This healthy and fresh Lime Vinaigrette Coleslaw is crisp, tangy and made with nourishing ingredients. It's a vibrant mix of cabbage, carrots and radishes and tossed in a simple vinaigrette without mayo or sugar. It's easy to make and the perfect addition to tacos, grilled meats, and so much more.
I grew up eating the traditional coleslaw made with mayonnaise, and while a creamy ensalada de col (as it is called in Spanish) is still a favorite, over the years I've come to love a lighter version made with a simple lime vinaigrette.
This version mixes the typical cabbage and carrots with other crisp ingredients like radishes, green onion and cilantro and is tossed in a simple dressing of lime juice, olive oil, and vinegar.
It has a vibrant flavor with no added sugar, it's easy to throw together and is great served with carne asada, shrimp tacos or served at your next BBQ.
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For other delicious salad side dish recipes, check out Ensalada de Camote and Ensalada de Coditos.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This coleslaw starts with a simple mix of shredded cabbage, carrots, radishes, green onion, and fresh cilantro. Jalapeño is optional, but adds a nice kick and crunch. The lime vinaigrette is made with fresh lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and fresh garlic.
See recipe card for other ingredients and quantities.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Shred the cabbage, carrots and radishes and chops the green onions and cilantro.
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, salt and pepper until well combined.
- Combine Vegetables: Add all the prepared vegetables to a large bowl.
- Add Dressing: Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss until everything is well coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Recommended for This Recipe
Food Processor
I use my food processor with the shredding attachment to quickly shred my vegetables. It saves time and gives you nice cuts for a great texture.
How to Serve
A great side for BBQ favorites like burgers and hot dogs and also great with:
Storing
Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
I hope you enjoy! If you try this recipe, please leave me a comment with a star rating below. Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest to stay in touch, and don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter.
Recipe
Lime Coleslaw
Equipment
- Food processor mandoline or grater
- Large bowl
- cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
Coleslaw
- 4 cups shredded cabbage (green, purple or a combination of both)
- 3 cups shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded or thinly sliced radishes
- ⅓ cup sliced green onions
- ¾ cup chopped cilantro
- 2 sliced jalapeños (optional)
Vinaigrette
- 2-3 limes about ¼ cup
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove finely minced or grated
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, carrots, radishes, cilantro, green onion, and jalapeños (if using).
- In a small bowl or jar whisk together the lime juice, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetables and toss until everything is well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Give it a final toss before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
- You can also substitute pre-shredded coleslaw mix for the carrots and cabbage
Nutrition
Originally published June 3, 2018. Updated recipe, photos, and post July 2025.
America
I am not a fan of mayo so this was a perfect recipe for me! The vinaigrette was such a light and citrusy touch.
Gemma
Hi America, it is such a light recipe without the mayo.
Jillian
This looks amazing!!!! I'd love to make this for my family. YUM YUM.
everydaylatina
Thank you. It's an easy and great side dish.
Sophie
Oh my gosh, yum yum yum! I love how all of the ingredients are natural, making this a super delicious yet incredibly healthy side. Perfect for vegetarians or vegans!
everydaylatina
So true! Thanks!
E. Anne Morelli
My husband and I really enjoy having salads most every night for dinner. So it is great to have another new salad to try. Thanks for sharing. It looks yummy!
everydaylatina
Hope you like it!
Anisa
Ohhh this look delicious !!! Very colorful !
everydaylatina
Thank you!
Andrea@SharingMyFavorites
I love finding new twists on a classic recipe. This looks like it will be coleslaw with a kick!
everydaylatina
It is so good, I love adding fresh sliced jalapeños to it for that extra kick.