Mango Cilantro Slaw: A Tropical Twist on a Classic Side Dish

Looking for a vibrant and refreshing side dish to brighten up your next meal? Look no further than this delightful Mango Cilantro Slaw! This slaw isn’t your average mayonnaise-laden side; it’s a burst of tropical flavors that combines the sweetness of ripe mangoes with the zesty kick of cilantro and a tangy lime dressing. It’s perfect for pairing with grilled fish, tacos, pulled pork sandwiches, or simply enjoying on its own as a light and flavorful salad. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, customizable to your liking, and sure to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Mango Cilantro Slaw

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet mango, fresh cilantro, and tangy lime creates a truly unforgettable flavor profile.
• Light and Refreshing: Unlike traditional coleslaw, this slaw is light, crisp, and won’t weigh you down.
• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort and can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
• Versatile: Mango cilantro slaw is a fantastic side dish for a variety of meals, from grilled meats to fish tacos.
• Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, spice, and ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
• Perfect for Summer: The tropical flavors of this slaw make it an ideal dish for warm weather gatherings.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants from the mango, cilantro, and other vegetables.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather these fresh and vibrant ingredients:

• Mangoes: 2 large, ripe but firm mangoes, peeled and diced. The ripeness is key – you want them sweet but not mushy. Tommy Atkins, Haden, or Ataulfo mangoes work well.
• Cabbage: 1/2 medium head of green cabbage, thinly shredded. You can also use pre-shredded coleslaw mix for convenience, but shredding it yourself ensures the freshest flavor and texture.
• Red Cabbage (Optional): 1/4 head of red cabbage, thinly shredded. This adds a beautiful pop of color and a slightly different flavor.
• Carrots: 2 medium carrots, peeled and shredded or julienned. These add sweetness and crunch.
• Red Onion: 1/4 medium red onion, thinly sliced or finely diced. Red onion provides a pungent bite that balances the sweetness of the mango. You can soak the sliced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow its sharpness if desired.
• Cilantro: 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped. Cilantro is essential for the characteristic flavor of this slaw. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute with flat-leaf parsley, but it won’t have the same distinct taste.
• Lime Juice: 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from about 2-3 limes). Freshly squeezed lime juice is crucial for the best flavor. Bottled lime juice often lacks the bright, zesty taste.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. This helps to bind the dressing and adds a subtle richness.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness). Adjust the amount to your liking depending on the sweetness of your mangoes. Agave nectar also works well.
• Jalapeño (Optional): 1/2 jalapeño, seeded and minced (for a spicy kick). Be sure to remove the seeds and membranes before mincing the jalapeño, as that’s where most of the heat resides. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Other Optional Additions: Toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds), chopped avocado, bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), or shredded coconut.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Mango Cilantro Slaw:

1. Prepare the Mangoes: Peel and dice the mangoes into small, even-sized pieces. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
2. Shred the Cabbage and Carrots: Thinly shred the green cabbage and red cabbage (if using). Shred or julienne the carrots. Add them to the mixing bowl with the mangoes. If using pre-shredded coleslaw mix, simply add it to the bowl.
3. Prepare the Red Onion and Cilantro: Thinly slice or finely dice the red onion. Chop the fresh cilantro. Add them to the bowl.
4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, honey or maple syrup (if using), and minced jalapeño (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine the Ingredients: Pour the dressing over the vegetables and mango in the large mixing bowl.
6. Toss to Coat: Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the slaw soggy.
7. Chill (Optional): For best flavor, cover the slaw and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is optional, but it definitely enhances the overall taste.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Mango Cilantro Slaw chilled and enjoy! Garnish with toasted pepitas, chopped avocado, or shredded coconut if desired.

