Spicy Peach Corn Summer Slaw
Spicy Peach Corn Summer Slaw is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines fresh peaches, sweet summer corn, and crisp cabbage, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing! The blend of sweetness from the peaches and corn and the heat from the jalapeño creates a perfect balance of flavors, ideal for summer barbecues and picnics. It’s one of those simple recipes that looks and tastes far more impressive than the effort it takes and once you make it, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your summer rotation of delicious recipes.
Why We Love This Spicy Peach Corn Summer Slaw Recipe
This spicy peach corn summer slaw has all the best ingredients of summer in one flavorful dish! If you want to take advantage of farmer’s market peaches and corn, you definitely have to whip up this shredded cabbage slaw.
After a little bit of prep thinly slice your vegetables, cut your peaches, and shake up the dressing — simply toss everything together and you have a flavorful peach coleslaw ready to pair with all of your grilled mains. It’s truly one of the most simple recipes in your summer arsenal.
The bright, juicy flavors are seriously irresistible. This would be the perfect side dish to take to a summer BBQ and share with a crowd! It pairs beautifully with chicken whether it’s grilled, pulled, or tucked into tacos and the sweet-spicy combo plays off smoky proteins perfectly. Just be careful with the jalapeño, especially if you are serving this to kids!
Ingredients You Need
For the Slaw
- Red Cabbage: The main vegetable in this slaw is shredded cabbage — I love red for its color and slight pepperiness, but green cabbage works just as well. Or grab a bag of pre-made slaw mix for ease and speed.
- Sweet Mini Peppers: Thinly slice the sweet mini bell peppers into thin strips so they are easily incorporated into the slaw!
- Red Onion: I like to add a bit of red onion for a deeper flavor. If you are sensitive to onion, you can add shallots or chopped green onions instead.
- Peaches: The bright, juicy star of this dish! Use ripe summertime peaches for the best flavor. If you want to get ahead, a spoonful of peach jam also used in the dressing is a great way to double down on that peachy sweetness.
- Corn: I used fresh corn on the cob that I grilled for an added smoky flavor. If you don’t have corn on the cob, you can use frozen, thawed corn that has been toasted in the oven. However, freshly grilled corn has the best flavor!
- Jalapeño: For a bit of spice, add some sliced jalapeño.
- Cilantro: Freshly chopped cilantro brightens the flavors here!
For the Dressing
- Peach Jam: It’s one of the key ingredients that makes this dressing taste like summer in a jar.
- Dijon Mustard: Use a high quality dijon mustard for the best flavor!
- Red Wine Vinegar: To add a hint of tangy flavor.You can substitute apple cider vinegar for a slightly softer, fruitier tang that also pairs beautifully with the peaches.
- Olive Oil: To create a smooth, creamy dressing. Use a high quality extra virgin olive oil if possible.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste!
How to Make This Summer Slaw
- Prep the Veggies: In a large bowl, add all of the vegetables.
- Make the Dressing: In a small jar, add all of the ingredients for the dressing and shake well. Or, place in a small bowl and whisk well.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to combine! Enjoy!
Recipe Variations
- Cabbage: Since this is a slaw recipe, shredded cabbage is essential! Red cabbage is my first choice for color, but green works wonderfully. For the easiest version, grab a bag of pre-shredded slaw mix from the store — it’s one of my favorite shortcuts for keeping these simple recipes actually simple.
- Corn: Fresh grilled corn is ideal, but if you’re short on time, thawed frozen corn toasted under the broiler gets you surprisingly close in flavor.
- Peaches: My absolute favorite addition, but nectarines or mangoes make great swaps when peaches aren’t at peak season.
- Vinegar: Red wine vinegar gives a classic tang, but apple cider vinegar adds a slightly mellower, fruitier note that leans beautifully into the peaches.
- Protein: Turn this side into a meal by topping the slaw with grilled chicken — sliced, shredded, or even chopped crispy chicken thighs. It’s one of the best delicious recipes for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special.
Serving Suggestions
This spicy peach corn slaw is perfect for brightening up your favorite proteins or rounding out a spread of summer sides. It’s one of those delicious recipes that makes everything next to it taste better. Here are some favorites to pair with it:
- BBQ Pork Kabobs
- Tacos de Alambre
- Oven Baked BBQ Ribs
- Summer Corn Mac & Cheese
- Grilled Meatball Skewers
- Taco-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Frequently Asked Questions
I use a sharp chef’s knife to thinly slice a head of red cabbage into shredded cabbage strips — quarter the head first, then slice down each quarter for thin, even pieces. A mandoline slicer works great too if you want ultra-fine shreds. For the easiest approach, a bag of pre-made slaw mix means zero prep and you’re straight to assembling.
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days! This slaw keeps surprisingly well. The only portion of this slaw that can start to get soft and mushy are the peaches. I would eat this within 1-2 days for the best flavor!
Absolutely. Apple cider vinegar is a wonderful swap here — it has a slightly softer, fruitier acidity that complements the peaches and peach jam in the dressing beautifully. You can also add a small squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness in either version.
Grilled chicken is the top pairing the sweet peach dressing and spicy jalapeño play off smoky grilled chicken perfectly. It’s one of the most crowd-pleasing combos in this collection of delicious recipes. BBQ ribs, pork kabobs, and grilled fish all work wonderfully too.
More Summertime Recipes to Try
- Farfalle Italian Pasta Salad
- Summer Panzanella Berry Salad
- Zucchini White Bean Pesto Salad
- Strawberry Kale Salad
- Spicy Corn Chowder Salad
Spicy Peach Corn Summer Slaw
Video
Ingredients
For the Slaw
- 3 cups red cabbage
- 1 cup sweet mini peppers cut in strips
- 1/2 red onion sliced thinly
- 2 peaches sliced
- 2 fresh grilled ears of corn kernels removed
- 1 jalapeño sliced
- 3 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
For the Dressing
- 1 tbsp peach jam
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 6 tbsp olive oil
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add all of the vegetables.
- In a small jar, add all of the ingredients for the dressing and shake well.
- Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to combine!
Hi this salad looks do delicious I was wondering if you could use pickled jalapenos and or instead use fresh? Either way I’m sure it would be delicious with either or?!