This quick and easy Mexican Slaw recipe brings a vibrant, zesty flavor to your tacos, burritos, or any meal. Ready in just 15 minutes, this crunchy slaw with cabbage, jalapeno, and lime can be made ahead and kept in the fridge for 3-4 days. It’s a healthy and delicious vegan and gluten-free option.
Mexican Slaw made with purple cabbage, red onion, lime, cilantro
This simple Mexican slaw was a staple in my catering days, adding a beautiful and flavorful touch to any dish. Its versatility shines as a taco topping, a component in burrito bowls, an addition to burgers, or enjoyed as a refreshing side dish.
We prefer purple cabbage for its higher polyphenol content and vibrant color, but green cabbage or a mix works equally well.
Why This Mexican Slaw is a Must-Try
- Fresh and Crunchy: This slaw provides a delightful crunch and a zesty flavor that brightens any meal.
- Healthy and Light: Made without mayo, this slaw is a healthy and refreshing alternative to traditional creamy coleslaws.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with fiber and polyphenols from the cabbage, this slaw offers a healthy boost to your diet.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 10-15 minutes to prepare and can be stored in the fridge for convenient enjoyment throughout the week.
A close-up of Mexican slaw with a vibrant purple hue from the cabbage.
Mexican Slaw Ingredients: A Customizable Base
While shredded purple cabbage forms the base, this recipe allows for creative additions of other crunchy vegetables like grated radishes, jicama, kohlrabi, or carrots.
- Cabbage: Shredded purple or green cabbage, or a blend of both.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion, or substitute with sliced green onions for a milder flavor.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro, including the tender stems. If cilantro isn’t your favorite, substitute with green onions and Italian parsley. The lime juice helps to mellow the cilantro flavor for those sensitive to it.
- Chilies: Fresh chilies are essential for the authentic Mexican slaw flavor. Serrano chilies offer more heat, while jalapenos provide a milder kick.
- Limes: Freshly squeezed lime juice and lime zest are key for the zesty flavor. Use ripe, juicy limes for the best results.
- Olive Oil: A touch of olive oil adds richness and helps to coat the slaw.
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and Mexican spices (cumin and coriander) complete the flavor profile.
How to Make Mexican Slaw: Simple Steps for a Flavorful Result
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, onion, cilantro, and jalapeno.
- Season with Lime and Salt: Add salt and lime juice to taste, adjusting for the acidity of the limes. The slaw should have a slightly salty and tangy flavor to complement tacos and other dishes.
- Toss and Serve: Toss the slaw well to combine all the ingredients and serve immediately or chill for later.
Mexican Slaw with jalapeño and lime
Tips for the Best Mexican Slaw
- Reduce Onion Bitterness: Soak sliced red onions in cold salted water for 15 minutes to reduce bitterness. Alternatively, use scallions.
- Use Ripe Limes: Choose limes that are slightly soft to the touch, indicating ripeness. Ripe limes will provide the best flavor and avoid excessive acidity.
Serving Suggestions for Mexican Slaw: Beyond Tacos
This versatile slaw complements a wide range of dishes:
- Tacos: Fish tacos, shrimp tacos, or any of your favorite taco fillings.
- Burrito Bowls: Add a refreshing crunch to your bowls.
- Burgers: Top your burgers with a flavorful twist.
- Side Dish: Enjoy it on its own as a light and healthy side.
Serving suggestion: Mexican slaw topping fish tacos.
This Mexican slaw recipe offers a vibrant and healthy way to enhance your meals. Its simple preparation, customizable ingredients, and versatility make it a must-have in your culinary repertoire.
