This Cilantro Lime Slaw is a healthy staple that adds incredible flavor to just about any meal. It’s crisp, creamy, and bursting with bright lime flavor.
Cilantro Lime Slaw is the perfect addition to tacos, grain bowls, black bean burritos, or even as a simple side dish.
This easy slaw recipe comes together in just a few minutes with a handful of fresh, whole-food ingredients. Toss everything together right before serving—the acid in vinegar and lime juice causes the veggies to give off water, so toss any slaw right before you serve it for best results. You’ll have a vibrant, healthy dish that pairs well with just about anything.
Whether you’re meal-prepping recipes for the week or need a quick side for taco night, this cilantro-lime slaw is a total winner.
Why You’ll Love Cilantro-Lime Slaw
- Super Quick & Easy: Just whisk the dressing, toss it all together, and serve. That’s it! No cooking, no fancy equipment, and just one bowl to clean.
- Bright & Refreshing: The combination of fresh lime juice, crunchy broccoli slaw (or cabbage), and a slightly sweet, tangy dressing is light, vibrant, and perfect any time of year.
- Versatile: Serve it as a side salad, pile it high on fish tacos, add it to wraps, or mix it into your favorite grain bowls for extra crunch.
- Naturally Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: Made with simple, wholesome ingredients that work for most diets — and you won’t miss the dairy one bit.
What You’ll Need To Make Cilantro-Lime Slaw
This recipe is all about fresh, simple flavors that come together effortlessly.
For the Slaw
- Broccoli Slaw Mix or Cabbage Slaw Mix: A quick, easy option, or swap for finely chopped green and red cabbage. You can use Broccoli Slaw or Cabbage Slaw—both are great here. You can also thinly slice half a small cabbage and grate a carrot to make your own slaw mix.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro, this is a great way to use up those summer herbs.
For the Cilantro Lime Dressing
- Veganaise or Mayo: Creates a creamy, flavorful base to the dressing.
- Honey or Sugar: A touch of sweetness balances out the tangy lime.
- Fresh Lime Juice: The star citrus ingredient that brightens everything up.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds an extra layer of zesty flavor.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Just the right amount of seasoning.
See the full details in the printable recipe card below.
How To Make Cilantro-Lime Slaw
- Whisk the dressing: In a medium bowl or jar, combine the Veganaise, honey, lime juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy. (You can make this up to 2 days in advance and store it covered in the fridge.)
- Toss it all together: Add the slaw mix and fresh chopped cilantro to a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss to coat. Let it sit for just a minute, the slaw will soften slightly and become even creamier as it rests.
- Serve & enjoy: Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It’s best the day you make it, but still tasty later.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor: Want a little kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely diced jalapeño to the dressing for a gentle heat that balances out the creamy lime base. You can also sprinkle in a little ground cumin for a subtle boost of flavor.
- To make it a meal: Turn this slaw into a full, satisfying dish by topping it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. It’s delicious as a main served over quinoa, tucked into a wrap, or layered into a burrito bowl.
- Make ahead: For the freshest texture, keep the slaw mix and dressing separate until just before serving. You can prep both ahead of time, but store the dressing in a sealed jar and the slaw mix in a covered bowl or bag. Toss them together when you’re ready to eat.
- Storage: Leftovers will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The slaw will soften slightly as it sits, but the flavor stays fresh and vibrant. If needed, give it a quick stir and a squeeze of extra lime before serving.
- Add more crunch: Toss in a handful of sliced almonds, pumpkin seeds, or crushed tortilla chips for extra texture.
- Swap the herbs: Not a cilantro fan? Try fresh parsley or mint for a different twist. A little chopped green onion also adds a lovely savory bite.
Print
Description
This bright, creamy slaw is a quick side that pairs beautifully with tacos, grilled meats, or anything that could use a hit of crunch and tang. The dressing leans slightly sweet, with honey and lime balancing the richness of mayo (or Veganaise, if you prefer). Use packaged broccoli slaw for ease, or finely chop green and red cabbage for a more traditional base.
For the slaw
For the dressing
- In a medium bowl or jar, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, lime juice, vinegar, salt and a few grinds of black pepper until smooth and creamy. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Just before serving, combine the slaw mix and chopped cilantro in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over and toss until evenly coated. Let the slaw sit for a minute or two — the vegetables will soften slightly and the dressing will cling better as it rests.
Notes
The slaw is best served fresh, but it will keep in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. Expect a bit of liquid to accumulate as it sits; give it a quick toss before serving.
