Cilantro Lime Slaw

This zesty Cilantro Lime Coleslaw makes the perfect crunchy topping or delicious side dish.

We combine cabbage, carrots, and zucchini with a tangy lime vinaigrette and plenty of cilantro to create a flavorful slaw.

In just ten minutes, we have a refreshing addition to our Slow Cooker Chicken Sliders, Smash Burgers, tacos, and more.

Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe Highlights

• Only Ten Minutes to Prepare
• No Cooking Required – Just Prep and Mix!
• Packed with Crunchy Veggies
• Makes a Delicious Topping or Light Side Dish
• Great Way to Use Up Extra Cabbage

VEGGIES – Our mix of red cabbage, carrot, zucchini, and cilantro makes a colorful and crunchy base for the slaw. Red cabbage gives it a bright color and a nice crunch. Carrots add a bit of sweetness, zucchini adds a mild flavor and extra crunch, and cilantro adds a fresh taste. To make the preparation easier, use a mandoline or food processor to slice the cabbage and shred the carrots and zucchini. If you prefer, you can also use green cabbage instead of red cabbage.

DRESSING – Our dressing uses apple cider vinegar, honey, and lime juice. The apple cider vinegar gives a tangy kick that balances the honey’s natural sweetness. Lime juice adds a zesty citrus flavor that brightens up the slaw.

1. Slice cabbage. Place in a medium bowl.
2. Chop cilantro and add to cabbage.
3. Grate carrots and zucchini, then add to cabbage and cilantro mix.
4. Whisk together vinegar, honey, and lime juice.
5. Pour dressing over slaw and toss to coat evenly.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

Serving Suggestions

TACO TOPPING – This zesty slaw is the perfect addition to tacos. Just pile it high on top of your ground beef, chicken, or fish tacos.

SANDWICH TOPPING – Skip the basic lettuce and tomato; this cilantro lime slaw instantly elevates cheeseburgers, veggie burgers, and pulled pork sandwiches.

BBQ – Coleslaw is a classic BBQ companion, and this recipe fits right in. Serve it alongside BBQ meats, baked beans, corn on the cob, and other smoky favorites.

COOL DOWN CHILI – When you want to tame the heat from a spicy chili or stew, a refreshing bite of this slaw does the trick.

BURRITO BOWLS – Upgrade your burrito bowls by adding a serving of this delicious sweet and tangy slaw. 

Planning and Leftovers

MAKE AHEAD – This slaw is a great make-ahead dish! You can prep all the veggies and make the dressing a day or two in advance. Store the shredded cabbage, carrots, zucchini, and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, toss everything together in a big bowl.

STORE – Once the coleslaw is fully tossed with the dressing, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and crunchy for up to 3 days. Just give it a stir before serving in case any dressing settles on the bottom.

EXPERT TIP – If you know you’ll be keeping the Cilantro Lime Coleslaw in the fridge for a few days, I recommend that you add the cilantro just before serving. If you do that, you can keep the slaw in the fridge for up to 5 days.

FREEZE – I don’t recommend freezing the slaw.

Recipe Success Tips

USE FRESH VEGGIES – Use the freshest, crispest cabbage, carrots, and zucchini you can find for maximum crunch factor. Limp veggies make for a sad slaw.

MARINATE – Let the dressed slaw sit for 15-30 minutes before serving so the flavors can really meld and the veggies can lightly pickle.

DON’T OVERDRESS – Toss the slaw with just enough dressing to lightly coat. It’s easy to overdress which makes it soggy. You can always add more later.

KEEP IT CHILLED – This slaw tastes best when all of the ingredients are perfectly chilled through to enhance the crispness.

ADD MORE CRUNCH – Toss in some slivered almonds or toasted pumpkin seeds for an extra nutty crunch.

SPICE IT UP – For a spicy kick, finely dice jalapeños into the slaw or add a dash of chipotle powder or cayenne pepper.

More Easy and Delicious Salad Recipes

CREAMY CUCUMBER SALAD

WATERMELON AND ORANGE SALAD

EGG SALAD

BIG MAC SALAD

TUNA PASTA SALAD

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