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There is so much to love about this Mexican taco slaw recipe! Not only is this cilantro lime slaw a flavorful, bright, and crunchy topping for tacos, but it also makes a great side for any Mexican dish. It’s flavorful, but it’s also easy: this cabbage slaw for tacos is ready in just 5 minutes.
If you’re looking for a classic slaw, try my broccoli slaw next. Or, give my creamy cucumber salad, cucumber radish salad, or Israeli salad a try. They pair with anything!
What Is Taco Slaw?
This easy cabbage slaw for tacos is great as a taco topping, but also as a side to any Mexican dish. It’s made with coleslaw mix and a delicious, creamy cilantro lime dressing. Like cilantro lime cauliflower rice, it combines lots of tangy, herby flavors onto one plate! For another easy Mexican-style side, try crock pot queso dip as well.
Why You’ll Love This Cilantro Lime Slaw Recipe
- Crunchy sweet coleslaw mix
- Creamy cilantro lime dressing
- Easy and healthy
- Ready in 5 minutes
Taco Slaw Recipe Ingredients
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for cilantro lime cabbage slaw, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
- Mayonnaise – I prefer using a homemade avocado oil mayonnaise, but you can really use your favorite brand.
- Lime juice – Using fresh squeezed lime juice will give you the best flavor, but you can also use bottled lime juice for a time-saver.
- Cumin – This will give the quick slaw for tacos smoky, traditional flavor.
- Garlic powder – This gives the dressing mild garlic flavor.
- Sea salt
- Cayenne pepper – This give the slaw some kick! Adjust to your spice preferences.
- Shredded coleslaw mix – It’s super easy to use a pre-shredded mix and will give you some variety in veggies, but you can also shred your own if you prefer.
- Green onions – Look for green onions with bright green tops.
- Cilantro – Look for bright green, leafy cilantro. You can also add more or less according to your preferences.
How To Make Cabbage Slaw For Tacos
This section shows how to make cabbage slaw for tacos with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
- Mix dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne.
- Toss the easy taco slaw. Place coleslaw mix, green onions, and cilantro into a large bowl. Pour dressing over evenly and toss to coat.
- Chill. Refrigerate the slaw for an hour to let flavors develop. Stir before serving, and top with more green onions and a squeeze of lime, if desired.
Storage Instructions
If you’re making cabbage slaw for fish tacos ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator for 1-3 days. If you’ll be storing it longer, wait to dress the coleslaw mix an hour before serving.
What To Serve With Cilantro Lime Coleslaw
The best part about this slaw is that you’ll find so many ways to eat it! Here are a few ideas:
- Tacos – Use cabbage slaw for fish tacos (I have the perfect recipe in The Easy Keto Cookbook), keto tacos, or taco skillet recipes. Or stuff it into cheese taco shells with your favorite fillings.
- Fajitas – This simple slaw for tacos would also pair well with fajita recipes like Instant Pot steak fajitas, healthy fajita stuffed peppers, or chicken fajitas.
- Other Mexican Meals – The slaw would be a great topping or side for Mexican recipes such as flank steak carne asada, slow cooker keto taco casserole, Chipotle copycat beef barbacoa, cheesy stuffed poblano peppers, or walking taco bowls.
Mexican Taco Slaw Recipe
Cilantro Lime Taco Slaw Recipe
This creamy taco slaw recipe makes the perfect side dish or cabbage slaw for tacos! The best part: Mexican cilantro lime slaw takes just 5 minutes to make.
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Ingredients
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Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, cumin, garlic powder, salt and cayenne.
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Place the shredded coleslaw mix, green onions, and cilantro into a large bowl. Pour the dressing over evenly and toss to coat.
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If you have time, refrigerate the cilantro lime slaw for an hour to let the flavors develop. Stir again before serving. Serve chilled.
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Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 cup
Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.
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38 Comments
John sanderlin
0We absolutely Love this Slaw. I make it just as you say and it’s AMAZING! I’ve made it 4 times in the past couple months. I tell everyone about and give them the recipe. Thanks
Jan
0Tried this today and it’s delicious! Definitely a keeper!
Annette Casanova
0My husband loved this recipe. He is so picky and I was shocked when he kept getting more and more. Happy to find something to go with our tacos that is delish. I am making this again soon.
Almira
0The best coleslaw recipe I ever tried. I made this salad several times, and shared the recipe with my friends and family. Everyone loved it!!
Helen Sohne
0I prefer homemade cole slaw to store bought and was about to make some for dinner when your recipe appeared in my email. The dressing is light and tangy with just enough pop from the red pepper. I didn’t have fresh cilantro which I am sure would be better. But I did have frozen chopped cilantro which worked well enough. Perfect with Mexican food or just burgers.
Cindy
0Can you make this a day ahead?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Cindy, Yes, you can store it in the refrigerator for 1-3 days.
Sarah
0Delicious recipe! I used vegan mayo and used about half the amount bc I personally like less mayo in my slaw. Was the perfect topping for cauliflower and vegan chorizo tacos.
Amber
0So tasty! We made it to top off our ocean perch tacos and the flavor was perfect! Will use time and time again.
April Blaine
0I love this recipe! I serve it to guests and at family gatherings, and I always get asked for the recipe. People who don’t like coleslaw say they love this.
Jessica
0Thanks for sharing this recipe with perfect proportions! I halved it for just my husband and added a half teaspoon of sugar.
Brooke
0Wow! What a delicious flavor combo! This is a new family favorite!
Sue
0Great Recipe. And so easy.
Renee
0Wow! This is fantastic by itself or on tacos! So simple and delicious!
Joan
0I haven’t made this yet but I love slaw.I love spicy food so I will add jalapeño peppers.
Melanie Lodermeier
0Has anyone ever made this for a HUGE group and have tips?
I adjusted the recipe to serve 150 people for an upcoming grad party – thought I’d check for suggestions before I buy 270 oz (17 bags) of coleslaw 🙂
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Melanie, Yes, you should be able to just scale it up for a large group. Not sure if you’ll have a bowl large enough for that many servings though, so you may need to make a few batches.
Meliodie
0Excellent recipe! No changes needed. Delicious with the perfect balance of seasonings, cilantro and lime. I’ll be keeping this one in rotation!
Almira
0The best coleslaw recipe I ever tried. I made this salad several times, and shared the recipe with my friends and family. Everyone loved it!!
KRISTIN
0This slaw was an amazing flavor bomb to my pork carnitas. My family loved it. I used 1/2 C mayo and 1/4 C full fat Greek yogurt. I substituted lemon juice for the lime and red onion for the green. Thank you for the recipe.
Susan
0Made this to go with your Keto Taco Bowls, and it makes a wonderful base for them. Using coleslaw mix was a real eye opener, since I usually slice my own cabbage for making slaw. I love how easy it is to use the mix. This slaw has a really nice flavor, and I’ll definitely be making it again, probably pretty regularly.
Amy
0I am not always a fan of slaw but this one has a ton of flavor. It is great on its own or on a sandwich or burger too.
Kristyn
0Slaws are so good!! They add flavor & color to any meal! You can’t mess this up!
Natalie
0This couldn’t have been any easier or quicker!! We love it on tacos! It adds so much flavor & crunch!
Paula
0This was so good!
Scarlet
0This taco slaw is good. I love the bright fresh flavors of lime and cilantro. Yum.
Toni
0Such a perfect recipe for weeknights! So easy to make and really good!
Krissy
0This recipe added so much flavor and zing to my tacos!
Beth
0Delicious ten times over. We put this on your chicken soft tacos and it takes them over the top. Thanks for a winning recipe.
Camille
0This looks so delicious!
Delia Narvaiz
0Definitely a go to from now on. Still wondering how this would work heated an cooked down.. delicious.
Shanna
0This salad was very easy to make and so good! My whole family loved it and I will be making it a lot!
Pam Starks
02nd time making this, so thought I’d comment. First batch didn’t last long! Only modifications for our family: omitted salt (we’re a low sodium house) and cut Cilantro in half (not huge fans, but wanted to respect the recipe flavor mix)
I did make my own mayo and used fresh lime juice this time but first batch I used store bought and it was good both ways…just a “touch” fresher/crisper tasting the second time around. Thanks, I haven’t had a single recipe of yours that wasn’t a hit at our house!
Meredith
0Well this certainly sounds delicious! I can’t wait to try it!!
Lisalia
0YUM! All the flavors of tacos in a cole slaw! I served it with siete chips and we devoured the entire thing!
Amy L Huntley
0I love that this only take 5-minutes to make and is the perfect addition to any taco!
Kristyn
0I love slaws alone or on my tacos, but with the cilantro & cayenne, this takes it to a whole new level! Loved it!
Natalie
0Yum! I love slaws & this one, I think is my new favorite!! I will be adding this on all my tacos!