A Caribbean BBQ needs something crisp, refreshing, and a bit sweet. It balances the fiery jerk goodness perfectly. Enter Caribbean Coleslaw — a crunchy, colorful slaw bursting with tropical vibes.
This isn’t your average backyard slaw. Imagine bright cabbage, sweet pineapple, tangy lime, and a touch of heat from scotch bonnet or chili flakes. It’s creamy and zesty. It goes perfectly with jerk wings, burgers, brats, or grilled fish.
Hosting a July 4th Caribbean BBQ? Or just craving a sunny side dish? This slaw will take your taste buds right to the islands!
Tropical Flavors — Pineapple and lime bring a sweet-tart kick.
Crunchy & Creamy — Perfect texture contrast.
Quick & Easy — Ready in under 15 minutes.
Balances Spicy Dishes — Cools the heat from jerk meats.
Make Ahead Friendly — Flavors improve as it sits.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cabbage (green or mixed)– Crunchy, fresh base for slaw.
Carrots– Adds color, sweetness, and crunch.
Red Onion– Provides sharpness and color.
Mayonnaise– Creamy dressing base.
Apple Cider Vinegar or Lime Juice– Tanginess and acidity for balance.
Sugar or Honey– Sweetness to balance acidity.
Salt & Pepper– Enhances overall flavor.
How to Make Caribbean Coleslaw
1. Mix the Veggies
In a big bowl, mix together shredded cabbage, carrots, pineapple, red bell pepper, scallions, and cilantro.
2. Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chili flakes. If you like, you can add minced scotch bonnet too.
3. Toss & Chill
Pour dressing over vegetables and toss until evenly coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Flavor Variationsfor Coleslaw
Spicier Slaw: Add extra minced scotch bonnet or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Fruit Twist: Swap pineapple for mango or papaya.
Tropical Creaminess: Stir in 2 tablespoons of coconut cream for a unique island twist.
Onion Crunch: Add thin slices of red onion for bite.
It’s also delicious as a topping on jerk hot dogs or inside Caribbean tacos!
Frequently Asked Questions
Make this slaw ahead of time
Absolutely! It’s even better after a few hours in the fridge. Just give it a good toss before serving.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—just use a vegan mayo or olive-oil-based dressing.
Is this slaw spicy?
It can be mild or spicy depending on how much scotch bonnet or chili flakes you add. Start small and taste as you go!
Can I skip the pineapple?
Sure! Though pineapple adds sweetness and tropical flair, you can substitute it with these:
Mango
Papaya
Apples
Or simply leave it out
“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” Matthew 6:25 NKJV
Wisdom
Life sometimes is stressful. Things come up and we start to worry and fret. But Jesus tells us not to worry. He will always be there for us. Our heavenly Father knows the things that we need in life.
He granted us the power of prayer, where we can communicate with him, and confess all things that we go through. Everything we feel and go through He knows. He tells us why worry? Worrying will not add 1 cubit to our stature.
Worrying profits nothing. Sufficient for the day is it’s trouble. Don’t worry about tomorrow or next week or next month. Live life day by day, for tomorrow is promised to no one. Isn’t life more than food, clothing, shelter, health, wealth, strength?
Jesus is our provider, he is our strength, he is our stronghold, he provides us with good health. If he takes care or ravens and flowers in the valley how much more will he take care of his own people? These things of the world are passing away. One day we are up, the next day we are down.
Wisdom Cont..
One day we have and another day we do not. It’s apart of life but Jesus is with us through it all. He never promised that life would be easy. He never said following him would be easy. He told us it is a narrow path, difficult is the way that leads to life.
Many are called, few chosen. But we can do all things with God with us. Immanuel. Put all your stress, fear and worries upon the Lord. Put it all in his hands. He has provided us with his comforter, the Holy Spirit.
Walk in his spirit and you will feel his peace which surpasses all understanding. He is the Prince of peace. Nothing else matters in this world but Jesus. He is the Savior. Only what we do for Him will last.
Life is vanity because we are all going to die one day. Naked we came and naked we shall return. Don’t worry, be happy and rejoice in the Lord always.
This vibrant Caribbean coleslaw brings color, crunch, and a hint of heat to your table. Fresh cabbage and carrots are tossed in a tangy-sweet dressing with a touch of spice for tropical flair. It’s the perfect cool, crisp side dish for jerk wings, burgers, or grilled meats.
1tbspscotch bonnet (or 1 tsp red pepper flakes)finely diced, optional
½tspsaltto taste
¼tspblack pepperto taste
½tspground all spice
½tspground nutmeg
Instructions
Use a food processor to dice up cabbage and carrots. Dice up onion.
Combine cabbage, carrots, onion, and scotch bonnet pepper or pepper flakes in a bowl.
In another bowl, whisk all dressing ingredients.
Pour dressing over slaw and toss to coat.
Chill 30 minutes or longer before serving.
Notes
🎆 Bring Island Vibes to Your BBQ!Craving something fresh and colorful for your summer party? This Caribbean Coleslaw is the perfect tropical BBQ side! It’s crisp, creamy, and pairs perfectly with all your jerk favorites.Are you planning a Caribbean-inspired July 4th feast? Drop a comment and tell me what’s on your menu!
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