As a fervent food enthusiast, I always look forward to summer gatherings. Picture this: the sun shining, friends lounging in the backyard, and the enticing aroma of grilled meats wafting through the air. What’s a BBQ without the right accompaniments?
For me, cilantro lime slaw is a superstar side. It’s tangy, crunchy, and brings a burst of flavor that complements everything from grilled chicken to fish tacos. If you’re looking to elevate your summer spread, allow me to share my love for this versatile slaw.
What is Cilantro Lime Slaw?
Cilantro lime slaw is a vibrant salad made primarily of shredded cabbage tossed with a dressing that features fresh cilantro and zesty lime. The result? A refreshing mix that is both crispy and invigorating.
It’s not just a side dish; it acts as a palate cleanser and a flavor booster. Trust me, once you serve this slaw at your next cookout, guests will be asking for the recipe.
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The Ingredients
To whip up this delightful slaw, you’ll need a handful of fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
1 (14-ounce) bag coleslaw mix (about 7–8 cups shredded cabbage and carrots)
2 garlic cloves, peeled
3 green onions, green tops only, thinly sliced
¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
½ cup firmly packed fresh cilantro leaves
1 teaspoon lime zest (optional)
1 jalapeño or serrano chile, stemmed and deseeded (optional for some heat)
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
½ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat for a creamier texture)
2 tablespoons honey
With these ingredients in hand, you’re ready to make something truly special.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Slaw
Before diving in, let me say that making this slaw is as easy as pie. A quick stir here and a chop there, and you’ll be ready to serve!
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
First things first, assemble all your ingredients. It’s always helpful to have everything within arm’s reach to streamline the process.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a blender or food processor, toss in the garlic, cilantro leaves, lime juice, lime zest, jalapeño (if using), salt, cumin, and pepper. Blend until it becomes a smooth mixture.
Step 3: Mix in the Greek Yogurt
Once your dressing is ready, add the Greek yogurt. This will give your slaw a creamy texture while keeping it light. Blend again until the mixture is uniform.
Step 4: Combine the Cabbage
In a large bowl, add the coleslaw mix. Pour your creamy cilantro lime dressing over the cabbage and toss until everything is well coated.
Step 5: Adjust the Seasoning
Give it a taste! You might want to adjust the seasoning with a little more salt or lime juice, depending on your preference.
Step 6: Fold in the Green Onions
At the end, add in the sliced green onions. They’ll provide an extra crunch and flavor that rounds off the slaw beautifully.
Notes
Here are some handy tips for making the most out of your cilantro lime slaw:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cilantro and lime will significantly enhance the flavor.
- Chill Before Serving: Let the slaw sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld.
- Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of jalapeño according to your spice tolerance.
- Add Crunch: Toss in some crushed peanuts or sunflower seeds for added texture.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This slaw keeps well, making it a great make-ahead dish.
Storage Tips
If you’re not serving it all at once (although you probably will), here’s how to store your slaw:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- It’s best eaten within 3 days, but it can last up to a week. The crunchiness may soften over time, but the taste will still be great.
- Avoid adding dressing to the entire batch if you plan to save some for later. Keep it separate for maximum freshness.
Nutrition Information
Cilantro lime slaw is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients! Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Calories: Approximately 120 per serving (1 cup)
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
This slaw is a great source of vitamins C and K from the cabbage and cilantro and provides a healthy dose of probiotics when using yogurt.
Serving Suggestions
You can pair cilantro lime slaw with various main dishes. Here are some ideas:
1. Tacos: Load up some fish or chicken tacos with this slaw. The citrus notes and crunch contrast beautifully with the warm fillings.
2. Grilled Chicken: Serve alongside a juicy piece of grilled chicken. The acidity cuts through the richness of the meat perfectly.
3. BBQ Pork: Top your pulled pork sandwiches with this slaw for a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors.
4. Burgers: Dip your burger in this vibrant slaw instead of using heavy toppings. It keeps things light and flavorful.
5. Salads: Include as a side to a heavier salad. It complements quinoa or bean salads, adding a refreshing note.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Cilantro Lime Slaw?
If you’re missing an ingredient or want to mix things up, here are five alternatives that work just as well:
- Cabbage Variants: Use red cabbage instead of green for a pop of color and slightly different flavor.
- Greek Yogurt Sub: Try sour cream if you prefer a tangier taste or need a dairy alternative.
- Honey Replacement: Substitute maple syrup for those keeping it vegan.
- Herbs: Parsley can replace cilantro if you find cilantro too strong or want a different herby note.
- Add Other Veggies: Carrots, bell peppers, or radishes can be mixed in for extra crunch and flavor.
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- 1 14-ounce bag coleslaw mix (about 7–8 cups shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 2 garlic cloves peeled
- 3 green onions green tops only, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ cup firmly packed fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 teaspoon lime zest optional
- 1 jalapeño or serrano chile stemmed and deseeded (optional for some heat)
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt full-fat for a creamier texture
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
- First things first, assemble all your ingredients. It’s always helpful to have everything within arm’s reach to streamline the process.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- In a blender or food processor, toss in the garlic, cilantro leaves, lime juice, lime zest, jalapeño (if using), salt, cumin, and pepper. Blend until it becomes a smooth mixture.
Step 3: Mix in the Greek Yogurt
- Once your dressing is ready, add the Greek yogurt. This will give your slaw a creamy texture while keeping it light. Blend again until the mixture is uniform.
Step 4: Combine the Cabbage
- In a large bowl, add the coleslaw mix. Pour your creamy cilantro lime dressing over the cabbage and toss until everything is well coated.
Step 5: Adjust the Seasoning
- Give it a taste! You might want to adjust the seasoning with a little more salt or lime juice, depending on your preference.
Step 6: Fold in the Green Onions
- At the end, add in the sliced green onions. They’ll provide an extra crunch and flavor that rounds off the slaw beautifully.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cilantro and lime will significantly enhance the flavor.
- Chill Before Serving: Let the slaw sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld.
- Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of jalapeño according to your spice tolerance.
- Add Crunch: Toss in some crushed peanuts or sunflower seeds for added texture.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This slaw keeps well, making it a great make-ahead dish.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this slaw vegan?
Yes! Simply use a plant-based yogurt instead of Greek yogurt and replace honey with maple syrup.
2. Can I make it spicy?
Definitely! Toss in more jalapeños or add a few dashes of hot sauce to ramp up the heat.
3. Is the slaw gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the ingredients listed are gluten-free, making this slaw suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
4. How long does this slaw keep?
It keeps well for about 3 to 7 days in the fridge. Just keep the dressing separate if you plan to store it for longer.
5. Can I add proteins to this slaw?
Of course! Adding shredded chicken or chickpeas can transform this slaw into a more filling dish while still being refreshing.
Conclusion
Cilantro lime slaw is more than just a side; it’s a delightful addition that brightens any summer spread. From BBQs to picnics, it fits right in, adding color and taste. Making it is a breeze, and with just a few tweaks, you can cater to your guests’ tastes and dietary preferences. With my tips and steps, you’re bound to impress anyone who takes a bite. So grab your ingredients and let’s kick off summer with flavor!