Cilantro Lime Coleslaw - Simply Scratch (2024)

Sep05

This Cilantro Lime Coleslaw is fresh, crisp and full of flavor! Thinly sliced green and purple cabbage, julienned carrots, green onion, jalapeño, lots of fresh cilantro is tossed in a simple citrusy lime vinaigrette. Yields about 8 cups.

The other night I introducedmy daughter’sto a classic80’s movie.

My personal favorite, Can’t Buy Me Love. Gah! How I love that movie! The suede suit, the African Anteater Ritual, when Cindy Mancini dumps the shake on Brent’s (or whatever his name was) head… Oh! and did I mention the outfits?! Holy moly! High waisted shorts, cropped shirts and ankle boots… my girls could hardly tell that the movie was made almost 30 years ago because that is the current fashion of 2016. The old Doritos bag and the crimped hair did eventually clue them in though. When I told them I was seven when the movie came out, they couldn’t even fathom.

Ps. I still want to be Cindy Mancini.

Speaking of chips, dips and dorks. ..this slaw!Crispy, crunchy,cilantro-y, light, refreshing, healthy and pretty. Can I squeeze in another adjective here? Oh-muh-goodness it’s so delicious and perfect, and the dressing is easy and fresh.

If you love cilantro like I like cilantro, then you will love this quick and easy cilantro coleslaw in your life!

To Make This Cilantro Lime Coleslaw You Will Need:

for the dressing:

• kosher salt
• lime juice
• honey
• olive oil

for the slaw:

• green cabbage
• purple cabbage
• cilantro
• carrots
• green onions
• jalapeño

In a glass jar or small bowl, measure and add a few pinches of kosher salt (about 1/2 teaspoon or to taste), 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice, 1-1/2 teaspoons honey (I usually eyeball this) and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Whisk to combine.

In a large bowl, add 3 cups each green and purple cabbage. Again, I just eyeball this – which is about 1/2 a medium head of both cabbages. Next add in 2 carrots that have been peeled and julienned (julienne peeler linked in printable recipe), 4 sliced green onions and a whole lot of coarsely chopped fresh cilantro, about 1/2 cup.

Grab tongs to toss everything together. Give it a taste test and season with a more salt if needed.

I like to let this sit for about 20 minutes to allow the salt to draw out moisture and flavor. Then I give it a toss right before serving.

I made this to go with our dinner (another recipe I’ll be sharing with you soon) but truthfully it’s delicious all on it’s own. Haileigh and I both ate it out of bowls earlier in the afternoon and then I had more with my dinner. It’s so fresh and flavorful!

What Goes With Cilantro Lime Coleslaw?

• Add it to fish or shrimp tacos.
• Serve in in a rice bowl with chicken or salmon.
• Tuck into your favorite lettuce wraps. I looove this recipe.
• A light side to grilled meat.

Making This Slaw In Advance?

If making this slaw in advance, keep the dressing separate (at room temp) while storing the slaw in the fridge. Remove and toss together 20 minutes before serving.

Enjoy! And if you give this Cilantro Lime Coleslaw recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!

originally posted September 5, 2016 — last updated May 16, 2024by Laurie McNamara