Crisp Chayote & Lime Slaw
A bright, refreshing slaw where crisp ribbons of chayote squash and carrot are tossed in a zesty lime dressing with a gentle kick of jalapeño. Light, crunchy, and incredibly refreshing, this slaw makes the perfect side dish for grilled meats, tacos, or any summer meal.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Julienne the chayote and carrot.
1.Wash and pat dry the chayote and carrot.2.Trim the ends, then cut into thin matchsticks or use a spiralizer.3.Place the julienned vegetables in a large mixing bowl. - prep · ~2 min
Slice the onion and jalapeño.
1.Peel and thinly slice the red onion into half-moons.2.Cut the jalapeño in half, remove the seeds for less heat, and mince finely.TIPWear gloves when handling jalapeño to avoid burning your eyes later. - mix · ~1 min
Make the lime dressing.
1.In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until the salt dissolves. - mix · ~2 min
Toss the slaw together.
1.Add the sliced red onion, minced jalapeño, and chopped cilantro to the bowl with the chayote and carrot.2.Pour the lime dressing over the vegetables.3.Toss everything well to coat evenly.TIPToss the slaw just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp and crunchy. - serve
Serve immediately or let it rest briefly.
Serve the slaw right away for maximum crunch, or let it sit in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a mandoline or spiralizer for even, thin ribbons of chayote and carrot for the best texture.
- 2Remove the seeds and white pith from the jalapeño to control heat without losing flavor.
- 3Toss the slaw just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp and crunchy.
- 4For a milder onion bite, soak sliced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain.
- 5Let the slaw rest in the fridge for 10-15 minutes after tossing to let the lime dressing meld.
- 6Serve this slaw with grilled fish, carnitas, or black bean tacos for a bright contrast.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
This slaw is already vegan as written — simply use a high-quality olive oil and check that your lime juice is fresh. No changes needed.
extra crunchyExtra-crunchy
Add 1/4 cup of toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) or crushed tortilla chips just before serving for a nutty, crunchy topping.
herb swapHerb swap
Replace cilantro with fresh mint or a mix of mint and basil for a different herbaceous note that pairs well with Southeast Asian grilled meats.
sweet & spicySweet & spicy
Add 1 tablespoon of honey or agave nectar to the dressing and increase the jalapeño to 2 peppers (seeds removed) for a sweet-heat balance.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Low in Calories
Chayote squash is very low in calories and high in water content, making this slaw a light, hydrating side dish that won't weigh you down.
Rich in Vitamin C
Lime juice and chayote both provide vitamin C, a key antioxidant that supports immune health and collagen production.
Good Source of Fiber
Chayote and carrots supply dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain a feeling of fullness.
Naturally Gluten-Free
This slaw contains no gluten-containing ingredients, making it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets as a fresh, unprocessed side.
Frequently asked questions
No — the skin of chayote is thin, edible, and tender. Simply wash and dry it, then julienne or spiralize. If the skin has tough blemishes, you can peel those spots away.
