If you’re looking for a vibrant, zesty side dish that packs a punch, look no further than this Spicy Mexican Slaw with Lime and Cilantro. This recipe is not only colorful but also bursts with fresh flavors that can elevate any meal. Whether you’re serving it alongside tacos, grilled meats, or enjoying it as a light lunch, this slaw is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. With a perfect balance of heat and tang, it’s the kind of dish that makes you want to dive in for more.
Why You’ll Keep Making It
This slaw is a delightful mix of crunchy textures and bold flavors, making it a fantastic choice for any occasion. Here are a few reasons why you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat:
- Fresh Ingredients: The combination of green and red cabbage provides a satisfying crunch and vibrant color.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this slaw in no time.
- Versatile: It pairs well with various dishes, from Cheese Enchiladas to grilled chicken.
- Healthy: Packed with vegetables, this slaw is low in calories and high in nutrients.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level and ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredient Notes
To make your Spicy Mexican Slaw with Lime and Cilantro, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 cups thinly sliced green cabbage: Provides a crunchy base for the slaw.
- 2 cups thinly sliced red cabbage: Adds color and sweetness; feel free to use all green or all red if preferred.
- 2 green onions: Thinly sliced for a fresh onion flavor.
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro: Offers a fresh, herbal note; substitute with more green onion if you’re not a cilantro fan.
- Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brings brightness and acidity to the dish.
- Spices: A mix of chili powder and cumin provides the signature heat and depth of flavor.
Equipment at a Glance
To create this delicious slaw, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:
- Sharp Knife: For slicing the cabbages and green onions.
- Cutting Board: A stable surface to chop your ingredients.
- Large Mixing Bowl: To combine all ingredients.
- Whisk: For mixing the dressing ingredients together.
- Serving Spoon: To serve up your slaw.
Spicy Mexican Slaw with Lime and Cilantro — Do This Next
Follow these simple steps to make your Spicy Mexican Slaw with Lime and Cilantro:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Begin by thinly slicing the green and red cabbage. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure even mixing. Place both types of cabbage in your large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add the Green Onions and Cilantro
Thinly slice the green onions and chop the cilantro. Add them to the bowl with the cabbage. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, feel free to increase the amount of green onion for added flavor.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your liking. For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture. Using a serving spoon, toss everything together until the veggies are well coated with the dressing.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Taste your slaw and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may want to add more lime juice for acidity or more spices for heat.
Step 6: Serve or Chill
You can serve the slaw immediately, or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This slaw is best served fresh, but it will keep for a day or two in the fridge.
Dairy-Free/Gluten-Free Swaps
This slaw is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free. Here are some swaps if you want to customize it further:
- For added creaminess: Substitute avocado for a richer texture without dairy.
- For gluten-free: Ensure any pre-made dressings are labeled gluten-free if using store-bought.
Learn from These Mistakes
When making your Spicy Mexican Slaw with Lime and Cilantro, keep these common pitfalls in mind:
- Over-salting: Start with a small amount of salt and adjust as needed. It’s easier to add more than to fix an overly salty dish.
- Using Old Cabbage: Fresh cabbage makes a huge difference in texture and flavor. Ensure your vegetables are crisp and vibrant.
- Skipping the Chill: Allowing your slaw to chill enhances the flavors. Don’t skip this step if you have the time!
Make-Ahead & Storage
The Spicy Mexican Slaw with Lime and Cilantro is a fantastic make-ahead dish. Here’s how to store it:
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the slaw a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to 2 days, but keep in mind that the cabbage may soften over time.
Common Questions
Can I make this slaw ahead of time?
Yes! This slaw can be made a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain the crunchiness of the cabbage.
How can I adjust the spice level?
If you prefer a milder slaw, reduce the amount of chili powder. You can also omit cayenne pepper if included. For more heat, add sliced jalapeños or more chili powder.
What can I serve this slaw with?
This slaw pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, such as tacos, grilled meats, and Creamy Poblano Chicken Enchilada Skillet. It also makes a great topping for sandwiches and burgers.
Can I use other types of cabbage?
Absolutely! You can use all green cabbage, all red cabbage, or try other varieties such as Napa cabbage for a different flavor and texture.
If you enjoyed this slaw, you might also like these recipes:
Final Bite
Incorporating this Spicy Mexican Slaw with Lime and Cilantro into your meals will not only brighten your plate but also your palate. Its fresh, zesty flavor is a wonderful complement to many dishes, making it a staple in your recipe rotation. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this delightful slaw that promises to bring a taste of Mexico right to your table. Happy cooking!
Spicy Mexican Slaw with Lime and Cilantro
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables - Begin by thinly slicing the green and red cabbage. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure even mixing. Place both types of cabbage in your large mixing bowl.
- Step 2: Add the Green Onions and Cilantro - Thinly slice the green onions and chop the cilantro. Add them to the bowl with the cabbage. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, feel free to increase the amount of green onion for added flavor.
- Step 3: Make the Dressing - In a separate small bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your liking. For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Step 4: Combine Everything - Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture. Using a serving spoon, toss everything together until the veggies are well coated with the dressing.
- Step 5: Taste and Adjust - Taste your slaw and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may want to add more lime juice for acidity or more spices for heat.
- Step 6: Serve or Chill - You can serve the slaw immediately, or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Notes
- Make-ahead: Prepare the slaw a day in advance, keeping the dressing separate until serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Customize: Adjust spice levels by adding more or less chili powder and cayenne pepper.
