This Ukrainian girl, like many, has a deep love for cabbage. From cabbage rolls to fried cabbage and onions, any cabbage dish is usually a hit. But one of the absolute favorite ways to enjoy cabbage is in a crisp and refreshing coleslaw. It’s pure crunchy, healthy, vegetable goodness! And this is coming from someone who isn’t the biggest fan of salads in general.
While creamy, mayo-laden coleslaws are enjoyable, sometimes you crave something brighter and more vibrant. That’s where this Mexican slaw with a simple lime and garlic dressing comes into play. It offers a zesty, healthier alternative that’s bursting with flavor.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Whether you opt for pre-shredded coleslaw mix or shred your own cabbage and carrots, it’s incredibly easy to throw together. The most important thing is the result: a fast, incredibly healthy, and utterly delicious side dish that complements a variety of Mexican and other cuisines.
For someone who’d rather be baking sweets, this slaw is a weeknight meal prep dream. It’s quick, requires minimal effort, and avoids the kitchen crankiness that some recipes induce. If this self-proclaimed “baking blogger” can make this savory dish with ease, anyone can!
Mexican Coleslaw garnish with parsley in a Blue Pyrex bowl
The best part? This Mexican slaw actually gets better as it sits. Letting it marinate overnight in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld and deepen, infusing the vegetables with the tangy lime dressing. This makes it an ideal make-ahead side dish for potlucks, barbecues, or simply to have on hand for quick meals throughout the week.
Give this simple Mexican Slaw Recipe a try and discover a new favorite way to enjoy your vegetables!
Simple Mexican Coleslaw Recipe
This easy and fast Mexican coleslaw recipe is a powerhouse of healthy vegetables that tastes absolutely delicious! Perfect as a side dish for tacos, grilled meats, or fish.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
For the Slaw:
- 4-5 cups thinly sliced green cabbage (or 1 bag pre-shredded coleslaw mix)
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and grated carrots
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
For the Lime Garlic Dressing:
- 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup olive oil
Instructions:
- Prepare the Slaw: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cabbage, grated carrots, and chopped cilantro. Toss to mix and set aside.
- Make the Lime Dressing: In a separate bowl or jar, whisk together the lime juice, cumin, honey, minced garlic (or garlic powder), salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is emulsified and well combined. Alternatively, use a hand blender to quickly blend the dressing.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the lime garlic dressing over the coleslaw mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together until the slaw is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill (Optional but Recommended): For the best flavor, refrigerate the Mexican slaw for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and marinate.
- Serve: Enjoy this zesty Mexican slaw as a refreshing side dish. It pairs perfectly with tacos, fajitas, grilled chicken, fish, or burgers. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired.
Simple Mexican Crispy Coleslaw with lime and garlic dressing garnish with parsley
Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 193kcal
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Sodium: 32mg
- Potassium: 197mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Vitamin A: 5450IU
- Vitamin C: 23.5mg
- Calcium: 33mg
- Iron: 0.5mg
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped jalapeño to the dressing for a spicy kick.
- Add more veggies: Include other shredded vegetables like red cabbage, bell peppers, or jicama for added texture and nutrients.
- Herb variations: Experiment with different fresh herbs like parsley or oregano in addition to or instead of cilantro.
- Vegan option: This recipe is naturally vegan. Ensure your honey source is vegan if strict vegan.
- Make it ahead: This slaw is perfect for making ahead of time. The flavors develop even more overnight in the fridge.
Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful Mexican slaw!
