Go Back
To make a bright and tasty cilantro lime slaw, you need fresh ingredients. Here is what you will need: - 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded - 1 cup purple cabbage, finely shredded - 1 cup carrots, grated - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 2 limes) - 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup (for a vegan option) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and black pepper, to taste - Optional topping: 1 ripe avocado, diced Each ingredient brings unique flavors and textures to the dish. The green and purple cabbage provide crunch and color. Carrots add a hint of sweetness, while fresh cilantro gives a bright taste. Lime juice adds zest, and honey or agave makes it slightly sweet. Olive oil helps blend all these flavors together. Salt and black pepper enhance the overall taste. Adding avocado as a topping makes it creamy and rich. When you gather these ingredients, you set the stage for a fresh and flavorful side dish that will brighten any meal. Start by shredding the green and purple cabbage. You can use a sharp knife or a box grater. Aim for thin shreds, as they mix well. Next, grate the carrots. This step adds sweetness and crunch. After that, chop the fresh cilantro and slice the red onion. The cilantro adds a bright flavor, while the onion gives a nice bite. Grab a bowl to make the dressing. Whisk together the freshly squeezed lime juice and your choice of sweetener. I often use honey, but agave syrup works too for a vegan option. Mix in the olive oil, then season with salt and black pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and frothy. This dressing ties all the flavors together. Now, it’s time to mix everything! Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss well. Make sure each piece is coated with the dressing. Taste it and adjust the flavors. You might want more salt or a splash of lime juice. For the best taste, let the slaw rest for at least 15 minutes. This waiting time helps all the flavors blend perfectly. If using avocado, fold it in gently just before serving. This keeps it creamy and fresh. To get the most flavor from your cilantro lime slaw, let it rest. Give it at least 15 minutes. This time allows the flavors to mix. The cabbage and carrots soak up the dressing. You'll taste the lime and honey better. Balancing flavors is key. After mixing your slaw, taste it. If it’s too tangy, add a bit more honey. If it needs more zing, add lime juice. Use salt and black pepper to enhance the taste. Adjust these to get the perfect bite. Serve your slaw in a bright, large bowl. The colors of the green and purple cabbage pop. It makes the dish look fresh and fun. For extra flair, add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top. Lime wedges on the side add a zesty touch. They invite guests to squeeze more lime over their servings. This small step can boost the taste even more. It's all about making your dish look as good as it tastes! {{image_4}} You can make this slaw heartier by adding proteins. Grilled chicken or shrimp work great. For chicken, slice it thin and mix it in. For shrimp, cook them until pink, then toss them in. Both options add flavor and make the dish more filling. Feel free to mix in other veggies for extra crunch and color. Bell peppers add sweetness and a nice crunch. Radishes bring a peppery bite that contrasts well with the slaw. Try adding one or both to brighten your dish. If you want to keep it plant-based, it's easy to swap out some ingredients. Use agave syrup instead of honey for sweetness. You can also add chickpeas or black beans for protein. Both options make the slaw filling and tasty without meat. To keep your cilantro lime slaw fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to prevent moisture loss. If you have avocado mixed in, add it just before serving. This keeps it from browning. Cilantro lime slaw lasts about 3 days in the fridge. The flavors improve as it sits, but it may lose crunch. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating leftovers. Cilantro lime slaw pairs well with many dishes. Here are some common pairings: - Tacos, especially fish or chicken - Grilled meats, like chicken or steak - Barbecue dishes, such as pulled pork - Sandwiches, particularly those with rich flavors - Burrito bowls, adding freshness to the meal This slaw adds a zesty crunch and bright flavor to your plate. Yes, you can make this slaw ahead of time. Here are some tips for pre-preparation: - Prepare the slaw and dressing separately. - Store the slaw in an airtight container in the fridge. - Mix the dressing just before serving. - This keeps the veggies crisp and fresh. - Allowing it to rest for a bit enhances the flavors. You can make it up to a day in advance for best results. You can easily adjust the spice level of your slaw. Here are some suggestions: - Add diced jalapeños for a fresh kick. - Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for heat. - Mix in a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor. - Use a spicy dressing instead of the lime dressing. These options let you customize the heat to suit your taste. This blog post covered ingredients, preparation, and tips for making cilantro lime slaw. You learned how to choose and prepare fresh veggies, create a tasty dressing, and mix everything well. I shared ideas for variations, adding protein, and storage methods. Use this slaw as a side dish or a light meal. Feel free to play with flavors and textures. Explore new combinations and enjoy this refreshing dish your way. Now, it’s time to make your slaw! Enjoy each crunchy bite.

Cilantro Lime Slaw

Brighten up your meals with this delicious Crispy Cilantro Lime Slaw! This vibrant recipe combines shredded green and purple cabbage, carrots, and fresh cilantro, all tossed in a zesty lime dressing. Perfect as a side or topping, it's both refreshing and easy to make. Ready in just 30 minutes, this slaw is a must-try for your next gathering. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dishes today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded

1 cup purple cabbage, finely shredded

1 cup carrots, grated

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (approximately from 2 limes)

2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup (for a vegan option)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 ripe avocado, diced (optional topping)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, grated carrots, chopped cilantro, and thinly sliced red onion. Gently toss the mixture to ensure an even distribution of colors and textures.

    In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lime juice, honey (or agave syrup), olive oil, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix until the dressing is well blended and slightly frothy.

      Drizzle the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss everything thoroughly until each ingredient is well coated with the dressing.

        Taste the slaw and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or a splash of lime juice according to your preference.

          For the best flavor, allow the slaw to rest for at least 15 minutes before serving, enabling the ingredients to meld together beautifully. If you choose to include avocado, gently fold it into the slaw just before serving to maintain its creamy texture.

            Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6

              - Presentation Tips: Serve the slaw in a vibrant large bowl, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty touch.