Tips for the Best Mango Cilantro Slaw

• Use Ripe Mangoes: Ripe mangoes are essential for the best flavor and sweetness. Choose mangoes that are slightly soft to the touch but not mushy. They should have a fragrant aroma.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the slaw can cause it to become soggy. Gently toss the ingredients together until they are just coated with the dressing.
• Taste and Adjust: Taste the slaw and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more lime juice for extra tanginess, honey for sweetness, or jalapeño for spice.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the slaw a few hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld together even more as it sits. However, be aware that the cabbage may soften slightly over time.
• Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the slaw.
• Spice it Up: If you like a lot of heat, add more jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
• Sweeten it Up: If your mangoes aren’t very sweet, you may want to add a little more honey or maple syrup to the dressing.
• Storage: Store leftover Mango Cilantro Slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The slaw will be best eaten within the first 24 hours.

Variations and Substitutions

This Mango Cilantro Slaw recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to your liking. Here are a few variations and substitutions to try:

• Pineapple Cilantro Slaw: Substitute the mango with diced pineapple for a slightly different tropical flavor.
• Strawberry Cilantro Slaw: Use sliced strawberries instead of mango for a sweeter, more summery slaw.
• Avocado Mango Slaw: Add diced avocado for a creamy texture and healthy fats.
• Black Bean and Corn Slaw: Add black beans and corn for a more substantial and flavorful slaw. This is a great option for a vegetarian or vegan meal.
• Spicy Peanut Slaw: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the dressing for a creamy and nutty flavor. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Asian-Inspired Slaw: Use rice vinegar instead of lime juice and add a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil to the dressing. You can also add shredded napa cabbage and edamame.
• Creamy Mango Slaw: Add a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the dressing for a creamier texture. Be careful not to add too much, as this can make the slaw heavy.
• No Cilantro? If you absolutely can’t stand cilantro, substitute it with flat-leaf parsley or a combination of parsley and mint. However, the flavor will be significantly different.
• No Red Onion? Use a sweet yellow onion or scallions instead of red onion.

Serving Suggestions

Mango Cilantro Slaw is a fantastic side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Tacos: Use it as a topping for fish tacos, shrimp tacos, or pulled pork tacos.
• Grilled Meats: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops.
• Fish: It’s a perfect complement to grilled or baked fish, such as salmon, cod, or tilapia.
• Sandwiches: Add it to pulled pork sandwiches, veggie burgers, or other sandwiches for a burst of flavor.
• Salads: Enjoy it on its own as a light and refreshing salad.
• Bowls: Use it as a base for grain bowls or nourish bowls with quinoa, rice, or other grains.
• Appetizer: Serve it as an appetizer with tortilla chips or pita bread.
• Potlucks and BBQ’s: This slaw is a crowd-pleaser and is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, and other gatherings.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Based on one serving, without optional additions)

• Calories: 150-200
• Fat: 8-12 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
• Protein: 2-3 grams
• Fiber: 4-5 grams

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Mango Cilantro Slaw:

• Can I make this slaw ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the slaw a few hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld together even more as it sits. However, be aware that the cabbage may soften slightly over time.
• How long does Mango Cilantro Slaw last? Leftover Mango Cilantro Slaw can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, the slaw will be best eaten within the first 24 hours.
• Can I freeze Mango Cilantro Slaw? Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the cabbage and mango will change and become mushy.
• I don’t like cilantro. What can I substitute it with? If you absolutely can’t stand cilantro, substitute it with flat-leaf parsley or a combination of parsley and mint. However, the flavor will be significantly different.
• Can I use frozen mango? While fresh mango is preferred for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen mango in a pinch. Be sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before using.
• Is this slaw vegan? Yes, this slaw is vegan as long as you use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey.
• Is this slaw gluten-free? Yes, this slaw is naturally gluten-free.
• How do I prevent the red onion from being too strong? Soak the sliced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow its sharpness.

Conclusion

Mango Cilantro Slaw is a delightful and refreshing side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its vibrant flavors, easy preparation, and versatility make it a winner in our book. So, ditch the boring coleslaw and give this tropical twist a try! You won’t be disappointed.