Zesty Cilantro Lime Slaw

This cilantro lime slaw brings a bright, zesty twist to traditional coleslaw that pairs perfectly with tacos, grilled meats, or as a refreshing side dish on its own. The combination of fresh cabbage, aromatic cilantro, and tangy lime creates a perfect balance that will make your taste buds dance.

I first made this slaw for a summer barbecue and it disappeared faster than anything else on the table. Now it's my go to side dish whenever I need something quick that still impresses guests.

Ingredients

• Thinly sliced cabbage: the crisp foundation that holds up beautifully to the dressing
• Red onion: adds a pleasant bite and gorgeous color contrast
• Fresh cilantro: brings that distinctive herbal note that makes this slaw special
• Olive oil: creates the silky base for the dressing
• Lime juice: provides the tangy acidity that brightens everything
• Honey: balances the acidity with just a touch of sweetness
• Ground cumin: adds a warm earthy undertone
• Garlic powder: gives depth without overpowering the fresh ingredients
• Kosher salt: enhances all the flavors
• Fresh cracked pepper: adds subtle heat and complexity

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the vegetables:

Add the cabbage, red onion, and cilantro to a large bowl. Make sure your cabbage is sliced thinly for the best texture. The red onion should be diced small enough to distribute evenly throughout the slaw. For the cilantro, include both the leaves and tender stems for maximum flavor.

Mix the dressing:

In a measuring cup, combine olive oil, lime juice, honey, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the honey is fully incorporated and the dressing looks emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. The dressing should be vibrant with a nice balance of acidity and sweetness.

Combine and coat:

Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture in the large bowl. The dressing might seem like a lot at first, but the cabbage will absorb it as it sits.

Toss and serve:

Use tongs or two large spoons to thoroughly mix everything together, ensuring all the cabbage is evenly coated with dressing. The slaw can be served immediately, but the flavors develop beautifully if you can let it rest for 30 minutes before serving.

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This slaw reminds me of summers in California where I grew up eating fish tacos topped with something similar. The cilantro is truly the star here. I sometimes run my knife through it twice and then stop, leaving larger pieces that create little bursts of flavor with each bite.

Storage Tips

This slaw keeps remarkably well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. The flavors actually continue to develop over time, with the second day often tasting even better than the first. If you plan to store it longer than a day, you might want to hold back a bit of the dressing and refresh it with an extra drizzle before serving.

Perfect Pairings

This vibrant slaw is exceptionally versatile and elevates countless dishes. Serve it alongside grilled fish or chicken for a light dinner. Pile it high on fish tacos or pulled pork sandwiches for added crunch and brightness. For a more substantial meal, top it with grilled shrimp or use it as a base for a taco bowl with black beans, avocado, and your favorite protein. The cooling crunch and zesty flavor make it the perfect counterpoint to spicy dishes.

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Customization Options

While this recipe is perfect as written, it's also incredibly adaptable to your preferences or what you have on hand. Try adding thinly sliced jalapeños for heat, shredded carrots for additional color and sweetness, or diced mango for a tropical twist. For a creamier version, add a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the dressing. You can also substitute the red onion with green onions for a milder flavor, or swap half the cabbage for thinly sliced kale to add nutritional variety.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long does cilantro lime slaw stay fresh in the refrigerator?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this slaw stays fresh for 2-3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely after a few hours of chilling. For best texture, add the dressing just before serving if you're making it more than a day ahead.

→ Can I make substitutions for the cabbage in this slaw?

Absolutely! While thinly sliced green cabbage works wonderfully, you can use a mix of green and purple cabbage for color, or substitute with broccoli slaw, kohlrabi, or even thinly sliced kale. Each alternative will provide a slightly different texture and flavor profile.

→ What main dishes pair well with cilantro lime slaw?

This vibrant slaw pairs beautifully with tacos, grilled fish, pulled pork, burgers, or grilled chicken. The bright, tangy flavors complement rich, savory dishes particularly well, and it makes an excellent topping for fish tacos or pulled pork sandwiches.

→ Is there a substitute for cilantro for those who don't enjoy it?

Yes, you can substitute fresh parsley, mint, or a combination of both for the cilantro. These herbs will provide a different but equally refreshing flavor profile. Flat-leaf parsley is particularly good as it has a clean, bright taste without the soapy notes some people detect in cilantro.

→ Can I make this slaw dairy-free or vegan?

This slaw is naturally dairy-free and can easily be made vegan by substituting the honey with agave nectar or maple syrup. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based, making this a versatile side dish for various dietary needs.

→ What can I add to this slaw for extra flavor or texture?

For added texture and flavor, consider mixing in sliced jalapeños for heat, toasted pepitas or sunflower seeds for crunch, diced mango or pineapple for sweetness, or avocado for creaminess. Each addition will complement the bright lime and cilantro flavors while creating a more substantial dish.