Perfect for tacos, grilled meats, and sandwiches.

This Cilantro Lime Slaw is crisp, creamy, and packed with fresh flavor. A creamy cilantro jalapeño dressing coats every bite, while fresh lime juice and zest keep it bright and refreshing. It’s the perfect topping or side for tacos, grilled meats, sandwiches, or summer cookouts, and comes together in just a few minutes.

Cilantro lime coleslaw in a purple cabbage shaped bowl with a silver serving spoon.

Ingredients

Coleslaw mix is a convenient blend of shredded cabbage and carrots that provides the perfect crunchy base with no prep! The lime juice & zest brightens it all all up perfectly and the jalapeño brings the signature flavor without too much heat.

coleslaw mix
mayonnaise
fresh lime juice
lime zest
olive oil
honey – it doesn’t make the dressing sweet just balances out the flavors
cilantro
jalapeño – seeded to reduce the heat, but if you like it spicy you can leave them in
garlic clove
kosher salt – I use Diamond Crystal in all my recipes
black pepper

A bag of vegetable slaw, a bowl of mayonnaise, a jalapeño, a bunch of cilantro, two limes, a garlic clove, olive oil, honey, and seasonings all laid out on the counter.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Slaw

Blend the Dressing: Add the mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, honey, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, salt, and pepper to a blender or small food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Toss the Slaw: Place the coleslaw mix in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and toss until the cabbage is evenly coated.

Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Garnish and Serve: Give the slaw one final toss, then finish with a little extra lime zest before serving.

A bowl of coleslaw mix and a blender container of cilantro lime dressing.

What to Serve with Cilantro Lime Slaw

Cilantro lime slaw goes great on or alongside:

Fish tacos
Shrimp tacos
Pulled pork sandwiches
Grilled chicken
Burgers
Skirt steak
Grilled salmon

I even serve it alongside enchiladas or taco night to add some freshness and crunch! If you’re looking for other fresh, summer side dishes, this Basil Butter Grilled Corn is a favorite!

How to Make Cilantro Lime Slaw Ahead of Time

Blend the dressing a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Toss with the coleslaw mix 30 minutes before serving for the best texture. Once combined, the slaw will soften and the dressing will loosen up, so it’s best combined once you are ready to enjoy,

Leftovers still taste great when stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Equipment I Use to Make Cilantro Lime Slaw

Glass Mixing Bowls – I love these mixing bowls that have matching lids. Mix everything together in one bowl and pop the lid on to store in the fridge
Small Blender – I love this small blender for small batch sauces and dressings, easy to take out and clean

Today’s elevation: Lime zest gives the dressing a brighter, more vibrant flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can make the dressing the day before, but wait to combine the coleslaw mix and the dressing until 30 minutes before serving.

Is this slaw spicy?

Removing the seeds from the jalapeño keeps the heat mild. For extra spice, leave in some of the seeds or add another jalapeño.

Can I use bagged coleslaw mix?

Yes, that’s what I use!