If you’re looking for a side dish that’s as fresh as a summer breeze, then my cilantro lime coleslaw is just what you need! This vibrant salad is bursting with zesty flavors that really elevate any meal, especially grilled dishes. I remember the first time I made this coleslaw for a backyard barbecue; the bright colors and tangy dressing caught everyone’s attention, and it quickly became a favorite! It’s the perfect balance of crunch from the cabbage and carrots, with that irresistible zing from lime and cilantro. Trust me, once you try this cilantro lime coleslaw, it’ll be your go-to dish for gatherings and weeknight dinners alike!
Ingredients for Cilantro Lime Coleslaw
To whip up this zesty cilantro lime coleslaw, you’ll need a handful of fresh ingredients that pack a punch. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
These ingredients come together to create a refreshing and vibrant dish that’s not only delicious but also super easy to prepare. You can find everything at your local grocery store, and I promise, it’s worth every bit of chopping and mixing!
How to Prepare Cilantro Lime Coleslaw
Making this cilantro lime coleslaw is a breeze, and I’m excited to share how simple it is! Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl—trust me, you’ll want plenty of space. In that bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, shredded red cabbage, grated carrots, and chopped cilantro. Give it a gentle toss to mix everything together evenly; it should look colorful and inviting!
Now, let’s whip up the dressing. In a separate bowl, whisk together the lime juice, mayonnaise, honey, salt, and pepper until it’s nice and smooth. This dressing is where the magic happens, adding that zesty kick to your coleslaw!
Once your dressing is ready, pour it over the cabbage mixture and toss everything together until it’s well coated. You want every bite to be bursting with flavor! Now, here’s the crucial part: cover the bowl and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and helps the coleslaw to crisp up. After chilling, give it a final toss and it’s ready to serve! Enjoy the fresh crunch and zesty goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly fresh and vibrant, adding a pop of color to your plate.
- Super easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have!
- Perfectly balances crunch and creaminess, making every bite delightful.
- Versatile enough to pair with grilled meats, tacos, or even as a standalone dish.
- Can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to deepen and develop.
Trust me, once you try this cilantro lime coleslaw, you’ll find yourself making it for every occasion!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your cilantro lime coleslaw turns out perfectly every time! First, don’t skimp on the freshness—use crisp, vibrant cabbages and fresh cilantro for the best flavor. If you like a little extra sweetness, feel free to adjust the honey to your taste; you can even swap it for agave syrup if you prefer! For an added crunch, toss in some chopped nuts like almonds or sunflower seeds, or even some sliced radishes for a peppery kick. And remember, letting it chill is key—this not only enhances the flavors but also helps the coleslaw stay crisp. Enjoy experimenting!
Variations on Cilantro Lime Coleslaw
One of the best things about cilantro lime coleslaw is how versatile it can be! If you’re in the mood for some extra crunch, consider adding thinly sliced bell peppers or jicama. For a bit of heat, toss in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder. You can also mix things up by using different herbs—try swapping cilantro for fresh parsley or mint for a unique twist! And if you’re feeling adventurous, add some diced mango or pineapple for a sweet tropical flair. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover cilantro lime coleslaw is super easy! Just transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days, but trust me, it’s so good you might not have any leftovers! If you notice it’s getting a bit watery after a couple of days, simply give it a good stir before serving.
Now, reheating isn’t necessary for this dish since it’s served cold, but if you want to enjoy it warm, I recommend letting it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to take the chill off. Just remember, coleslaw is best enjoyed fresh and crispy, so savor it as soon as you can!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for my cilantro lime coleslaw per serving (about 1 cup). It contains approximately 150 calories, 10 grams of fat, 2 grams of protein, and 15 grams of carbohydrates. You’ll also find about 5 grams of sugar and 3 grams of fiber in there, making it a healthy choice to accompany any meal! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used. Enjoy this refreshing salad guilt-free!
FAQ about Cilantro Lime Coleslaw
Can I make cilantro lime coleslaw ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a few hours or even a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Is this coleslaw vegan?
Yes! With the use of mayonnaise, you can easily substitute it with a vegan mayo to keep it plant-based. This cilantro lime coleslaw is refreshing and perfect for anyone following a vegan diet!
What can I serve with cilantro lime coleslaw?
This zesty coleslaw pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, tacos, or even as a topping for sandwiches. It’s a fantastic addition to any summer barbecue or picnic!
Can I customize the ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or radishes for extra crunch. You can also experiment with different herbs or add fruits like mango for a sweet twist.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. If it seems watery after a few days, just give it a good stir before enjoying!
For more information on the health benefits of cabbage, check out this Healthline article. Additionally, you can learn about the nutritional value of cilantro in this Medical News Today article.
Print
Cilantro Lime Coleslaw: 5 Simple Steps to Freshness!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A fresh and zesty cilantro lime coleslaw that adds a vibrant touch to any meal.
Ingredients
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, and cilantro.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together lime juice, mayonnaise, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture.
- Toss well to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey.
- For extra crunch, add chopped nuts.
- This coleslaw pairs well with grilled meats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: cilantro lime coleslaw, coleslaw recipe, healthy salad
