Spicy Cantaloupe Cabbage Slaw

Spicy Cantaloupe Cabbage Slaw is a refreshing salad featuring the sweet juiciness of cantaloupe and the crisp crunch of cabbage! Tossed with a zesty dressing, this salad offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, making it a perfect summer side or light lunch. Garnished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of Tajin, it’s a unique and flavorful addition to any meal!

Overhead shot of cabbage cantaloupe slaw in a white bowl, garnished with some tajin.

Why We Love This Spicy Cantaloupe Cabbage Slaw Recipe

If you’re looking to elevate your summer meals with a unique and flavorful side dish, you definitely have to try this spicy cantaloupe cabbage slaw! This unique slaw recipe has the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and crunchy ingredients for a refreshing salad that’s perfect for barbecues, picnics, or a light lunch.

The beauty of this slaw salad is that it is versatile and can be made according to your preferences! Plus, it is easy to whip up with minimal effort.

With a blend of sweet cantaloupe, crunchy cabbage, and a zesty dressing it’s sure to become one of your summer favorites. If you are planning to serving this slaw to kids, be sure to omit the jalapeño or serve it on the side for those who want a little spice!

Two bowls of cantaloup cabbage slaw surrounded by other ingredients like cantaloupe slices and a small bowl of sliced jalapeño.

Ingredients You Need

For the Slaw

  • Cabbage: Use classic white cabbage in this slaw recipe! You can also use red cabbage, but it has a crunchier texture!
  • Cucumber: Thinly slice the cucumber. If you are using an English cucumber, there is no need to peel! Otherwise, you can peel the cucumber.
  • Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a bit of a bite and a nice crunch! If you are sensitive to onions, you can use shallots or green onions instead.
  • Cantaloupe: Cantaloupe adds a juicy, refreshing flavor here. I took about 2-3 slices of cantaloupe and cubed them into bite-sized pieces.
  • Jalapeño: A fresh jalapeño adds a lovely spicy kick! If you are sensitive to spice, I would slice the jalapeño in half, remove the seeds, and then slice the jalapeños into half-moons and add them.
  • Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens up the flavors!

For the Dressing

  • Honey: For a hint of sweetness and to balance out the tanginess of the lime.
  • Tajín: Tajin adds a unique flavor here. If you have never used tajin, it is a chili lime seasoning that adds a lot of flavor to anything it is paired with!
  • Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is best, but bottled will also work!
  • Olive Oil: To balance out the flavors of everything.
  • Salt & Pepper: To taste!

How to Make This Cantaloupe Slaw

  1. Prep the Produce: In a large bowl, add all of the vegetables, cantaloupe, and cilantro.
Ingredients for cantaloupe cabbage slaw in a bowl.
  1. Make the Dressing: In a small jar, add all ingredients for the dressing and shake well.
Hand holding a small jar filled with the ingredients for the dressing.
  1. Combine: Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to combine. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

  • Cabbage: For ease, you can use a bag of coleslaw cabbage instead of slicing the cabbage yourself!
  • Fruit: For some added freshness, you can add mango here, too! Replace just half of the cantaloupe with some freshly sliced mango.
  • Dressing: To make a creamy dressing, you can add a little bit of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to the dressing!
  • Spice: For a spicy slaw, definitely add the jalapeños. For a less spicy slaw, definitely take out the seeds and white center of the jalapeño. If you don’t want any spice at all, feel free to completely omit it!
Spicy cantaloupe cabbage slaw served in a white bowl.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve this melon slaw recipe with all of your favorite main dishes! Especially during the summertime, this slaw pairs well with barbecue and grilled proteins. Here are some delicious options to pair with:

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does spicy cantaloupe cabbage slaw last?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days! Note that the cantaloupe will soften up with time, so it is best to eat this melon slaw as soon as possible.

Is there a substitute for jalapeño?

If you prefer a milder heat, you can substitute the jalapeño with diced green pepper or a mild pepper like Anaheim pepper!

Spicy melon slaw served in a white speckled bowl surrounded by other ingredients.

More Refreshing Recipes to Try

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Spicy Cantaloupe Cabbage Slaw

Spicy Cantaloupe Cabbage Slaw is a refreshing salad featuring the sweet juiciness of cantaloupe and the crisp crunch of cabbage! Tossed with a zesty dressing, this salad offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, making it a perfect summer side or light lunch.
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups white cabbage sliced thinly
  • 1 cup cucumber sliced
  • 1/2 red onion sliced thinly
  • 1 cup cantaloupe cubed from 2-3 slices
  • 1 jalapeño sliced
  • 3 tbsp cilantro chopped

For the Dressing

  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp Tajín
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 6 tbsp olive oil
  • salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, add all of the vegetables, cantaloupe, and cilantro.
  • In a small jar, add all ingredients for the dressing and shake well.
  • Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to combine. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Store any leftover slaw in an airtight container for up to 2 days! Keep in mind that the cantaloupe will get softer in the dressing, so I recommend eating this slaw as soon as you can!
Keyword spicy cantaloupe cabbage slaw
Tried this recipe?Mention @uncomplicatedchef or tag #uncomplicatedchef!

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