Oh boy, let me tell you about my love for cilantro lime coleslaw! Every summer, my family gathers for a big barbecue, and this zesty side dish is always the star of the show. The first bite is a refreshing explosion of flavors that perfectly complements grilled meats and tacos. What I adore about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up while still being incredibly unique. You’ve got the crunch of fresh cabbage and carrots, paired with the bright notes of lime and cilantro that just scream summer! Trust me, once you bring this to your next gathering, everyone will be asking for the recipe. It’s the perfect blend of freshness and tang that takes any meal to a whole new level!
Ingredients for Cilantro Lime Coleslaw
Here’s what you’ll need to create this vibrant and tasty cilantro lime coleslaw. Each ingredient plays a key role in bringing out those fresh flavors!
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded – This is the base, so make sure it’s nice and crisp!
- 1 cup carrots, shredded – They add a pop of color and sweetness.
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped – Fresh cilantro is a must for that bright, zesty flavor!
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced – For a little bite and beautiful contrast.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise – This gives the coleslaw its creamy texture.
- 2 tablespoons lime juice – Freshly squeezed is best for that tangy kick!
- 1 tablespoon honey – Just a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for bringing everything together!
How to Prepare Cilantro Lime Coleslaw
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this delightful cilantro lime coleslaw! It’s a simple process, and I promise, the end result is worth every minute spent in the kitchen. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Combine the Vegetables
In a large bowl, toss together 4 cups of shredded green cabbage, 1 cup of shredded carrots, 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro, and 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion. I like to make sure everything is evenly distributed so that every bite has a bit of everything. The colors are just beautiful, and the crunch of the cabbage and carrots sets the stage for all those zesty flavors to shine!
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice, 1 tablespoon of honey, along with salt and pepper to taste. Mixing it well is crucial—this ensures all those flavors meld together beautifully. You want that creamy, tangy dressing to coat every bit of your veggies!
Step 3: Combine and Chill
Now, pour the dressing over your vegetable mixture and give it a good toss to combine everything. Once it’s all mixed up, cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is where the magic happens—the flavors deepen and develop, making every bite even more delicious. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cilantro lime coleslaw is not just a side dish; it’s a game-changer! Here are a few reasons why I think you’ll absolutely adore it:
- Freshness: The vibrant flavors of fresh cabbage, cilantro, and lime make every bite a refreshing experience.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this coleslaw in no time. Perfect for those busy days!
- Perfectly Versatile: This coleslaw pairs beautifully with grilled meats, tacos, or even as a topping for sandwiches. It’s a great way to brighten up any meal!
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the level of lime or sweetness to suit your taste. Add some diced jalapeños for an extra kick, if you like!
- Make Ahead: It keeps well in the fridge, so you can make it a day in advance. Just give it a little toss before serving!
Tips for Success
If you want your cilantro lime coleslaw to be absolutely perfect, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips to share! Trust me, these little tricks can elevate your dish to a whole new level.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for the freshest cabbage, cilantro, and limes you can find. Freshness truly makes a difference in flavor and texture!
- Adjust to Your Taste: Don’t hesitate to tweak the lime juice and honey! If you like it tangier, add a bit more lime juice. Prefer it sweeter? Just drizzle in more honey.
- Let It Chill: Chilling is key! Allowing the coleslaw to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to mix in other ingredients like diced jalapeños for a spicy kick or chopped apples for an unexpected crunch and sweetness!
- Make It Ahead: This coleslaw actually gets better as it sits, so making it a day ahead is a great way to save time and enhance those flavors.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a cilantro lime coleslaw that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this cilantro lime coleslaw! While these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portions, here’s a general estimate per serving (1 cup):
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Cholesterol: 5mg
This refreshing side dish is not only delicious but also provides a nice balance of nutrients! Enjoy it guilt-free alongside your favorite meals, and remember, these values are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on your specific ingredients or serving sizes. Happy cooking!
FAQ Section
I know you might have some questions about making this cilantro lime coleslaw, so let’s tackle a few common ones together!
Can I make cilantro lime coleslaw ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it a few hours or even a day in advance. The flavors really meld together beautifully when it sits in the fridge for a while. Just give it a quick toss before serving!
What if I don’t like mayonnaise?
No worries! You can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. It’ll still give you that creamy texture without the mayo flavor. You could even try a vinaigrette if you prefer something tangier!
Can I use other vegetables in this coleslaw?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. You can add bell peppers for extra crunch, or even some diced apples for a sweet twist. Just remember to keep that cabbage and cilantro base for the best flavor!
How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
Leftover cilantro lime coleslaw can last about 3-5 days in the refrigerator. Just keep it in an airtight container, and it’ll stay fresh and tasty!
Is this coleslaw vegan-friendly?
To make it vegan, simply swap the mayonnaise for a vegan mayo or another creamy alternative. Adjust the honey to a plant-based sweetener like agave syrup, and you’re good to go!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve made this delicious cilantro lime coleslaw, you might be wondering what to pair it with! Let me tell you, this zesty side dish is incredibly versatile and can elevate so many meals.
First and foremost, it’s a match made in heaven with tacos. The fresh crunch and tangy flavor balance perfectly with the savory fillings of your favorite tacos, whether they’re beef, chicken, or even veggie. Trust me, your taco night just got a serious upgrade!
But wait, there’s more! This coleslaw also shines alongside grilled meats. Think juicy grilled chicken, smoky ribs, or flavorful burgers. Just imagine the contrast of the hot, savory meat with the cool, refreshing coleslaw—it’s a flavor party on your plate!
If you’re feeling adventurous, try it as a topping for sandwiches or wraps. The crunch and brightness add a delightful twist to any sandwich, especially those filled with roasted meats or even grilled veggies. And let’s not forget about BBQs—this coleslaw is a classic side that complements all those smoky flavors beautifully.
So, whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or just enjoying a casual dinner, don’t forget to serve this cilantro lime coleslaw alongside your favorite dishes. It’s sure to impress and become a staple at your table!
For more information on the health benefits of cabbage and other ingredients, check out this Healthline article.
For a delicious taco recipe to pair with your coleslaw, visit this link.
And if you’re looking for more summer side dishes, check out this refreshing summer salad.
Imprimer
Cilantro Lime Coleslaw: 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Zesty Dish
- Temps Total: 30 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Cilantro lime coleslaw is a fresh and zesty side dish perfect for tacos or barbecues.
Ingrédients
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, cilantro, and red onion.
- In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to combine.
- Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust lime juice and honey to taste.
- Use fresh cilantro for the best flavor.
- This coleslaw pairs well with grilled meats.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 0 minutes
- Catégorie: Side Dish
- Méthode: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sucre: 5g
- De Sodium: 200mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 1g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 7g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 15g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 5mg
Mots-clés: cilantro lime coleslaw, coleslaw recipe, side dish, fresh coleslaw
