Easy Creamy Cilantro Lime Slaw (No Mayo)
Creamy cilantro lime slaw is a quick, flavorful side dish that’s ready in just a few minutes. Made with crisp coleslaw mix and a creamy cilantro lime dressing, this slaw is fresh, tangy, and the perfect balance to tacos, burrito bowls, grilled chicken, fish, shrimp, and your favorite Mexican inspired meals. If you’re looking for a creamy cilantro lime slaw without mayo, this easy recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.
I make this slaw several times a month because it’s one of the easiest ways to round out dinner without adding much work. Using bagged coleslaw mix keeps the prep incredibly simple, and the creamy cashew based cilantro lime dressing gives it all the richness of a traditional creamy slaw without using mayonnaise or dairy. It’s one of those recipes that’s always worth keeping in the fridge because it pairs with so many different meals.
Looking for something to serve with this creamy cilantro lime slaw? Pair it with my Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos, Air Fryer Chicken Tacos, Buffalo Shrimp Tacos, or Air Fryer Buffalo Salmon Bites served over rice for an easy weeknight bowl. They’re all quick, flavorful meals that pair perfectly with this fresh, creamy slaw.
Step by step instructions
Start by shredding the carrots and cabbage if not using a bagged slaw. Soak raw cashews in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Drain the cashews and discard the water. Add the soaked cashews, fresh water, cilantro, lime juice, salt and garlic powder to a high speed blender. Blend until completely smooth 1-2 minutes. Pour the cilantro lime dressing over the slaw and mix well. Serve immediately or let rest in the fridge overnight.
Tips for success
- Using roasted cashews? Let them soak a little longer than raw cashews so they soften before blending. If they’re salted, start with a little less salt in the dressing and adjust to taste.
- Don’t throw away the cilantro stems. The leaves and tender stems are both packed with flavor. Just trim off the thick stems at the bottom before blending.
- No coleslaw mix? Thinly slice green cabbage, red cabbage, or a combination of both and add shredded carrots for a homemade slaw mix.
- Make it ahead. The dressing can be made ahead of time and tossed with the slaw just before serving for the freshest texture.
Easy Creamy Cilantro Lime Slaw
Ingredients
- 1 small head of cabbage, shredded
- ½ cup shredded carrots
Cilantro Lime Dressing
- ½ cup raw cashews, soaked
- ½ cup water (plus more for soaking cashews)
- ¼ cup cilantro (stems and leaves)
- 2 medium limes, juiced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Soak cashews in boiling water for 5 minutes. I like to use the electric kettle for this but you could also heat them on the stove, just boil for 5 minutes then drain.½ cup raw cashews, soaked
- Remove the core from the cabbage and shred (using a knife, the food processor, spiralizer or mandolin).1 small head of cabbage, shredded
- Add shredded cabbage and shredded carrots to a very large bowl.1 small head of cabbage, shredded, ½ cup shredded carrots
- Make dressing by combining drained cashews, water, cilantro, lime juice, garlic powder and salt in a high speed blender, about 1 minute on high.½ cup raw cashews, soaked, ½ cup water (plus more for soaking cashews), ¼ cup cilantro (stems and leaves), 2 medium limes, juiced, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Pour dressing over cabbage and mix well (I like to use tongs).
- Store in fridge about 1 hour before serving if possible.
Equipment
Recipe Notes
- Soak the cashews first. This helps them soften and blend into a smooth, creamy dressing.
- Use fresh lime juice. Fresh lime juice gives the dressing the brightest, freshest flavor.
- Use a high-speed blender if possible. A bullet-style blender works especially well for small batches of dressings, but any blender will work.
- After mixing the slaw, taste and adjust the lime juice or salt if needed. Depending on the sweetness of your cabbage and the size of your limes, a little extra seasoning can make all the difference.
Nutrition Information
Recipe variations
I love the flavor profile of this cilantro lime slaw however, there are some great ways to add in more heat from peppers or more veggies! Some great additions include:
- Add more veggies: Mix in thinly sliced bell peppers, poblano peppers, jicama, or radishes for extra crunch and color.
- Make it spicy: Add sliced jalapeños, canned green chiles, or a chipotle pepper in adobo to the dressing.
- Add extra crunch: Toss in toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds), sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, or chopped cashews just before serving.
- Switch up the slaw: Try broccoli slaw or use a mix of green and purple cabbage for a different look and texture.
