This Cilantro Lime Slaw is a bright and refreshing vinegar based coleslaw that comes together in just about 15 minutes! It is a great side dish, especially for Mexican food, add it to the traditional rice and beans. Or it makes a killer topping for fish tacos!
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Why Make This Recipe
- The flavor and crunch are amazing.
- Using store bough slaw mix makes this recipe easy and fast!
- A vinegar based coleslaw is a fresh and bright departure from traditional creamy coleslaw.
- This is a super versatile recipe and can be used as a side dish OR as a topper for chicken tacos, fish tacos or chili lime turkey burgers.
- The fresh cilantro, jalapeno and lime creates a delicious flavor profile.
Ingredients
Here are the things that you need to make your Cilantro Lime Slaw, plus some pro tips on a couple ingredients.
Slaw Mix – buy a store bought mix to save time!! I buy the shredded cabbage and carrot coleslaw mix.
Jalapeno – The Jalapeno gives this slaw a little kick of heat. The vast majority of the heat (called capsaicin) lives in the white pith/ribs on the inside, as well as the seeds.
To have a milder slaw only use the bright green flesh of the jalapeno and remove any white parts and/or seeds.
Red Onion – Red onion can sometimes be overpowering in a dish.
To alleviate this simply slice your onions and then either rinse them under cool water for a minute or soak the slices in cool water.
This rinses away the enzyme that makes onion flavor stay in your mouth for hours!
Step-by-Step Picture Instructions
In a medium sized bowl place the shredded cabbage/carrot slaw mix, red onion, cilantro, and diced jalapeno.
In another small whisk together the olive oil, honey, lime juice, salt and pepper.
Pour the vinaigrette over the cabbage and toss it all together so the dressing coats the cabbage.
Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 12 hours.
Recipe Tips
- Use store-bought shredded slaw to make this recipe fast and easy.
- Choose your level of heat by including the jalapeno pith and seeds or just use the green flesh for a milder flavor.
- Rinse your red onion slices to remove the overpowering strong flavor.
Recipe FAQ’s
Yes, slaw and coleslaw are basically the same thing. Using the word “slaw” is just a shortened version of coleslaw. Traditionally slaw or coleslaw is prepared creamy but can also be vinegar based.
The main component of coleslaw is shredded cabbage and shredded carrots. Sometimes you will also find shredded purple cabbage and onions.
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Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded slaw mix - use store bought coleslaw mix
- ¼ cup red onions - diced
- ¼ cup cilantro - chopped
- 1 jalapeno - finely diced (Using the white pith and seeds will make your slaw spicy. Only use the green flesh for a milder flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium sized bowl place the shredded cabbage/carrot slaw mix, red onion, cilantro, and diced jalapeno.
- In another small whisk together the olive oil, honey, lime juice, salt and pepper.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the cabbage and toss it all together so the dressing coats the cabbage.
- Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 12 hours.
Recipe Tips and Notes:
- Use store-bought shredded slaw to make this recipe fast and easy.
- Choose your level of heat by including the jalapeno pith and seeds or just use the green flesh for a milder flavor.
- Rinse your red onion slices to remove the overpowering strong flavor.
Frank says
Fast, easy, and has a great flavor profile