Zesty Cilantro Lime Coleslaw: A Refreshing & Easy Recipe
Coleslaw often gets a bad rap. Visions of mayo-drenched, soggy cabbage swimming in a sugary sauce might spring to mind. But forget everything you thought you knew about coleslaw! This Cilantro Lime Coleslaw recipe is a vibrant, refreshing, and incredibly flavorful twist on the classic side dish. It’s light, zesty, and perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or even as a delicious topping for tacos and grilled fish.
This recipe ditches the heavy mayonnaise base in favor of a bright and tangy cilantro lime dressing. It’s packed with fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and a burst of citrus flavor that will leave you wanting more. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be prepped in advance, making it a perfect dish for entertaining.
## Why You’ll Love This Cilantro Lime Coleslaw
* **Light and Refreshing:** Unlike traditional coleslaw, this version is light and doesn’t weigh you down. The cilantro lime dressing provides a vibrant and tangy flavor that is perfect for warm weather.
* **Packed with Flavor:** The combination of cilantro, lime, and other fresh ingredients creates a complex and delicious flavor profile.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and can be made in under 30 minutes.
* **Versatile:** This coleslaw is a great side dish for grilled meats, fish, or vegetarian dishes. It’s also a delicious topping for tacos, sandwiches, and salads.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can prepare the coleslaw a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. In fact, letting it sit for a while allows the flavors to meld together even more.
* **Healthier Option:** This recipe uses a lighter dressing than traditional coleslaw, making it a healthier choice without sacrificing flavor.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this delightful Cilantro Lime Coleslaw. Don’t be afraid to adjust the amounts to your liking!
**For the Coleslaw:**
* **Coleslaw Mix:** 1 (16-ounce) bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots). Using a pre-shredded mix saves time, but you can also shred your own cabbage and carrots if you prefer.
* **Red Onion:** ½ small red onion, thinly sliced. Red onion adds a pop of color and a slightly pungent flavor. You can substitute with white or yellow onion if needed, but red onion is recommended.
* **Bell Pepper:** 1 bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced or diced. Bell peppers add sweetness and crunch. Choose your favorite color – red, yellow, or orange all work well.
* **Jalapeño (optional):** ½ jalapeño, seeded and minced. Add a touch of heat with a finely minced jalapeño. Remove the seeds and membranes for less heat. Omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
* **Fresh Cilantro:** ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro. Cilantro is the star of the show, providing a bright and herbaceous flavor. Be generous!
**For the Cilantro Lime Dressing:**
* **Mayonnaise:** ½ cup mayonnaise. Use your favorite brand of mayonnaise. You can also use a light or reduced-fat mayonnaise to cut down on calories.
* **Lime Juice:** ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2-3 limes). Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential for the best flavor. Avoid using bottled lime juice.
* **Lime Zest:** 1 teaspoon lime zest. Lime zest adds an extra layer of citrusy flavor.
* **Honey:** 1 tablespoon honey (or agave nectar). Honey adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the lime juice.
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and helps to emulsify the dressing.
* **Garlic:** 1 clove garlic, minced. Fresh garlic adds a pungent and savory flavor.
* **Ground Cumin:** ½ teaspoon ground cumin. Cumin adds a warm and earthy flavor.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Season the dressing to your liking with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Large Bowl:** For mixing the coleslaw.
* **Small Bowl or Jar:** For preparing the dressing.
* **Whisk or Fork:** For mixing the dressing.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For chopping vegetables.
* **Citrus Juicer (optional):** For juicing the limes.
* **Zester (optional):** For zesting the lime.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own Zesty Cilantro Lime Coleslaw:
**Step 1: Prepare the Dressing**
1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.
2. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more lime juice for extra tang or more honey for sweetness.
3. Set the dressing aside while you prepare the vegetables.
**Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables**
1. In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, thinly sliced red onion, sliced or diced bell pepper, minced jalapeño (if using), and chopped fresh cilantro.
2. Toss the vegetables together to ensure they are evenly distributed.
**Step 3: Combine and Chill**
1. Pour the cilantro lime dressing over the coleslaw mixture.
2. Toss gently to coat all the vegetables evenly with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the coleslaw soggy.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. For the best flavor, chill for at least an hour, or even overnight.
**Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!**
1. Before serving, give the coleslaw another gentle toss.
2. Serve chilled as a side dish, topping for tacos, or as part of a salad.
3. Garnish with extra cilantro or a lime wedge, if desired.
## Tips for the Best Cilantro Lime Coleslaw
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh lime juice, cilantro, and garlic will make a huge difference in the flavor of your coleslaw. Avoid using bottled lime juice or dried herbs.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing can make the coleslaw soggy. Toss gently until the vegetables are just coated with the dressing.
* **Adjust the Sweetness and Tanginess:** Taste the dressing and adjust the amount of honey and lime juice to your liking. Some people prefer a sweeter coleslaw, while others prefer a tangier one.
* **Make it Ahead:** This coleslaw is even better when made ahead of time. The flavors will meld together as it sits in the refrigerator.
* **Spice it Up:** Add more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing for extra heat.
* **Add Other Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to your coleslaw, such as shredded carrots, shredded cabbage, or chopped celery.
* **Use Different Herbs:** While cilantro is the star of this recipe, you can also add other herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a different flavor profile.
* **Control the Moisture:** If your coleslaw seems too watery after chilling, drain off some of the excess liquid before serving.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Consider adding toasted pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or chopped peanuts for added crunch and flavor.
* **Consider the Acid Balance:** A squeeze of orange juice can add a complementary sweetness and complexity to the flavor profile.
## Variations and Substitutions
* **Vegan Cilantro Lime Coleslaw:** Substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayonnaise alternative and the honey with agave nectar or maple syrup.
* **Greek Yogurt Dressing:** For a healthier option, replace some of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. Start with half mayonnaise and half Greek yogurt and adjust to taste.
* **Different Vegetables:** Add other vegetables like shredded broccoli stalks, kohlrabi, or even jicama for different textures and flavors.
* **Fruit:** Add diced mango, pineapple, or avocado for a tropical twist.
* **Nuts and Seeds:** Add toasted almonds, pecans, or sesame seeds for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
## Serving Suggestions
This Cilantro Lime Coleslaw is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **Grilled Meats:** Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, pork, or fish.
* **Tacos:** Use it as a topping for fish tacos, shrimp tacos, or vegetarian tacos.
* **Sandwiches:** Add it to pulled pork sandwiches, veggie burgers, or grilled chicken sandwiches.
* **Salads:** Add it to green salads or grain bowls for extra flavor and crunch.
* **BBQ Sides:** Serve it as part of a BBQ spread alongside other classic sides like potato salad, baked beans, and corn on the cob.
* **Fish Fry:** A refreshing accompaniment to fried fish or seafood.
* **Burgers:** Complements juicy hamburgers perfectly, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich patty.
## Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Cilantro Lime Coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the coleslaw may become slightly soggy over time. If it does, drain off any excess liquid before serving. The flavor will continue to develop as it sits, so it may even taste better the next day!
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
*Note: Nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
Per serving (approx. 1/2 cup):
* Calories: Approximately 150-200
* Fat: 12-15g
* Saturated Fat: 2-3g
* Cholesterol: 10-15mg
* Sodium: 150-250mg
* Carbohydrates: 8-10g
* Fiber: 2-3g
* Sugar: 5-7g
* Protein: 1-2g
## Recipe Card
**Zesty Cilantro Lime Coleslaw**
A vibrant and refreshing twist on classic coleslaw, featuring a tangy cilantro lime dressing and crunchy vegetables. Perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or as a topping for tacos.
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Chill Time:** 30 minutes (minimum), or longer for best flavor
**Total Time:** 45 minutes
**Servings:** 6-8
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (16-ounce) bag coleslaw mix
* ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
* 1 bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced or diced
* ½ jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
* ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
**For the Cilantro Lime Dressing:**
* ½ cup mayonnaise
* ¼ cup fresh lime juice
* 1 teaspoon lime zest
* 1 tablespoon honey (or agave nectar)
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* ½ teaspoon ground cumin
* Salt and black pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Dressing:** In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
2. **Prepare the Vegetables:** In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, red onion, bell pepper, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro.
3. **Combine and Chill:** Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture and toss gently to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or longer for best flavor.
4. **Serve:** Toss again before serving. Serve chilled as a side dish or topping.
**Notes:**
* Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
* Adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your liking.
* Make ahead of time for optimal flavor.
* Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
## Conclusion
This Cilantro Lime Coleslaw is a delicious and refreshing alternative to traditional coleslaw. With its bright flavors and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a new favorite side dish. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!
Enjoy!