Lime Cilantro Slaw
A bright, zesty slaw that ditches the heavy mayo for a punchy lime-cilantro dressing. Crisp shredded cabbage and carrots get tossed in fresh citrus and a touch of honey, making it the perfect crunchy side for tacos, grilled meats, or pulled pork sandwiches.
For 4 servings
- prep
Shred the cabbage and carrot.
Remove any wilted outer leaves from the cabbage. Cut into quarters, remove the core, and slice as thinly as possible. Julienne or grate the carrot. Add both to a large mixing bowl.
- mix
Make the lime-cilantro dressing.
1.In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, cumin powder, salt, and black pepper.2.Taste and adjust salt or lime juice as needed.TIPFresh lime juice is essential here — bottled juice lacks the bright, aromatic punch this slaw needs. - mix
Toss the slaw with the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the shredded cabbage and carrots. Add the chopped cilantro. Use tongs to toss everything together until evenly coated.
TIPMassage the dressing into the cabbage for 30 seconds with the tongs. This softens the cabbage slightly and helps it absorb more flavor. - rest · ~10 min
Rest the slaw before serving.
Let the slaw sit at room temperature for 10 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes. This allows the cabbage to soften slightly and the flavors to meld. Toss once more before serving.
TIPDon't let it sit longer than 2 hours or the cabbage will lose its crunch. Serve it bright and crisp.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Slice the cabbage paper-thin for the best tender-crisp texture in the final slaw.
- 2Always use freshly squeezed lime juice; bottled juice will taste flat and bitter.
- 3Massage the dressing into the cabbage with tongs for 30 seconds to soften it and boost flavor absorption.
- 4Let the slaw rest 10 minutes at room temperature before serving for the best flavor meld.
- 5Do not let the dressed slaw sit longer than 2 hours, or the cabbage will turn limp and watery.
- 6Toast a pinch of cumin seeds lightly before adding to the dressing for a deeper, smokier note.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy jalapeño
Add 1 finely minced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat) to the dressing for a kick that pairs perfectly with tacos or grilled meats.
creamy avocadoCreamy avocado
Mash half a ripe avocado into the dressing for a creamy, dairy-free version that’s extra rich and pairs well with fish tacos.
herb swapHerb swap
Replace cilantro with fresh mint or dill for a different herbaceous profile — mint works especially well with lamb or Asian-style dishes.
apple crunchApple crunch
Add 1 small julienned apple (such as Granny Smith) along with the carrots for a sweet-tart crunch that brightens the slaw even more.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Vitamin C
Fresh lime juice and raw cabbage provide a generous dose of immune-supporting vitamin C, especially when eaten soon after preparation.
Low in Calories
This slaw uses a light oil-and-lime dressing instead of mayonnaise, making it a low-calorie, nutrient-dense side dish.
Good Source of Fiber
Cabbage and carrots are both rich in dietary fiber, which supports healthy digestion and helps you feel full longer.
Naturally Gluten-Free
All ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe, flavorful option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but fresh-shredded cabbage has a much better texture and crunch. If using a bagged mix, choose one without any dressing and add the carrots and cilantro fresh.
