Looking for your next favorite slaw recipe? This is it. This no-mayo cilantro lime cabbage slaw is fresh, crunchy, creamy, a little zippy and wildly easy. We are talking one main ingredient, finely shredded green cabbage, plus my creamy cilantro lime jalapeño sauce. That's it. Toss them together and suddenly you have the kind of slaw that makes tacos better, burgers better, grain bowls better, sandwiches better and honestly, just dinner in general better.
It is vegan, dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, soy-free, refined sugar-free, and completely mayo-free, but still super creamy and flavorful. The sauce does all the heavy lifting here.
How to make no-mayo coleslaw
This recipe could not be easier.
Start with green cabbage and shred it very finely using a mandoline. The thinner the cabbage, the better it grabs onto the sauce and the more delicious every bite becomes.
Then add the creamy cilantro lime jalapeño sauce and toss everything together until the cabbage is fully coated. That's it. The cabbage stays crisp, the sauce is bright and creamy, and the whole thing tastes fresh, punchy, and so much more exciting than classic coleslaw.
It is the easiest side dish for cookouts, tacos, veggie burgers, meal prep lunches, summer dinners, and basically any meal that needs a little crunch and color.
How to shred cabbage for slaw
For the best texture, use a mandoline to finely shred the green cabbage. I love thin, delicate cabbage here because it softens just enough once tossed with the sauce, but still keeps that perfect fresh crunch.
Be sure to use the hand guard or a cut-resistant glove when using a mandoline. Go slowly and carefully. You can also use a very sharp knife if you prefer, but the mandoline gives you that super fine, angel-hair, restaurant-style slaw texture in minutes.
How to store cabbage and coleslaw
Green cabbage is available year-round and is such a great vegetable to keep on hand. Look for a head of cabbage that feels heavy for its size with smooth, compact leaves.
Whole cabbage can be stored in the refrigerator crisper drawer for about a week. If it comes wrapped, keep it that way until you are ready to use it so it stays extra fresh.
Once the slaw is mixed with the sauce, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to five days. The best part? The flavor gets even better as it sits. The cabbage softens slightly, the sauce settles in, and it becomes the perfect make-ahead side for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
What are the health benefits of cabbage?
Cabbage is simple, affordable, and so underrated. It is naturally low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with nutrients. It also contains antioxidants and phytochemicals and is a great source of vitamin C.
It is one of those everyday vegetables that can do a lot. It adds crunch, freshness, volume, and nutrition to a meal without a lot of effort.
What to serve with cilantro lime cabbage slaw
This slaw is the kind of recipe that makes everything taste more fresh and fun.
Serve it with tacos, veggie burgers, pulled jackfruit sandwiches, rice bowls, quinoa bowls, black bean burgers, burrito bowls, or anything grilled. It is also amazing as a crunchy side salad or tucked into wraps and sandwiches.
Need more slaw in your life?
Coleslaw is one of those recipes that can go in so many directions. If you love this one, try my creamy vegan purple cabbage slaw. It's egg-free and dairy-free but still creamy, colorful, crunchy and full of flavor.
This creamy cilantro lime no-mayo coleslaw is vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, refined sugar-free, soy-free, egg-free, dairy-free, and so easy to make.
I hope you love this one as much as I do. It is fresh, bright, creamy, crunchy, and the easiest way to make a simple head of cabbage feel exciting. If you make it, please leave a comment below, rate the recipe, and tag me @eatingbyelaine so I can see your creations.
Creamy Vegan Cilantro Lime Cabbage Slaw (no-mayo)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 1x
- Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan
Description
This no-mayo coleslaw is simple yet full of bold flavor from the creamy garlic lime cilantro sauce. It is a no-fuss recipe that can be prepped ahead of time to bring to cookouts. It is great for serving to crowds since it is egg-free, dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan.
Ingredients
- ½ large head green cabbage, sliced thinly on a mandolin (level one)
- Creamy Cilantro Jalapeno Lime Sauce
Optional Garnishes:
- sliced green onions
- lime slices
- freshly chopped cilantro leaves
Instructions
- Shred your cabbage with a mandolin.
- Pour ¼ cup of creamy lime cilantro sauce over and mix well. If you like more sauce you can add up to another ¼ cup of sauce.
- If desired, garnish with green onions, lime slices, and freshly chopped cilantro leaves.
- Prep Time: 15
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
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