March 29, 2024

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Cilantro Lime Slaw – A Couple Cooks

Cilantro Lime Slaw

This cilantro lime slaw is fresh and zingy, with just the right pop from the citrus! It’s great as a side dish or taco filling.

Cilantro Lime Slaw

There’s something about a creamy slaw that’s irresistible, and we couldn’t stop shoveling in bites of this one. Try this Cilantro Lime Slaw! Cabbage in a creamy dressing is one thing. But add the bite of fresh cilantro and a pop of lime, and it’s next level! The flavor is creamy, savory and ideal as a side dish for chicken, fish or veggie mains. Or, throw it into a tortilla as a taco filling, and eat the rest on the side. Here’s how to make this irresistible recipe (we’re already getting hungry).

Ingredients in cilantro lime slaw

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! For this recipe, we 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! Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Coleslaw mix
  • Red cabbage
  • Cilantro
  • Mayonnaise
  • Greek yogurt
  • Lime juice
  • Maple syrup
  • Chili powder
  • Salt and pepper
Cilantro Lime Slaw

A winning combo: mayo plus Greek yogurt

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.

Cabbage vs 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
Cilantro Lime Slaw

Serving cilantro lime slaw

This cilantro lime slaw is the ideal side dish for any protein or main: and it’s great for picnics and barbecues. Or, throw it in tacos! Here are a few ideas:

More coleslaw recipes

We can’t get enough of coleslaw (not sure why, but the savory sweet ticks all our boxes!). Here are a few more tasty coleslaw recipes:

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.

Print

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Description

This cilantro lime slaw is fresh and zingy, with just the right pop from the citrus! It’s great as a side dish or taco filling.


  • 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


  1. Shred the red cabbage and chop the cilantro. Place it in a large bowl with the coleslaw mix.
  2. 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.

  • Category: Side dish
  • Method: No Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Keywords: Cilantro lime slaw