Get ready to spice up your meals with our Cilantro Lime Slaw. This vibrant and tangy slaw is the perfect addition to tacos, burgers, or even as a side dish for grilled meats. The creamy dressing, infused with fresh cilantro and lime, brings a zesty twist to the traditional cole slaw. It’s easy to make, It’s good for you, tastes great, and is easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Slaw
This slaw is all about fresh flavors and creamy texture. The combination of Greek yogurt, lime juice, and cilantro creates a tangy, herbaceous dressing that pairs beautifully with the crunch of the cole slaw mix. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or a topping for your favorite Mexican dishes, this cilantro lime slaw is sure to impress.
Ingredients Overview
- Cilantro Lime Slaw Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt*
- 1/2 cup tightly-packed fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup freshly-squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper
- 3 green onions (just the green parts)
- 2 garlic cloves
- (optional) 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, stemmed and cored
- 1 (14-ounce) bag cole slaw mix* (about 7–8 cups)
Preparing the Dressing
Ingredients for the Dressing
Gather your dressing ingredients: Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, lime juice, ground cumin, sea salt, black pepper, green onions, garlic cloves, and jalapeño (if using). These ingredients blend together to create a creamy, flavorful dressing with a kick.
Blending the Dressing
In a blender or food processor, combine the Greek yogurt, cilantro, lime juice, cumin, salt, black pepper, green onions, garlic, and jalapeño. Pulse briefly a few times until the mixture is well combined. If you prefer a smoother dressing, blend until completely smooth.
Using Store-Bought Mix
For convenience, you can use a 14-ounce bag of store-bought cole slaw mix. This typically includes shredded cabbage and carrots, providing a great base for the slaw.
Making Your Own Cole Slaw Mix
If you prefer homemade, combine about 7 cups of shredded cabbage (green, red, or a mix) and 1 cup of shredded carrots. This allows you to customize the texture and freshness of your slaw.
Assembling the Slaw
Combining the Slaw Mix and Dressing
Use a big bowl to mix the cole slaw mix. Add the cilantro lime dressing to the slaw mix and mix it all together. Add everything to a bowl and mix it together until the slaw is evenly covered with the dressing. This dish will be hard to resist because of its bright colors and fresh smell.
Adjusting Seasoning
Taste the slaw and season with extra black pepper and/or lime juice if needed. Adjusting the seasoning to your preference ensures a perfectly balanced flavor.
Serving Suggestions
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Slaw
Serve the cilantro lime slaw immediately for the best texture and flavor. It’s a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Pairing Ideas
This slaw is excellent as a topping for tacos, sandwiches, and burgers. It also makes a great side for grilled chicken, fish, or barbecue dishes. The fresh, tangy flavors complement rich, savory foods beautifully.
Tips and Tricks
Customizing the Spice Level
If you prefer a milder slaw, omit the jalapeño or serrano pepper. For extra heat, leave the seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
Making Ahead and Storage Tips
Before you serve the salad, make the dressing.
Based on my professional expertise and competence, I would like to inform you that the refrigerated item in question can be safely stored for a duration of up to three days.
However, it’s best to combine the dressing and slaw mix just before serving to maintain the crunchiness of the vegetables.
Alternative Ingredients
For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based yogurt. You can also substitute the Greek yogurt with mayonnaise or a blend of mayo and sour cream for a richer dressing.
Health Benefits
Nutritional Benefits of Greek Yogurt
Protein, probiotics, and calcium can all be found in large amounts in Greek yogurt.
It adds a creamy texture to the slaw without the extra calories and fat found in traditional mayonnaise.
Health Benefits of Cabbage
Cabbage is low in calories but high in vitamins C and K. It’s also a good source of fiber, which promotes digestive health and helps you feel full longer.
Why Fresh Herbs are Beneficial
Fresh herbs like cilantro are rich in antioxidants and essential oils. They add flavor without the need for extra salt or fat, making your dishes healthier and more aromatic.
Variations of the Recipe
Vegan Cilantro Lime Slaw
For a vegan version, use a dairy-free yogurt or a blend of olive oil and avocado as the base for the dressing. This keeps the slaw creamy and delicious without any animal products.
Creamy Avocado Cilantro Slaw
Add a ripe avocado to the blender when making the dressing. This adds an extra layer of creaminess and a boost of healthy fats, making the slaw even more satisfying.
Spicy Chipotle Cilantro Lime Slaw
For a smoky, spicy twist, add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the dressing ingredients. Blend until smooth, and enjoy a slaw with a kick of heat and a hint of smokiness.
Conclusion
Our Cilantro Lime Slaw is a refreshing, zesty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re adding it to tacos, serving it as a side, or enjoying it on its own, this slaw is sure to brighten up your meal. It’s easy to make, full of fresh flavors, and packed with nutrients. Try it out and see how it can make your favorite foods taste better!
FAQs
Can I Use Regular Yogurt Instead of Greek Yogurt?
Yes, you can use regular, plain yogurt if you prefer. It will be slightly less thick, but still delicious.
How Long Will the Slaw Keep in the Refrigerator?
The slaw can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
For the most crunch, it’s best eaten right away.
Can I Make This Slaw Without a Blender?
Absolutely! Simply finely chop the cilantro, green onions, garlic, and jalapeño, then whisk them together with the other dressing ingredients until combined.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Slaw?
Store any leftover slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To keep it fresh, you might want to store the dressing separately and combine just before serving.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Slaw?
Yes, feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, radishes, or even shredded Brussels sprouts for extra color and flavor.