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    Home » Recipes » Salads

    Published: Jul 24, 2022 by Kelly Bloom · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    Cilantro Lime Coleslaw

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    bowl of coleslaw with limes and green onions nearby..

    Cilantro lime coleslaw is the perfect side to serve with grilled steak, barbecue chicken, or Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos. The combination of cilantro and lime gives this slaw a bright, zesty flavor.

    Pile some on our Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders, along side Cuban Chicken Soup, or serve as a salad with a Smoked Brisket Flat. It's super easy to make and sure to be a hit at your next barbecue!

    bowl of coleslaw with limes and green onions nearby.

    Why You Will Love This Recipe

    Cilantro lime coleslaw is a refreshing and easy summer side dish. You only a few simple ingredients, and it takes less than 10 minutes to make. This coleslaw can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to serve.

    Jump to:
    • Why You Will Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make Cilantro Lime Coleslaw
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Tips for Success
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Food Safety
    • Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love
    • Connect with Smells Like Delish!
    • 📖 Recipe

    Ingredients

    You can make this completely by scratch and shred your green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots, or you can do like I usually do and buy the bag already shredded. This coleslaw will be wonderful either way!

    bowls of coleslaw ingredients.

    • Shredded cabbage - either use a food processor or mandolin and shred your own cabbage blend, or purchase a bag of fresh shredded cabbage coleslaw blend.
    • Mayonnaise - don't use Miracle Whip or "salad dressing". Real mayonnaise is key.
    • Cilantro - fresh chopped.
    • Lime juice and Lime zest - grate the lime before slicing and juicing it. Save the left over zest in your freezer for another recipe, like our No Bake Key Lime Pie!
    • Honey
    • Rice Vinegar - rice vinegar has a less acidic edge. You can use apple cider vinegar if you don't have rice vinegar.
    • Garlic powder - usually I prefer fresh garlic. In this dressing though, garlic powder dissolves and doesn't leave bits of garlic in the dressing. This is a perfect use for garlic powder.
    • Salt
    • Green Onions - fresh scallions, sliced thinly will work perfectly.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    How to Make Cilantro Lime Coleslaw

    This tutorial will guide you step by step in making this easy, homemade coleslaw recipe.

    Step 1. Mix up the dressing

    Roll the lime on the counter using some pressure to soften it. It will let it release more lime juice. Zest the lime first, as zesting two wet halves will result in knuckle scrapes! After zesting the lime, slice it in half and juice it.

    bowl with chopped vegetables with mayonnaise.

    Combine all the ingredients except the shredded cabbage mixture into a mixing bowl.

    bowl of mayonnaise and seasonings.

    Mix all the ingredients for the dressing well.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Step 2. Add the shredded cabbage

    bowls of shedded cabbage and mayonnaise dressing.
    bowls of shedded cabbage and mayonnaise dressing.

    Put the shredded coleslaw mixture (the package of shredded cabbage) into a large mixing bowl.

    bowl of shredded cabbage with mayonnaise sauce on top.
    bowl of shredded cabbage with mayonnaise sauce on top.

    Add the coleslaw dressing on top of the shredded coleslaw mix.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Step 3. Blend & serve

    clear glass bowl of coleslaw.

    Toss the salad dressing into the coleslaw blend.

    spoonful of coleslaw.

    Looks delicious, serve with fish tacos, with pulled pork sandwiches, and other barbecue and sandwiches.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Serving Suggestions

    You can serve your cilantro lime coleslaw immediately, or you can chill it so the flavors blend together more. This easy to make salad pairs perfectly with our Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork, Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos, or our Country Style Pork Ribs.

    bowl of coleslaw with limes nearby.

    Substitutions

    If you are not a fan of cilantro, you can leave it out for a classic style coleslaw.

    If you are looking for a coleslaw dressing recipe without mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitution. We have a recipe for making your own yogurt also. It is our Lactose Free Yogurt recipe, but you can also use regular milk for the same results.

    Variations

    Some variation on this coleslaw recipe are as follows:

    • Honey Lime Coleslaw - omit the cilantro and increase the honey to 3 tablespoons total.
    • Spicy Coleslaw - Omit the cilantro or keep it, but shred a jalapeno with your mini food chopper.
    • Add diced Avocados - After blending your cilantro lime coleslaw, add a diced avocado into it.
    • Shred extra vegetables - Try some thinly shredded red onion, bell peppers, or even jicama.

    Equipment

    If you are shredding your own cabbage and veggies, a food processor is ideal. However, you can also use a mandolin to do the job quickly also!

    • Mandolin
    • Cuisanart Food Processor

    Storage

    You can store this coleslaw in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Coleslaw does not freeze well. The mayonnaise will separate and turn the salad into a soupy mess with the wilted cabbage.

    Tips for Success

    • Zest the Lime first before juicing it.
    • Roll the lime so it softens and juices more juice.
    • Refrigerate for 20 minutes before serving.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can you leave out the honey?

    Yes, you can leave it out completely, or you can substitute it for a Monk fruit, or even orange juice.

    Can you make this without Cilantro?

    Yes, you can leave the cilantro out. Some people are super tasters and cilantro has a soapy taste to them.

    Food Safety

    • Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
    • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
    • Wash hands after touching raw meat
    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended
    • Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

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      Louisiana Cajun Seasoning
    • Platter of teriyaki chicken on a stick and a bowl of white steamed rice.
      Korean Chicken Skewers
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    📖 Recipe

    bowl of coleslaw with limes nearby.
    Print Recipe SaveSaved!
    5 from 2 votes

    Cilantro Lime Coleslaw

    Cilantro lime coleslaw is the perfect side to serve with grilled steak, barbecue chicken, pulled pork, or fish tacos. The combination of cilantro and lime gives this slaw a bright, zesty flavor. It's super easy to make and sure to be a hit at your next barbecue!
    Prep Time10 mins
    Total Time10 mins
    Course: Salads
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 284kcal
    Author: Kelly Bloom

    Equipment

    • Mandolin

    Ingredients

    • 16 oz bag of shredded coleslaw mix
    • 1 cup mayonnaise
    • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
    • 2 green onions, sliced thin
    • zest of one lime (zest first, then juice)
    • 1 lime, juiced
    • 2 teaspoon honey
    • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Using a large mixing bowl combine the mayonnaise, cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and green onions in a large bowl. Mix well.
      1 cup mayonnaise, ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped, 2 green onions, sliced thin, zest of one lime, 1 lime, juiced, 2 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon salt
    • Add the shredded coleslaw mix to the bowl of dressing. Stir together well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
      16 oz bag of shredded coleslaw mix

    Notes

    • You can serve this immediately, but if you chill it for about 20 minutes flavors blend together even better.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 284kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 349mg | Potassium: 166mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 232IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg
    Keyword : cabbage taco slaw, cilantro lime coleslaw, cilantro lime coleslaw recipe, coleslaw for pulled pork, coleslaw for tacos, homemade coleslaw, homemade coleslaw recipe

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    Hi, I'm Kelly! and I have a love affair with herbs & spices! Here at Smells Like Delish, I'm all about creating food that has three aspects: flavor, aroma, and texture - to create satisfying fare!

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