This cilantro lime cabbage slaw is a fresh, simple side dish that comes together in minutes and pairs perfectly with tacos, bowls, and summer meals. Made with angel hair shredded cabbage, fresh lime juice, and cilantro, this no-mayo slaw is light, crisp, and full of flavor without feeling heavy.
Why You’ll Love This Cilantro Lime Cabbage Slaw
This easy slaw recipe is one of those back-pocket dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s quick, flexible, and works just as well as a taco topping as it does a side dish.
- No mayo and dairy-free
- Ready in about 5–10 minutes
- Great for meal prep and make-ahead meals
- Perfect for tacos, bowls, and grilled proteins
This was inspired by my other recipe on this site, and pairs well with this amazing sidedish recipe. Contextual, in-content links are far more valuable than a group listed at the bottom of the post.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Cilantro Lime Cabbage Slaw
- What Makes This a No Mayo Slaw Recipe
- Ingredients for Cilantro Lime Cabbage Slaw
- How to Make Cilantro Lime Cabbage Slaw
- Cilantro Lime Slaw for Tacos, Bowls, and More
- Make-Ahead Cilantro Lime Slaw
- Cilantro Lime Slaw Substitutions
- Cilantro Lime Slaw Variations
- Equipment Needed for Cilantro Lime Cabbage Slaw
- How to Store Cilantro Lime Cabbage Slaw
- Summer Slaw Recipe Tips
- Cilantro Lime Cabbage Slaw FAQs
- Try Something New!
- Main Weeknight Dishes
What Makes This a No Mayo Slaw Recipe
Unlike traditional coleslaw, this cilantro lime slaw skips the mayo entirely. Instead, it uses lime juice, olive oil, and a touch of honey to lightly dress the cabbage while keeping everything fresh and bright. That makes it ideal for warm weather and summer gatherings.
Ingredients for Cilantro Lime Cabbage Slaw
This recipe keeps the ingredient list short and approachable, using easy-to-find items.
- Bag angel hair coleslaw shredded cabbage (I get it from Kroger)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Red onion, finely diced
- Honey
- Fresh lime juice
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Cabbage Slaw
This slaw comes together quickly with minimal prep.
- Step 1: Add cabbage, cilantro, and red onion to a bowl.
- Step 2: Whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, and seasonings.
- Step 3: Toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Step 4: Let rest before serving for best flavor.
Hint: For best flavor, let the slaw sit for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the cabbage to soften slightly and soak up the dressing.
Cilantro Lime Slaw for Tacos, Bowls, and More
This cilantro cabbage slaw is incredibly versatile and works with a wide range of meals.
Try it with:
- Steak tacos or chicken tacos
- Shrimp tacos or fish tacos
- Salmon tacos
- Burrito bowls or shrimp bowls
- Grilled chicken or steak
It adds crunch, acidity, and freshness to heavier dishes.
Make-Ahead Cilantro Lime Slaw
This is a great make-ahead slaw recipe. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors continue to develop, making it even better the next day.
Cilantro Lime Slaw Substitutions
These simple substitutions make this no mayo slaw recipe flexible for different dietary needs and preferences.
- Swap honey for maple syrup
- Use green onion instead of red onion
- Replace cilantro with parsley if preferred
Cilantro Lime Slaw Variations
This cilantro lime cabbage slaw is easy to customize depending on what you’re serving it with or what you have on hand.
- Add thinly sliced jalapeño for heat
- Toss in shredded carrots for color
- Use lemon juice instead of lime
- Add a pinch of cumin or chili powder for warmth
Equipment Needed for Cilantro Lime Cabbage Slaw
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this easy slaw recipe from start to finish.
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl or measuring cup
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
How to Store Cilantro Lime Cabbage Slaw
Proper storage helps this healthy slaw recipe stay crisp and fresh for days.
Store leftover slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, as the dressing may settle slightly.
Summer Slaw Recipe Tips
Because this slaw has no mayo, it’s ideal for summer meals and gatherings. It holds up well without becoming heavy or soggy and is safe to leave out briefly at picnics or barbecues.
Cilantro Lime Cabbage Slaw FAQs
Yes. This slaw is made with fresh cabbage, olive oil, and lime juice, and contains no mayo.
Absolutely. It’s best when made 30 minutes to a day ahead.
Angel hair shredded green cabbage works best for texture and quick prep.
Yes, cilantro lime slaw pairs especially well with shrimp and fish tacos.
Try Something New!
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Main Weeknight Dishes
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Cilantro Slaw:
Cilantro Lime Cabbage Slaw (No Mayo)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add the shredded cabbage, chopped cilantro, and finely diced red onion to a large mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- For best flavor, let the slaw rest for about 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This slaw is best after resting but can be served immediately if needed.
- Finely dicing the red onion helps prevent overpowering bites.
- Works well as both a side dish and a taco topping.
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