What exactly is pepper sauce and where can I find it?

Pepper sauce is typically made of small hot peppers preserved in vinegar. You can find it in most grocery stores near the hot sauces or in the condiment aisle. Brands like Trappey's, Texas Pete, or Crystal make good versions. If you can't find it, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of white vinegar mixed with a few dashes of hot sauce.

Can I make this coleslaw without mayonnaise?

Absolutely! For a mayo-free version, substitute Greek yogurt for a tangy alternative, or use a vinaigrette-style dressing with olive oil and additional vinegar or lemon juice. The flavor profile will change, but it will still be delicious.

My coleslaw is too watery. What went wrong?

This usually happens when the vegetables release too much moisture. Make sure to seed your tomatoes well, and if using homemade shredded cabbage instead of packaged mix, you might want to salt it and let it drain for 30 minutes before mixing with other ingredients.

How spicy is this coleslaw?

With just 1 tablespoon of pepper sauce, it has a mild, pleasant tang rather than actual heat. At 3 tablespoons, you'll definitely notice some warmth. The beauty of this recipe is that you can easily adjust it to your preference, starting with less and adding more to taste.

Aunt Mary's Pepper Sauce Coleslaw Recipe

This vibrant Aunt Mary’s Pepper Sauce Coleslaw brings a fresh twist to a classic side dish with its perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors. Ready in just minutes with no cooking required, it’s an ideal make-ahead side dish that actually improves as it sits in the refrigerator, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners, weekend barbecues, or potluck gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: Takes just 20 minutes to throw together with pre-shredded coleslaw mix doing most of the heavy lifting for you.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This coleslaw actually gets better as it sits, making it perfect for meal prep or preparing before guests arrive.
Customizable Heat: You control the spice level by adjusting the amount of pepper sauce, making it perfect for everyone from spice-avoiders to heat-seekers.
Colorful Presentation: The tri-color slaw mix and bright tomatoes create a vibrant dish that looks as good as it tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Tri-color coleslaw mix: The convenience hero of this recipe – provides the perfect blend of crunchy vegetables without all the chopping. The mix of colors creates a beautiful presentation.
Sweet onion: Adds a mild, pleasant bite that mellows as it sits in the dressing. Slice it paper-thin to integrate perfectly with the cabbage.
Tomato: Brings unexpected freshness and juicy pops of flavor that complement the crunchy cabbage beautifully. Make sure to seed it to prevent excess moisture.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the dressing that coats every shred of cabbage perfectly. Duke’s is recommended for its tangy flavor, but use your favorite brand.
Vinegar-based pepper sauce: The star ingredient that sets this coleslaw apart! Provides tangy heat without overwhelming spiciness. Trappey’s is suggested, but any peppers in vinegar sauce works well.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors. Don’t skimp here – proper seasoning makes all the difference.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein-Packed Version

Add shredded rotisserie chicken or diced ham to transform this side dish into a complete meal.

Southwestern Twist

Mix in a can of drained black beans, some fresh corn kernels, and a sprinkle of cumin for a Tex-Mex inspired slaw.

Extra Crunchy

Toss in some toasted sunflower seeds, slivered almonds, or crushed ramen noodles just before serving for added texture.

Sweeter Profile

Add a tablespoon of honey or sugar to the dressing if you prefer a slightly sweeter coleslaw to balance the tang.

How to Make Aunt Mary’s Pepper Sauce Coleslaw

Step 1: Combine the Vegetables

In a large bowl, toss together the tri-color coleslaw mix, thinly sliced sweet onion, and finely diced tomato until evenly distributed.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and pepper sauce until smooth and well combined. Start with just 1 tablespoon of pepper sauce, then taste and add more depending on your heat preference. Mix in the salt and black pepper until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Dress the Coleslaw

Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss thoroughly until every piece is coated. Don’t worry if it seems a bit dry at first – that’s actually perfect!

Step 4: Let It Rest

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 20-30 minutes. During this time, the cabbage will release some moisture that will blend with the dressing, creating the perfect consistency and allowing flavors to develop.

Step 5: Final Adjustments

Before serving, give the coleslaw another good stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding a bit more mayo or pepper sauce according to your preference.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Drain the Tomatoes: After dicing the tomato, let it sit on a paper towel for a few minutes to remove excess moisture, preventing a watery slaw.
Slicing the Onion: Use a mandoline if you have one to get paper-thin onion slices that integrate perfectly into the slaw.
Patience Pays Off: This coleslaw actually tastes better after sitting for a while, so don’t rush to serve it immediately.
Taste as You Go: Start with less pepper sauce and add more gradually. You can always increase the heat, but you can’t take it away once added.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This coleslaw is the ideal companion to smoky barbecued meats, especially pulled pork, ribs, or brisket. The tangy crunch cuts through rich, fatty meats beautifully.

Sandwich Topper

Pile this slaw onto pulled pork or fried chicken sandwiches for the perfect textural contrast and flavor boost.

Alongside Summer Classics

Serve with grilled burgers, hot dogs, or fried fish for a refreshing counterpoint to savory main dishes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

This coleslaw can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. In fact, making it ahead allows the flavors to meld even better. Just hold back a small portion of the dressing to refresh it before serving if needed.

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture will soften slightly each day but will remain delicious.

Refreshing Leftover Coleslaw

If the coleslaw seems to have released too much liquid after storage, simply drain some of the excess and add a fresh tablespoon of mayonnaise to revive the creamy texture.

FAQs

What exactly is pepper sauce and where can I find it?

Pepper sauce is typically made of small hot peppers preserved in vinegar. You can find it in most grocery stores near the hot sauces or in the condiment aisle. Brands like Trappey’s, Texas Pete, or Crystal make good versions. If you can’t find it, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of white vinegar mixed with a few dashes of hot sauce.
Can I make this coleslaw without mayonnaise?

Absolutely! For a mayo-free version, substitute Greek yogurt for a tangy alternative, or use a vinaigrette-style dressing with olive oil and additional vinegar or lemon juice. The flavor profile will change, but it will still be delicious.
My coleslaw is too watery. What went wrong?

This usually happens when the vegetables release too much moisture. Make sure to seed your tomatoes well, and if using homemade shredded cabbage instead of packaged mix, you might want to salt it and let it drain for 30 minutes before mixing with other ingredients.
How spicy is this coleslaw?

With just 1 tablespoon of pepper sauce, it has a mild, pleasant tang rather than actual heat. At 3 tablespoons, you’ll definitely notice some warmth. The beauty of this recipe is that you can easily adjust it to your preference, starting with less and adding more to taste.

Final Thoughts

Aunt Mary clearly knew what she was doing with this pepper sauce coleslaw! I’ve served this at countless summer gatherings, and it’s always one of the first dishes to disappear. The beautiful thing about this recipe is how it transforms humble cabbage into something truly special with just a few simple ingredients. The pepper sauce is the secret weapon here, adding a dimension of flavor you simply don’t get with ordinary coleslaw. Give it a try at your next barbecue or family dinner – I promise it’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation!