This cilantro lime slaw is the kind of side dish that works with almost everything. Serve it with tacos, pulled pork, grilled chicken, burgers, ribs, fish tacos, or any summer BBQ meal that needs something cool, creamy, and crisp.
I love this recipe because it has all the comfort of creamy coleslaw, but the lime, cilantro, and jalapeño make it feel lighter, fresher, and a little more exciting than the classic version.
⭐️ Creamy Cilantro Lime Slaw : Recipe at a glance
- Quick & Easy: Made with bagged coleslaw mix and a simple creamy dressing, this recipe is ready in about 10 minutes.
- Flavor: Tangy lime, fresh cilantro, green onions, and jalapeño give classic creamy coleslaw a bright, Mexican-inspired twist.
- Great for Tacos: This creamy cilantro lime slaw is delicious tucked into fish tacos, shrimp tacos, pulled pork tacos, or grilled chicken tacos.
- BBQ-Friendly: Cool, crunchy slaw balances smoky, spicy, and rich foods like ribs, burgers, grilled chicken, and pulled pork.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The dressing can be made a few days ahead, and the slaw can be tossed shortly before serving for the best crunch.
- Dietary: Vegetarian, gluten-free, grain-free, egg-free if using egg-free mayo. Nut-free as written.
This curry is so good and cooked so quickly. Definitely a meal I will be making at least twice a month. It also help us save money by eating at home. My husband loves spicy food so I added a bit extra red curry for him. So flavorful.
🔄 Ingredients, Substitutions & Swaps
For the complete list of ingredients and exact quantities, check the printable recipe card below.
- Coleslaw Mix: Bagged coleslaw mix keeps this recipe fast and easy. You can also shred your own green cabbage, purple cabbage, and carrots if you prefer.
- Green Onions: Add mild onion flavor without overpowering the slaw.
- Jalapeño: Gives the coleslaw a gentle kick. Remove the seeds and ribs for less heat, or use serrano pepper if you want it spicier.
- Fresh Cilantro: This is what gives the slaw its fresh, herbaceous flavor. If cilantro is not your thing, use parsley instead, but the flavor will be less “cilantro lime” and more classic creamy lime slaw.
- Sour Cream: Adds tang and creaminess. Full-fat sour cream gives the best texture, but plain Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter option.
- Mayonnaise: Gives the dressing body and classic creamy coleslaw flavor. Use your favorite brand. For egg-free coleslaw, use vegan mayo.
- Lime Zest and Juice: Fresh lime is key here. The zest adds fragrant lime flavor, while the juice adds brightness and acidity.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste after tossing. Cabbage can handle seasoning, so don’t be afraid to adjust before serving.
🥗 How to Make Creamy Cilantro Lime Coleslaw?
Scroll to the printable recipe card for specific instructions.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime zest, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine the slaw: Add the coleslaw mix, green onions, jalapeño, and cilantro to a large bowl.
- Toss: Pour the creamy cilantro lime dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Chill briefly: Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 1 hour, to let the flavors come together. Serve.
💡 Cilantro Lime Coleslaw Recipe Tips
- Use fresh lime juice: Bottled lime juice tastes flat here. Since this recipe has so few ingredients, fresh lime juice and zest make a big difference.
- Don’t overdress too early: Cabbage releases moisture as it sits. For the crunchiest slaw, make the dressing ahead and toss it with the cabbage 20 minutes to 1 hour before serving.
- Taste before serving: Creamy slaws often need a final adjustment after chilling. A little extra lime juice or pinch of salt can wake everything back up.
- Use the slicer blade for homemade cabbage mix: If shredding your own cabbage in a food processor, the slicer blade gives longer, prettier shreds. The shredder blade can make cabbage too fine or “confetti-like.”
- For extra crunch: Add pepitas, sunflower seeds, pistachios, thinly sliced radishes, or jicama right before serving.
- For a sweeter slaw: Add a small drizzle of honey to the dressing.
✔️ Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing
- Make Ahead: The dressing can be made 2 to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Best Texture: Toss the dressing with the cabbage about 20 minutes to 1 hour before serving. This gives the flavors time to mingle while keeping the slaw crisp.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The slaw will soften as it sits, but it will still taste delicious.
- Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this coleslaw. Raw cabbage and creamy dressing do not thaw well.
🤔 Frequently Asked Questions
Is cilantro lime slaw the same as coleslaw?
Yes, cilantro lime slaw is a type of coleslaw. It is usually made with shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix, but instead of a classic sweet vinegar-mayo dressing, it has fresh lime juice, cilantro, and often jalapeño or green onions.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes. Plain Greek yogurt can be used instead of sour cream. The flavor will be tangier and slightly lighter, but it works well with the lime, cilantro, and jalapeño.
Is this cilantro lime coleslaw spicy?
It has a mild kick from the jalapeño. For less heat, remove the seeds and white ribs from the jalapeño. For more heat, use a serrano pepper or add extra jalapeño.
Can I use homemade coleslaw mix?
Yes. Use about 6 to 7 cups of shredded cabbage and 1 shredded carrot in place of a 16-ounce bag of coleslaw mix.
Is this slaw good for tacos?
Absolutely. This creamy cilantro lime slaw is especially good on fish tacos, shrimp tacos, pulled pork tacos, grilled chicken tacos, and BBQ-style tacos because it adds crunch, creaminess, and bright lime flavor.
💛 Conscious Bites
Your priorities, your recipe. Learn about Intentional Cooking.
Time and Convenience: Bagged coleslaw mix is one of those shortcuts that actually makes sense. It saves chopping time, keeps this recipe weeknight-friendly, and makes it easier to say yes to a fresh side dish instead of skipping the vegetables altogether.
Environment: This recipe is a good place to use what you already have. A little extra cabbage, carrots, cilantro stems, green onions, radishes, or jicama can all be folded into the slaw, helping reduce food waste while making the dish even more colorful and flavorful.
Finances: Cabbage is one of the most budget-friendly vegetables, and a single bag of coleslaw mix can stretch into a generous side dish or taco topping. This is a great way to add freshness and crunch to simple meals without adding much to the grocery bill.
💛 Serve this Coleslaw recipe with these delicious dishes
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Creamy Cilantro Lime Coleslaw
Ingredients
For the Slaw
- 16 ounces coleslaw mix * see notes
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
For the Slaw Dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- Zest and juice of 1 lime (you want about 2 tablespoons of lime juice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
To Make the Slaw Dressings
- In a small bowl, whisk the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime zest and juice and season with salt and ground black pepper. Set aside.
Mix
- Place the slaw ingredients in a large bowl. Pour the slaw dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to combine. Adjust seasoning, cover, and chill for at least 20 minutes before serving so the flavors have time to meld.
Notes
- Make homemade slaw: To make your own homemade coleslaw mix, you will need 6 to 7 cups of shredded cabbage and 1 carrot shredded.
- Use the slicer blade for homemade cabbage mix: If shredding your own cabbage in a food processor, the slicer blade gives longer, prettier shreds. The shredder blade can make cabbage too fine or “confetti-like.”
- Make ahead: The dressing can be made 2 to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The slaw will soften as it sits, but it will still taste delicious.
- Other fun additions: Sliced bell peppers, diced jicama, diced radishes, diced apples, diced pears, broccoli slaw.
Nutrition
Recipe Update Note: This post was originally published in 2018 and has been updated with improved instructions, helpful tips, and additional information to better serve our readers.
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