Oh my goodness, let me tell you why cilantro lime coleslaw has become a staple at my gatherings! It’s the perfect blend of crunchy cabbage and zesty lime that just makes your taste buds dance. Whenever I serve it, I get raving compliments and requests for the recipe. Trust me, the freshness of the cilantro combined with that tangy dressing is so refreshing, especially on those warm days. And the best part? It pairs beautifully with so many dishes—from grilled chicken to fish tacos. Seriously, this coleslaw is not just a side; it’s a celebration in a bowl that everyone will adore!
What is Cilantro Lime Coleslaw?
Cilantro lime coleslaw is a vibrant twist on the classic side dish that brings together fresh, crunchy ingredients in a delightful way. At its core, you’ve got shredded green cabbage and carrots, which provide a satisfying crunch. The real star, though, is the fresh cilantro that adds a burst of flavor, perfectly complemented by the tangy lime dressing. This coleslaw stands out not just for its taste but for its refreshing qualities, making it an ideal accompaniment to any meal. Whether you’re enjoying it at a barbecue or a casual dinner, this coleslaw is sure to brighten up your plate!
Ingredients for Cilantro Lime Coleslaw
To whip up this delicious cilantro lime coleslaw, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded – This is your crunchy base, adding that satisfying texture.
- 1 cup carrots, shredded – For a pop of color and sweetness that balances the tanginess.
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped – The fresh herb that brightens everything up and adds a unique flavor.
- 1/4 cup lime juice – This is where the tangy goodness comes from, giving it that refreshing kick.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise – For creaminess that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon honey – A touch of sweetness to balance out the lime’s acidity.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for bringing out all those lovely flavors.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re on your way to making a coleslaw that everyone will love!
How to Prepare Cilantro Lime Coleslaw
Making cilantro lime coleslaw is super easy and fun! You’re going to love how quickly it comes together. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a refreshing side dish that everyone will be raving about. First, let’s get everything prepped. Grab a large bowl and combine the shredded green cabbage and carrots; mix them well to distribute the colors and textures evenly. Next, toss in the chopped cilantro and give it another good mix.
Now, for the dressing! In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, mayonnaise, honey, salt, and pepper until it’s nice and smooth. This dressing is the magic sauce that brings everything together! Pour the dressing over your cabbage mixture and toss it all up until every shred is coated in that tangy goodness.
Here’s the crucial part: cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making every bite even more delicious. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Step-by-Step Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage and carrots.
- Add the chopped cilantro and mix well to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, mayonnaise, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat everything evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors develop.
Tips for Success with Cilantro Lime Coleslaw
To make your cilantro lime coleslaw truly shine, here are a few tips that I swear by! First off, if you prefer a sweeter touch, feel free to adjust the amount of honey to your liking. Just taste as you go! Also, for even better flavor, consider making the coleslaw a day ahead of time. This allows all those vibrant flavors to mingle beautifully in the fridge overnight. When it comes to serving, don’t be afraid to get creative! Try adding some sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick or toss in some diced avocado for extra creaminess. Your guests will be begging for more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: You can whip this up in no time—perfect for when you’re short on time but want something delicious!
- Refreshing taste: The combination of crunchy cabbage, zesty lime, and fresh cilantro creates a bright flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Healthy ingredients: Packed with veggies and made with simple, wholesome ingredients, it’s a guilt-free side dish.
- Versatile: This coleslaw pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, from barbecued meats to tacos, making it an ideal addition to any meal.
Nutritional Information
Before diving into this delicious cilantro lime coleslaw, it’s good to know a bit about its nutritional profile! Keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but here’s a general breakdown for a serving size of 1 cup:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Cholesterol: 5mg
This coleslaw is not only tasty but also a healthy option to complement your meals!
FAQ about Cilantro Lime Coleslaw
Got questions about making your cilantro lime coleslaw? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! One common question is, How do I store leftovers? Just keep your coleslaw in an airtight container in the fridge, and it should stay fresh for up to 3 days. As for ingredient substitutions, if you’re not a fan of mayo, you can swap it for Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy twist. And if you want to kick it up a notch, feel free to add sliced jalapeños or diced bell peppers for extra crunch!
As for serving suggestions, this coleslaw is fantastic alongside grilled meats, but it also makes a great topping for tacos or burgers. So, get creative and enjoy it any way you like!
Serving Suggestions for Cilantro Lime Coleslaw
Cilantro lime coleslaw is a fantastic side dish that can elevate any meal! I absolutely love serving it alongside grilled meats like juicy chicken, tender steak, or succulent fish. The bright, zesty flavors of the coleslaw perfectly complement the smoky char of the grill. But don’t stop there! It also pairs beautifully with tacos, adding a refreshing crunch and a burst of flavor. You could even use it as a topping for pulled pork sandwiches or burgers, giving that extra zing that everyone will adore. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this coleslaw on your table all summer long!
oven-fried chicken with homemade coleslaw is a great pairing for this dish, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
For more coleslaw inspiration, check out this unforgettable flavor recipe that will surely impress your guests!
Creamy garlic parmesan pasta is another delightful dish that complements the freshness of cilantro lime coleslaw perfectly.
Print
Cilantro Lime Coleslaw: 5 Reasons You’ll Adore This Refreshing Dish
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cilantro lime coleslaw is a refreshing side dish that combines crunchy cabbage and fresh cilantro with a tangy lime dressing.
Ingredients
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage and carrots.
- Add chopped cilantro and mix well.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, mayonnaise, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This coleslaw pairs well with grilled meats.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey.
- Can be made a day ahead for better flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: cilantro lime coleslaw
