Southwestern Brussels Sprout Coleslaw
When I think of refreshing sides that steal the show, my mind instantly goes to Southwestern Brussels Sprout Coleslaw. There’s something incredibly satisfying about the crunch of Brussels sprouts paired with a medley of vibrant ingredients, creating a deliciously unique experience. This dish often finds its way onto our table during sunny spring days, where the warmth invites fresh flavors. I remember the first time I made this coleslaw; I wanted to impress my friends at a backyard barbecue. The combination of textures and tastes captivated everyone, and I was thrilled to share it with them. It’s not just a salad; it’s a vibrant celebration of flavors that embodies the essence of spring. We all have those moments when we crave something light yet satisfying, and this Southwestern Brussels Sprout Coleslaw fits that need perfectly. The zing from lime juice and the sweetness of avocado take this dish to a whole new level, making it a staple at gatherings and picnics. I love how easy it is to whip up—perfect for those days when you’re pressed for time but want to serve something truly special.
Recipe Snapshot
15 mins
15 mins
0 mins
Easy
150 kcal
4 g
Keto, Paleo, Whole30
7 g
Chef’s Knife, Cutting Board, Mixing Bowl
Why This Southwestern Brussels Sprout Coleslaw Is So Good
It’s All About the Crunch
One of the main reasons I adore this Southwestern Brussels Sprout Coleslaw is the satisfying crunch that comes with every bite. The shredded Brussels sprouts, combined with kale and corn, create a delightful medley of textures that keep things interesting. Nobody wants a soggy salad, and this coleslaw stays crisp even after sitting for a bit.
Vibrant Flavors
The taste profile is incredible. The combination of fresh jalapeños for a kick and sweet avocado for creaminess turns this dish into something special. Everyone loves a salad that tantalizes the taste buds, and this one certainly delivers. It’s like a fiesta in a bowl!
Perfect for Spring
Since it’s a spring recipe, it feels so appropriate for the season. As the flowers bloom and the weather warms up, this Southwestern Brussels Sprout Coleslaw fits right in with the fresh produce available. It’s a dish that celebrates the season and invites everyone to gather around the table.
Easy to Make Ahead
Another reason this coleslaw stands out is how easy it is to prepare ahead of time. Simply whip it up a few hours before your gathering, and it’ll be ready to impress without any last-minute stress. Just remember to let it chill for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld beautifully.
Versatile and Adaptable
This Southwestern Brussels Sprout Coleslaw is versatile too! Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on what you have available or your personal taste. Want to add more spice? Toss in some extra jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Want it creamier? Add more avocado!
Ingredients to Make Southwestern Brussels Sprout Coleslaw

Bringing together the right ingredients is key to making an unforgettable dish. Each component in this Southwestern Brussels Sprout Coleslaw plays a unique role, contributing to its delightful flavor and texture. The fresh, crunchy Brussels sprouts provide the base, while the kale adds a nutrition boost and earthy flavor. Sweet corn and avocado create a creamy contrast, balanced by zesty lime juice. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups Brussels sprouts, shaved or finely chopped
- 1 cup kale, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup corn kernels, charred
- 3 tablespoons red onion, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon jalapeño, minced
- 1/4 cup tomatoes, diced small
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 cup avocado, mashed
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
The Method for Southwestern Brussels Sprout Coleslaw

Making the Southwestern Brussels Sprout Coleslaw is as simple as it is delicious. You’ll find that the process allows the fresh flavors to shine through beautifully. Let’s dive into the steps:
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. The freshness of the Brussels sprouts and kale is crucial, so make sure they’re vibrant and crisp. Shave the Brussels sprouts into thin slices to ensure they’re tender and easy to eat. I love using a sharp knife for this, but a food processor works wonders too!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shaved Brussels sprouts, chopped kale, corn, finely minced red onion, diced tomatoes, and minced jalapeño. Lightly toss these ingredients together to mix them well, ensuring every piece gets to know its neighbors.
- Now, let’s create the sauce. In a smaller mixing bowl, combine the mashed avocado, lime juice, honey, kosher salt, ground cumin, and chili powder. Stir everything together until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. This sauce is the magic that binds the coleslaw together!
- Once the sauce is ready, pour it over the veggie mixture in the large bowl. Use a spatula to gently fold the sauce into the Brussels sprouts and other ingredients. Make sure everything gets coated well. You want every bite to be bursting with flavor.
- After mixing, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a more cohesive dish. Plus, the cold temperature enhances the crunch!
- When you’re ready to serve, give the coleslaw another gentle toss. If you feel it needs a little more zing, squeeze in some extra lime juice or sprinkle more kosher salt to taste. Presentation is key, so serve it in a nice bowl.
- As you serve, don’t forget to admire the colorful combination of the ingredients. The vibrant greens, yellows, and reds look beautiful together, making this dish not only delicious but visually appealing.
- This Southwestern Brussels Sprout Coleslaw is perfect to accompany grilled meats or as a standalone vegetarian dish. Either way, you’ll find it’s a crowd favorite!
- Enjoy your meal and the compliments that come your way!
Things Worth Knowing
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh and vibrant produce for the best flavor and texture in your coleslaw.
- Chill Time: Allowing the coleslaw to chill for at least 30 minutes enhances the melding of flavors.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust ingredients based on personal preference or what’s in season.
- Serving Suggestions: This coleslaw pairs beautifully with grilled dishes, tacos, or as a light main dish.
Recipe Notes about Southwestern Brussels Sprout Coleslaw

This Southwestern Brussels Sprout Coleslaw is not only tasty but also comes with a few helpful notes to ensure your success:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The coleslaw may soften over time, but it will still taste great.
- Freezing: Freezing this coleslaw is not recommended due to the texture changes that occur with the vegetables.
- Pairing: Serve this coleslaw alongside grilled chicken, fish tacos, or as a topping for sandwiches.
- Variations: Feel free to add nuts or seeds for an extra crunch or swap the tomatoes for roasted ones.
- Flavor Boost: For a spicy kick, consider adding more jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce.
Great Combinations for Southwestern Brussels Sprout Coleslaw
When it comes to serving the Southwestern Brussels Sprout Coleslaw, the options are as varied as the flavors. Here are some fantastic ideas:
- Grilled Chicken: This coleslaw makes a perfect side for grilled chicken, highlighting the smokiness with its fresh crunch.
- Tacos: Use it as a vibrant topping for fish or chicken tacos. The crunch complements the soft tortillas beautifully.
- Picnics: It’s an ideal dish to take along to picnics or potlucks, as it’s easy to transport and serves a crowd.
- Barbecues: Pair this coleslaw with other barbecue favorites like ribs or burgers for a complete meal.
- Light Lunch: Serve it as a light lunch option, perhaps with some grilled shrimp or avocado toast.
- Spring Gatherings: This coleslaw is great for springtime gatherings or Easter brunches, bringing a pop of color to your table.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, make sure to store them in an airtight container and consume them within three days for the best quality.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Southwestern Brussels Sprout Coleslaw is a vibrant and refreshing dish that captures the essence of spring with its crunchy vegetables and zesty dressing. I encourage you to try this recipe for your next gathering or meal. It’s not just delicious; it’s also a beautiful centerpiece that brings color and flavor to your table. Enjoy the compliments that are sure to come your way!

Southwestern Brussels Sprout Coleslaw
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Brussels sprouts, kale, corn, onion, jalapeño, and tomatoes. Lightly toss.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the remaining ingredients to make a sauce. Add to the Brussels sprouts mixture and toss until everything is coated in the avocado sauce.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!


