Cilantro Lime Slaw

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cilantro Lime Slaw is a fresh, zesty side dish that brings brightness and crunch to any meal. Made with crisp cabbage, vibrant cilantro, and a tangy lime dressing, it’s the perfect topping for tacos, sandwiches, or as a refreshing salad on its own. Its bold flavors and easy preparation make it a go-to for summer cookouts and weeknight dinners alike.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

green cabbage
purple cabbage
fresh cilantro
carrots
lime juice
lime zest
mayonnaise
olive oil
honey
apple cider vinegar
garlic (minced)
salt
black pepper

directions

Thinly slice both the green and purple cabbage and place in a large mixing bowl.

Shred or julienne the carrots and add them to the bowl.

Chop the cilantro and mix it in with the cabbage and carrots.

In a separate bowl, whisk together lime juice, lime zest, mayonnaise, olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients.

Let the slaw sit in the refrigerator for at least 15–20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 as a side dish.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: 30–35 minutes

Variations

Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version.
Include sliced green onions or red onions for extra sharpness.
Toss in some diced mango or pineapple for a sweet tropical twist.
Try napa or savoy cabbage for a softer texture.

storage/reheating

Store Cilantro Lime Slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Do not freeze, as the texture will suffer once thawed.

FAQs

Can I make this slaw ahead of time?
Yes, it’s even better after a few hours in the fridge, making it great for prepping ahead.

Is it spicy?
Not by default, but you can easily add heat with jalapeños or hot sauce.

Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
Absolutely, it’s a convenient time-saver.

What can I serve this with?
Tacos, pulled pork sandwiches, grilled chicken, or as a BBQ side.

Is it vegan?
As written, no, but you can make it vegan by using a plant-based mayo and maple syrup instead of honey.

Can I skip the mayo?
Yes, use just olive oil and vinegar for a vinaigrette-style slaw.

What’s the best lime to use?
Fresh limes are best for both juice and zest—avoid bottled juice if possible.

Does this recipe work with red cabbage only?
Yes, but combining both red and green gives a better texture and visual appeal.

Can I add avocado?
Yes, but add it just before serving to prevent browning.

Will the slaw get soggy?
After a couple of days it may lose crunch, so it’s best consumed fresh.

Conclusion

Cilantro Lime Slaw is a vibrant, flavorful dish that adds a refreshing crunch to any meal. Easy to whip up and endlessly customizable, it’s a must-have for taco nights, BBQs, and potlucks. With its tangy lime dressing and herby kick from cilantro, this slaw is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

Print Print