If you’re looking for the perfect side dish to go with any main course, you have to make this fantastic 5-minute Cilantro Lime Slaw. You only need 7 ingredients to whip up this healthy, flavorful side dish. This tangy coleslaw is made with all wholesome ingredients and has NO mayo.
It’s summer and I love easy, throw together sides like this No Mayo Cilantro Lime Coleslaw. It’s been featured on the blog before in my Flank Steak Tacos recipe and BBQ Chicken, but it’s so versatile, I knew it deserved it’s own past.
You guys are going to love this easy recipe with a nice crunchy texture that you can put on top of all kind of tacos, fajitas with black beans and cauliflower rice, or your other favorite Mexican dishes. It’s also really delicious with BBQ, burgers, and other sandwiches.
Why you will love this no mayo coleslaw recipe
- So fresh: you will love the light and bright lime dressing in this crunchy coleslaw.
- Super simple: you only need 7 ingredients to whip up this healthy, flavorful side dish, and it’s ready in less than 5 minutes.
- Goes with everything: perfect side or topping for any and all BBQ or Mexican food.
- Dairy free and easily vegan: A vegan recipe if you use maple syrup, gluten free, and dairy free too.
- Low calorie: This easy veggie packed slaw fits perfectly into your healthy eating plan, and it’s only around 50 calories per serving.
Cilantro Lime Coleslaw Ingredients
For full details on ingredients, be sure to check the recipe card below! Here’s what you need!
- Fresh cilantro – I assume if you found this recipe, you love cilantro! I usually add extra because I am obsessed!
- Coleslaw mix- to make this super easy, you can use a bag of coleslaw mix from the grocery store or make your own.
- Red onion – TIP: soak your red onion in water for 20 minutes to reduce the bite if you are onion sensitive.
- Fresh jalapeno – this adds flavor more than heat, but be sure to deseed your jalapeno if you don’t like this too spicy.
- Maple syrup– you can also use honey instead since it’s a natural sweetener option.
- Fresh lime juice – I like to use fresh lime juice from a lime – so bright and summery. You can add some lime zest if you are feeling fancy!
- Olive oil – you can also use avocado oil.
- Salt – I like kosher salt or sea salt.
How to Make The Best Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe
This recipe comes together in two easy steps!
- Make the dressing: mix together lime juice, maple syrup, and oil in a small bowl.
2. In a large bowl, combine coleslaw mix, cilantro, red onion, and jalapeno. Pour dressing overtop and toss. Season with salt to taste.
What Else Can I Add to This Easy Coleslaw Recipe?
- Add more veggies: think sliced up bell peppers, more carrots, radishes, diced broccoli florets, or whatever you love!
- Add in plant based protein: would be delish with marinated tofu, black beans, falafel, or edamame.
- Add in healthy fat: love topping this with avocado, sliced almonds, or sunflower seeds!
Making Your Own Coleslaw Mix
For making your own shredded cabbage slaw mix, I like to grab green cabbage or purple cabbage and chop it up myself using a sharp chef knife. Then add thinly sliced carrots and red onions to the mix. Voila!
Can You Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make this slaw ahead of time to help save time. Be sure to store it properly in a container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
Helpful Tips
- You can also use a broccoli slaw instead of cabbage. This tends to hold up a little longer if you want to make it ahead of time, for longer periods of time, or if you want to use leftovers longer.
- If you’re looking to include an orange container (21 day fixers) in this recipe or want to add some additional crunch, you can add some pepita seeds, chia seeds, or sunflower seeds.
- This slaw uses a mixture of the oil, lime juice and maple syrup in place of the mayo in traditional coleslaw, but feel free to add a few tablespoons of mayo into this for a creamier salad.
How to Store Lime Cilantro Slaw
Your leftover slaw should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What to Serve with Cilantro Lime Slaw
There are a ton of ideas you can make with this tangy slaw! Here are some easy ideas:
- Pulled Pork or Pulled bbq chicken
- Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos
- Flank Steak Tacos
- Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa
- Crock Pot Chicken Fajitas
- Taco Skillet
- Burrito Bowls with Plain Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream
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Cilantro Lime Slaw
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp cilantro
- 4 cups of coleslaw mix or chop your own cabbage
- 1/4 of a red onion cut into skinny strips
- ½-1 jalapeno diced and seeds removed
- 4 tsp maple syrup or honey
- 2 limes juice from
- 1 tsp olive oil
- sprinkle of salt
Instructions
- Mix together lime, maple syrup/honey, and olive oil.
- Toss dressing with coleslaw mix, cilantro, red onion, and jalapeno. Season with salt to taste.
Notes
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- Soak your red onion in water for 20 minutes to reduce the bite if you are onion sensitive.
- You can also use a broccoli slaw instead of cabbage. This tends to hold up a little longer if you want to make it ahead of time, for longer periods of time, or if you want to use leftovers longer.
-
- If you’re looking to include an orange container (21 day FIXers) in this recipe or want to add some additional crunch, you can add some pepita seeds, chia seeds, or sunflower seeds.
-
- This slaw uses a mixture of the oil, lime juice and maple syrup in place of the mayo in traditional coleslaw, but feel free to add a few tablespoons of mayo into this for a creamier salad.
Nicole says
We have been making this for years! A winner!!