are enjoying it this summer!!
Saw this recipe in your feed and made it today and it is 10/10!!!! Delish!
I am so glad you liked it!!
Love, love, love this recipe! My husband and I enjoy it very much. We top it with some fresh cilantro and habanero salt by Jacobsen Salt. Co. Delish!
I am so glad yall enjoy this recipe!
This looks delicious. I’m looking forward to making it.
I cant wait to hear what you think!
All of Sam’s recipes are good!!!
Thank you so much friend!!
This stuff is SOOO good. Super easy & PERFECT for a BBQ side or on its own!!!
Thank you so much! I have been eating it just as a snack lately! LOL.
This recipe is a home run! I added a little horseradish to give it a little extra kick!
Extra spicy, I like it!!
Reading this recipe in this detail really has me wanting to make this! 🔥🔥 I bet it is so good with some barbecued meats. Thanks for the recipe!
P.S. Sam’s recipes are fool proof and always taste amazing..
Thank you so much Carrie! Its a good slaw, I do have to say, especially coming from me, someone that never really liked coleslaw!
Holy cow!!! This is magnificent!!! Best coleslaw ever!!!
I am so glad you liked it!
Hi Sam. Would you say that the serving size is one cup? This looks amazing and I look forward to making it. Thanks for sharing awesome recipes!
I just figure it is about 8 servings, I am unsure what that would look like cup wise because the cabbage size and such can change the volume. I hope you enjoy!
Do we have to use the sweetener?
You dont have to use it if you dont want to!
Can’t wait to try this recipe! Was wondering about the mayo measurement…says 1.2 cup. Is that supposed to be 1/2 cup or over 1 cup??
It is a half cup 🙂
What is the serving size you use per serving when you make yours ? I know you cant exactly say what each serving size would be, just curious when you get “a serving ” what measurement you use from your batch to get an idea.
I get about 6-8 servings from a whole batch of coleslaw, so that is about 6-8 huge scoops LOL. I wish I could be more helpful!!
I have used a different recipe for slaw for years… but no more… this is my new FAVORITE… love this
I am so glad you enjoyed it Karen!!!
Sam I have been a follower on Instagram for a while. This is definitely a winner. Made it with bagged broccoli slaw and it was ridiculously delicious.
Broccoli slaw sounds so good too!!
I took this to a 4th of July pool party this weekend. It was amazing and everyone was raving about it wanting the recipe. Thanks so much girl.
I am so glad!
Yum! I loved this so much and I think it got better each day it sat in the fridge. Making it again tomorrow for lunches and dinners this week. Thank you!
I am so glad you enjoyed it Angela!!
I have seen this on your Insta, but never looked at your ingredients because I have my own made-up slaw recipe; I call it Super Slaw. 🙂 So today I finally look at your recipe for it….and it is similar to mine! lol I guess we Texas girls like the same slaw flavor. My dressing includes sour cream and mayo and some jarred roasted salsa and lime juice in addition to other seasonings similar to yours. I don’t put jalapenos in the slaw mix, but I use green onions and cilantro. Mine is probably not as hot as yours, but still has the spicy flavors from salsa and cilantro. I have made it several different ways, including adding diced avocado, jarred roasted red peppers, and even a tiny bit of diced mango…..just depends on what I have on hand. I love your recipes and your heart to share your keto journey with others.
That sounds so good with the cilantro and avocados!! I am so glad you enjoy them. That means a lot to me!
I just made this slaw and it is sooo good! I love the flavor the jalapeño gives it! About how big is a serving?
I am so glad you liked it! About half a cup is a serving!
Since the first time I made this I have made a batch once a week. It is the perfect side to go along with a protein as a quick lunch. I legit can’t get enough. I was skeptical of the spicy mustard but it adds the perfect layer of flavor. I’m someone who generally tweaks a recipe to my own liking and it is rare I don’t feel the need to do so. This is one of those rare, perfect as-is recipes.
I am so glad you love it!! I keep a bowl on hand also!
Im obsessed with this recipe. I make it pretty much weekly. It pairs super well with pulled pork, burgers, pot roast, and chicken. My favorite thing to do is plop it on top of some crispy pulled pork that has some sugar free, keto bbq sauce on it. I finally printed up the recipe, even though Im pretty sure I know it by heart now!
Oh geez, on the pork sounds so great!!! I am so glad you enjoy it Kristi!!!
I love, love, love this recipe. Probably my favorite cole slaw recipe of all time. I’ve been making it weekly. Delicious!
I am so glad you like it!!!
Made it for the first time so delicious! My hubby ❤️It and asked why I hadn’t made it before…
I am so glad yall enjoyed it!
Very good slaw! Put it on pulled pork Sammie! So yummy. Will definitely be making this again!
Thank you so so much!!
Omg, this is the best slaw I have ever had! Made a batch (doubled the dressing) this morning to let sit for dinner. We’ll, it’s dinner time and we are inhaling it (along with some boneless bbq ribs)! Thank you for posting this. This will definitely become a staple dish in our house!
I am so glad you enjoyed it!! I like to keep it on hand for easy sides or even a snack!