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Home » Recipes » sides and small stuff

Published: Dec 1, 2020, By: Melissa, Updated: Oct 16, 2023

Cumin and Lime Coleslaw (Cuban Style)

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This cumin and lime coleslaw is a fresh and flavorful Cuban coleslaw recipe that doesn't taste heavy and makes a great topping for tacos, rice bowls, or served on its own.

cumin lime coleslaw
Cumin and Lime Coleslaw.

Why you'll love this Cuban-style coleslaw

  • This coleslaw recipe is different from the traditional heavy coleslaw recipes in that it is light and has fresh flavors and in my opinion, just a better type of coleslaw recipe than what most people make.
  • This cumin lime and cilantro coleslaw is really easy to make!
  • The coleslaw pairs so well with so many dishes.

If you are not a fan of cumin, you should still try out this recipe. Because of the citrus and shallots in the recipe, the flavors really come together nicely and you don't really detect the cumin on its own.

You will also notice that many of my other recipes have cumin in them like my coconut curry soup or my amazing fajitas from leftovers.

If you are looking for an easy coleslaw recipe that is a keeper and is a different type of coleslaw recipe than what you are used to, this is it! The addition of cilantro, lime, and cumin makes it a perfect fresh coleslaw to add to your meals.

I am not a huge fan of coleslaw which is why I made this recipe. With lots of trial and error, I made my perfect coleslaw and I think you will love it too.

The ingredients

cumin coleslaw ingredients

There are only a few ingredients you will need for this Cuban coleslaw recipe. You will also want to allow a little time (30 minutes is fine) for this coleslaw to sit and allow the flavors to come together.

  • Shredded cabbage: I love buying the pre-shredded cabbage to save time.)
  • Shallot: This adds a wonderful light crunch and flavor to the slaw.
  • Cumin: The star flavor! Earthy and the perfect addition to coleslaw.
  • Lime: The lime lightens up the mayonnaise.
  • Kosher salt: Wakes up the flavors and helps to soften the cabbage.
  • Pepper: For a little extra flavor.
  • Mayonnaise: This is the creamy component of the coleslaw.
  • Sour cream: This adds a bit of tangy flavor and creaminess.
cumin lime coleslaw

Variations

This easy coleslaw uses a little mayonnaise and sour cream but it is totally customizable and you can use healthier ingredients based on your preference. It will still taste great!

To make this cumin lime coleslaw lighter I like to add Greek yogurt which makes it a healthier coleslaw. I do this with my apple cranberry coleslaw too. You can also substitute vegan ingredients if you choose.

I wouldn't use fat-free mayonnaise though since it would lose too much flavor.

What to serve with this Cuban coleslaw

As I mentioned above, this light and fresh Cuban coleslaw recipe is a different coleslaw than what you grew up with. Because of this, I think it goes so well with so many dishes. We love using this as a pulled pork side dish!

My other favorite way of serving this cilantro lime slaw is with my Cuban-style black beans and some fluffy basmati rice. I have a whole post on how to cook basmati rice so that it is perfectly fluffy.

This fresh coleslaw also goes well with my blackened tuna tacos or as an addition to rice bowls like my pulled pork rice bowl.

Cumin and lime coleslaw are being made on the table.
This coleslaw recipe is so good during the summer months!

Tips

Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?

Yes. Coleslaw, even this lighter version does require a little time to sit and let the flavors come together. I recommend not making it more than 1 hour ahead of time to retain that beautiful crunch from the cabbage.

The longer it sits, the softer the cabbage becomes.

If I do not have lime can I substitute lemon in this coleslaw recipe?

Yes, the lemon will add the needed fresh citrus note. If possible try to use lime but if you do not have that on hand lemon will work too.

Can I make this coleslaw recipe without any mayonnaise?

You can but I do recommend having some fat in the recipe for flavor which the mayonnaise adds. If you do choose to leave out the mayonnaise in this recipe to make it healthier, try to substitute it with something that has some richness.

cole slaw in a bowl with a bowl of limes and cilantro next to it
Print Recipe
5 from 6 votes

Cilantro and Lime Coleslaw (Cuban-Style)

This Cuban cumin and lime coleslaw is a fresh and flavorful coleslaw recipe that makes a great topping for tacos, rice bowls, or served on its own. 
Prep Time5 minutes mins
rest5 minutes mins
Total Time10 minutes mins
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Melissa Oleary

Ingredients

  • 8-10 oz of green and purple cabbage mixed I buy bagged shredded slaw for this. You can also use Kale cut up in ribbons with shredded carrots for extra nutrients instead of the cabbage.
  • 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin plus more to taste
  • 2 tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 tablespoon of sour cream for a healthier coleslaw you can use greek yogurt.
  • 2 tablespoon of mayonnaise
  • kosher salt and pepper to taste I use about ½ teaspoon of each
  • Optional: I small shallot thinly cut

Instructions

  • In a large bowl add your mayonnaise, sour cream, cumin, cilantro and shallot if your are using it. .
    1 teaspoon of cumin, 2 tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tablespoon of sour cream, 2 tablespoon of mayonnaise, Optional: I small shallot thinly cut
  • Next add your cabbage mix
    8-10 oz of green and purple cabbage mixed
  • Now squeeze the fresh lime over top and add your salt and pepper. Mix well so all of the ingredients come together. It may look a little dry but once it sits it will come together and moisten.
    1 lime, kosher salt and pepper to taste
  • Taste for any additional cumin. I like lots so I usually add a little more at this point.
  • Let sit for about 30 minutes to an hour covered in the refrigerator
  • Serve with your favorite taco, rice bowl or meal

Nutrition

Calories: 54kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 40mg | Potassium: 89mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 84IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition Values are estimates only.

See full nutrition disclaimer here

Tried the Recipe? We Would Love To Hear From You In The Comments Below!

Course :Side Dish

Reader Interactions

Comments

    5 from 6 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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  1. Fryguy says

    October 28, 2023 at 11:59 pm

    Delicious, have made multiple times now. Perfect with blackened mahi. I've been adding 1/4 diced red onion and spoonful of horseradish. Going to add diced jalapeño next time. Thanks much for sharing.

    Reply
    • Melissa Oleary says

      October 29, 2023 at 3:41 am

      I love the sound of those additions! So glad you are enjoying it 🙂

      Reply
  2. Tessa says

    July 31, 2023 at 6:42 am

    5 stars
    I'm not usually a fan of Cole slaw but I made this to go with pulled pork sliders tonight for dinner and it was a hit! So much flavor and not the heavy creamy feeling I usually get from slaw. Will definitely make again!

    Reply
    • Melissa says

      July 31, 2023 at 3:44 pm

      Love hearing that 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
  3. Deedra says

    October 10, 2022 at 7:34 pm

    5 stars
    This coleslaw was delicious!

    Reply

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I am so excited you are here. My name is Melissa and I started this recipe website to share easy recipes that I have been cooking for years. I have written hundreds of easy recipes that are tested and perfected. Some of the recipes I learned during my years of working in restaurants, some from owning my own food company, and others from friends and traveling.

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