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Creamy Cilantro Lime Coleslaw Recipe for Fresh Fish Tacos and BBQ Sides

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A fresh, tangy, and creamy coleslaw featuring cilantro and lime, perfect as a topping for fish tacos or a bright side for BBQ dishes. This quick and easy recipe balances creaminess with zesty flavors for a crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups finely shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • ½ cup packed fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice and zest of 2 medium limes
  • ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for less fat)
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayo as substitute)
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (start with ½ tsp salt)
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika
  • Optional: finely diced jalapeño or dash of cayenne pepper for heat
  • Optional: toasted pepitas, sunflower seeds, or sliced radishes for crunch

Instructions

  1. Finely shred about 4 cups of green cabbage and 1 cup of carrots using a mandoline slicer or sharp knife. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  2. Roughly chop ½ cup packed fresh cilantro leaves, avoiding thick stems, and add to the bowl with cabbage and carrots.
  3. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together ½ cup sour cream, ¼ cup mayonnaise, juice and zest from 2 medium limes, 1 tbsp honey, ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp ground cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper until creamy and well combined.
  4. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly, using tongs or clean hands.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed to balance creaminess and acidity.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and cabbage soften slightly without losing crunch. (If short on time, 10 minutes is helpful.)

Notes

Use fresh cilantro for best flavor. Avoid overdressing to prevent soggy cabbage. Zest limes before juicing to avoid bitterness. Chill at least 30 minutes for best texture and flavor. For extra crunch, add toasted pepitas or sliced radishes before serving. Can be made vegan by substituting sour cream and mayo with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: coleslaw, cilantro lime coleslaw, fish tacos, BBQ sides, creamy coleslaw, fresh coleslaw, easy coleslaw recipe, summer side dish

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/creamy-cilantro-lime-coleslaw-recipe-for-fresh-fish-tacos-and-bbq-sides/