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Honey Sriracha Coleslaw Recipe Easy Homemade Flavorful Poppy Seed Slaw

honey sriracha coleslaw - featured image

A quick and easy honey sriracha coleslaw with poppy seeds that balances sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, perfect for barbecues and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded (about 300g)
  • 1 cup carrots, julienned or shredded (about 100g)
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise (about 60ml)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Instructions

  1. Prep the Vegetables (10 minutes): Remove tough outer leaves of the green cabbage and finely shred it using a sharp knife or mandoline to get about 4 cups (300g). Peel and shred the carrots to get about 1 cup (100g), and thinly slice half a small red onion. If using cilantro, roughly chop about ¼ cup. Optionally rinse shredded cabbage under cold water and spin dry for extra crispness.
  2. Make the Dressing (5 minutes): In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons sriracha, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper until smooth and glossy. Taste and adjust sriracha for desired heat.
  3. Combine Slaw and Dressing (5 minutes): Pour the dressing over the shredded vegetables. Toss thoroughly to coat all cabbage and carrots. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon poppy seeds and toss gently again to distribute evenly.
  4. Rest and Chill (at least 15 minutes): Refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld and cabbage soften slightly without losing crunch. If short on time, 10 minutes is acceptable.
  5. Final Taste Check: Before serving, toss the slaw again and adjust salt, sweetness, or vinegar as needed.

Notes

Adjust sriracha gradually to control heat level. Rinsing and spinning cabbage dry enhances crispness. Use Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for lighter or vegan versions. Poppy seeds add signature crunch; substitute with toasted sesame seeds or chopped nuts if unavailable. Let slaw rest chilled for best flavor melding. Store leftovers in airtight container up to 3 days; toss before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey sriracha coleslaw, poppy seed slaw, easy coleslaw recipe, spicy coleslaw, summer side dish, quick coleslaw, homemade coleslaw