Cilantro Lime Slaw
This cilantro lime slaw is crunchy, tangy, and ready in 15 minutes. It’s perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, or grilled fish, or an easy side dish for any meal.
There’s something about a creamy slaw that’s irresistible, and I couldn’t stop shoveling in bites of this one. Try my Cilantro Lime Slaw! Cabbage with a creamy dressing, fresh cilantro, and a pop of lime is truly a taste treat.
The flavor is creamy, savory and great as a side dish for chicken thighs, grilled fish, or meatless mains. Or, you can throw it into a tortilla as a taco filling, and eat the rest on the side!
5 Star Reader Review
“I just made this to go with grilled tuna tacos. It was great! I used a 10 oz bag of Nature’s Promise vegetable slaw and adjusted other amounts for the smaller amount of cabbage. Will definitely make this again!” -Jeff
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need:
- Coleslaw mix: There’s a bit of a shortcut in this cilantro lime slaw: a bag of coleslaw mix! Here’s the thing: when it comes to coleslaw, slicing cabbage always makes a bit of a mess. A bag of coleslaw is nearly as fresh, and saves a load of time!
- Red cabbage: For this recipe, I added in some additional red cabbage because we wanted a colorful look, and most coleslaw bags don’t have much red cabbage. You can omit the red cabbage if you prefer: it will still taste great!
- Mayonnaise and Greek yogurt: This is my classic combination for a healthier dressing: mayo adds flavor and body and yogurt keeps things lighter.
- Fresh cilantro: This is the star! See my guide on how to cut cilantro.
- Lime juice: Fresh juice is a must here; avoid using bottled.
- Maple syrup: This rounds out the flavors with a hint of sweet; you can also use sugar or honey.
- Chili powder: My secret spice for an intriguing flavor.
Mayo Plus Greek Yogurt: My Creamy Dressing Secret
When it comes to creamy dressings and dips, we’ve discovered a secret: Greek yogurt plus mayonnaise. Traditionally mayo-based foods can be rather rich, so here’s a trick: cut the mayo with a little Greek yogurt! It lightens up the calories and flavor, keeping it creamy and adding a little tang. We use this trick often, like with our Creamy Caesar Dressing or Spinach Artichoke Dip.
This cilantro lime slaw also features mayonnaise and Greek yogurt in the coleslaw dressing! If you prefer dairy-free recipes, simply use an equal part mayonnaise for the yogurt. It tastes great and has an even richer flavor.
Using Cabbage Instead Of Coleslaw Mix
Want to use cabbage instead of coleslaw mix in this cilantro lime slaw? You can do that too! Here’s what’s in a 14 to 16 ounce bag of coleslaw mix:
- Use 6 to 7 cups shredded green cabbage
- Add 1 cup shredded carrots
Swaps & Variations
You can add different flavors to your liking here; here are a few that could work well:
- Add heat: Stir in a minced jalapeño (remove the seeds and ribs for mild, or include them for very spicy!).
- Add green onion: Add 1 to 2 thinly sliced green onions.
- Make a “no may” version: Use my cilantro lime vinaigrette for the dressing instead.
- Add crunch: Add a handful of toasted pepitas (they do become soggy over time, so add right before serving).
Serving Ideas: Tacos, Bowls & Beyond
This cilantro lime slaw is the ideal side dish for any protein or main: and it’s great for picnics and barbecues. Here are a few of my favorite ideas:
- Side for fish, like grilled salmon, grilled halibut or seared salmon
- Side for shrimp, like Old Bay steamed shrimp or perfect sauteed shrimp
- Taco filling, like in tuna tacos, chickpea tacos, black bean tacos, salmon tacos or fish tacos
- At a picnic, with Mexican street corn pasta salad and other picnic food ideas
- Side for a barbecue or pitch in alongside grilled chicken thighs
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Store leftover slaw refrigerated for up to 4 days. I like it best the day it’s made, but it lasts longer: taste and add a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lime if the flavors dull over time. You can also drain extra liquid.
To make ahead for a party, chop the veggies and whisk the dressing 1 day in advance and store separately. Then toss it together before serving (or up to 1 hour before).
Dietary Notes
This cilantro lime slaw recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free. For vegan, plant-based and dairy-free, use vegan mayo and omit the Greek yogurt.
Cilantro Lime Slaw
This cilantro lime slaw is crunchy, tangy, and ready in 15 minutes. It’s perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, or grilled fish, or an easy side dish for any meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 14 to 16 ounce bag coleslaw mix (7 to 8 cups)
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage*
- ¾ cup chopped cilantro, plus more for serving
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt**
- 4 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- Shred the red cabbage and chop the cilantro. Place it in a large bowl with the coleslaw mix.
- Mix in the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, maple syrup, chili powder, kosher salt, and fresh ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Notes
*Or omit the red cabbage, if you’re feeling lazy! It still comes out great. If you prefer not using coleslaw mix, you can use 6 to 7 cups shredded green cabbage and 1 cup shredded carrots.
**For dairy free or for a richer overall flavor, use ½ cup mayo and omit the Greek yogurt.
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