Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Okay, confession time. I used to think slaw was just... blah. You know, the kind that sits sadly on the side of your plate, drowning in mayonnaise. But then I discovered the magic of lime, and oh my goodness, it changed everything! One sunny afternoon, while prepping for a family barbecue, I decided to ditch the heavy mayo and experiment with a lime-based dressing. The result? A slaw so bright, so zesty, and so utterly addictive that it became an instant hit. Even my picky-eater nephew was asking for seconds! This Lime Cabbage Slaw is now a staple at our family gatherings, and I can't wait to share the recipe with you.
What makes this slaw so special? It's all about the balance. The crisp, slightly bitter cabbage is perfectly complemented by the sweet carrots, the spicy red onion, and the herbaceous cilantro. And that lime dressing? It's a symphony of flavors – tangy, sweet, and just a little bit spicy. Plus, it's incredibly versatile! Serve it alongside grilled chicken, tacos, pulled pork sandwiches, or even fish tacos. It's also fantastic as a topping for burgers or hot dogs. Seriously, the possibilities are endless!
Required Equipments
Large Bowl
Small Bowl
Whisk
Cutting Board
Sharp Knife
Lime Cabbage Slaw: Frequently Asked Questions
Lime Cabbage Slaw
This Lime Cabbage Slaw is a vibrant, tangy, and refreshing side dish that's perfect for barbecues, picnics, or any meal needing a burst of flavor. It's easy to make, packed with nutrients, and incredibly delicious!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:6 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
First, grab your cabbage! Remove any wilted outer leaves and cut the cabbage into quarters through the core. Lay each quarter flat and thinly slice crosswise. You're aiming for thin shreds, about 1/8 inch thick. Don't worry if they're not perfect; a little variation is fine!
Next, peel and julienne the carrots. You can use a julienne peeler or simply slice them thinly and then cut them into matchsticks. Aim for similar sizes to the shredded cabbage for even distribution. Or! If you are lazy like me, just buy the matchstick carrots, pre-cut.
Peel and thinly slice the red onion. I like to use a mandoline for this to get super-thin slices, but a sharp knife works just as well. After slicing, soak the onion in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow out the sharpness. This step is optional, but it makes a big difference in flavor. I forgot this step last time, and honestly it wasn't the best, a bit too strong!
Roughly chop the fresh cilantro. Don't be afraid to use the stems too; they're packed with flavor! If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with parsley or omit it altogether.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, sliced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Toss everything together until well mixed.
Now, for the dressing! In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, olive oil, honey (or agave for a vegan option), minced garlic, chili powder (or sriracha for extra heat!), and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings to your liking – more lime juice for extra tang, more honey for sweetness, more chili powder for spice.
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well to coat. Make sure every strand of cabbage is glistening with that delicious lime dressing!
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial! The longer it sits, the better it tastes. If you're in a hurry, you can skip this step, but trust me, it's worth the wait.
Before serving, give the slaw another toss and adjust the seasonings if needed. Garnish with extra cilantro or a lime wedge for a pop of color. And that's it! Your Lime Cabbage Slaw is ready to be enjoyed.
📝 Notes
For a creamier slaw, add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to the dressing.
If you don't have red onion, you can use white or yellow onion, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Add some toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for extra crunch and flavor.