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.

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

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

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:

Side for fish, like grilled salmon, grilled halibut or seared salmon
Side for shrimp, like Old Bay steamed shrimp or perfect sauteed shrimp
Taco filling, like in tuna tacos, chickpea tacos, black bean tacos, salmon tacos or fish tacos
Picnic food idea
Side for a barbecue or pitch in

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:

Try our classic Best Coleslaw Recipe
Go for Easy Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe
Opt for Mexican Coleslaw Recipe
Try crunchy Broccoli Slaw
Go all red with Red Cabbage Slaw

Best Coleslaw Recipe

Mexican Coleslaw Recipe

Broccoli Slaw

Red Cabbage Slaw

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.