• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Foodology Geek

  • About
  • Recipe Index
  • ☙ Iconic Recipes ❧
    • 🏝 California Food
    • 🍍 Hawaiian Food
    • 🌮 Mexican Recipes
    • 🏡 Family Recipes
  • Shop
  • 💌 Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • 🏠 BLOG
  • 🍍 ABOUT FG
  • 🗃 RECIPE INDEX
  • 📙 THE COOKBOOK
  • 🛒 SHOP
  • 📫 SUBSCRIBE
  • ➜ STORY EXPLORER
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Salads

    Fish Taco Slaw

    Published: Apr 23, 2021 · Modified: Jun 8, 2022 by Laura Reigel · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump To Recipe Comments Jump To Video

    Taco slaw with cilantro lime dressing is just what your Taco Tuesday asked for! This crunchy, flavorful slaw is delicious on all kinds of tacos and burrito bowls. But my favorite way to serve this spicy taco slaw is with fish tacos or shrimp burritos.

    This slaw is easy to make and adds a healthy crunch to all of your favorite Mexican Recipes. Plus, this Mexican coleslaw recipe makes a fabulous side dish all on its own.

    fish taco slaw recipe in a glazed bowl.

    I first created this slaw recipe as a meal prep recipe. I used to make a huge batch every week and bring it to work topped with taco seasoned ground beef. It was dubbed 'caveman slaw' by my coworkers.

    It was honestly so easy to make and pack for lunch that I ate it almost daily. I still make this yummy taco slaw on a regular basis.

    This recipe has a few variations because you can make it with a vinegar-based cilantro-lime dressing or you can make a creamy taco slaw with a little bit of mayo and crema Mexicana.

    easy taco slaw recipe with red and green cabbage, perfect for fish tacos

    Recipe Notes

    This shredded cabbage taco slaw is super easy to make. There's no need to make a separate dressing, so you can mix all the ingredients together in one bowl. Easy peasy!

    Ingredients for taco slaw

    Ingredients

    • Cabbage. I like to use a mixture of red and green cabbage, but you can use whatever combination you like.
    • Cilantro. Minced is best. Find cilantro that's as green and fresh as possible for maximum flavor.
    • Spices. Nothing but the classics here: Cumin, coriander, crushed red pepper, and oregano. Plus, the usual suspects, salt and pepper.
    • Oil & Vinegar. I usually use avocado oil and red wine vinegar in this recipe. Olive oil works well, too. (See notes for making creamy taco slaw.)
    • Limes. Freshly squeezed lime juice, of course.

    How To Make Mexican Slaw

    When you make this cabbage slaw for tacos, you can decide if you want to make a simple, vinegar-based cilantro lime dressing, or make it a creamy slaw with mayo and crema Mexicana.

    I like to use a creamy slaw for fish tacos and shrimp tacos or burritos. For chicken and ground beef, I like the vinegar-based. Let me know in the comments which one you prefer!

    thinly sliced red and green cabbage
    red + green cabbage
    add the green onions to the taco slaw
    add green onions
    add minced cilantro
    add minced cilantro
    add dried oregano
    add dried oregano
    add cumin plus coriander
    cumin + coriander
    add salt and pepper
    salt + pepper
    add oil to the slaw
    add the vinegar to the slaw
    toss the slaw to combine
    1. Slice the cabbage using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer. Add it to a large bowl.
    2. Finely chop half of one bunch of cilantro and the green onions. Add them to the bowl.
    3. Add the spices, oil, vinegar, and lime juice.
    4. Toss to coat.
    the best tacos slaw recipe, easy and delicious

    Recipe Variations

    • Creamy fish taco slaw. Add in equal parts of mayo + crema Mexicana or sour cream. Depending on how creamy you like it, I would use between 2 tablespoons and ¼ cup each of both mayo and crema. Top it all off with some finely diced red onion and a squeeze of lemon or lime. Mmmmm.
    • Slaw for Korean tacos. Add shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, and green onions. For the dressing, add a tablespoon of soy sauce + sriracha. I like a lot of sriracha...but adjust the amount to your liking. Feel free to eat all the sriracha.
    • Asian slaw with peanut dressing. Add all the extras that you added for the Korean taco slaw, and add a tablespoon of peanut butter. If you're feeling a little bolder, try this with a teaspoon of fish sauce, too. My only tip here is that this dressing is actually best mixed up in a bowl so that the peanut butter will mix in properly.

    FAQs and Expert Tips

    Can you use bagged cabbage for Mexican cabbage slaw?

    Yes, you can use bagged cabbage for this recipe. Just be sure that the cabbage is nice and fresh. Old cabbage will look a little grey along the edges.

    Can Mexican slaw be made ahead of time?

    Yes, this Mexican taco slaw can be made ahead of time. Cabbage keeps really well in the fridge. Plus, letting this slaw sit in the fridge allows the flavors from the spices to marry.

    What are the different types of coleslaw?

    There are many different types of coleslaw around the world. Vinegar-based coleslaw and creamy coleslaw are just a few varieties.

    Coleslaw is very easy to make and can be seasoned to accompany many types of food.

    How to store leftover Mexican coleslaw.

    Store leftover slaw in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or longer.

    How long will taco slaw keep in the fridge?

    Slaw will keep in the fridge for about a week. After that, it may start to be wilted and soft.

    Can you freeze coleslaw?

    I don't recommend freezing coleslaw. Because of the high amount of water in cabbage, it tends to get mushy after it's frozen and then thawed.

    the best tacos slaw recipe, easy and delicious

    What To Serve with Taco Slaw

    Of course, you can use this Mexican slaw for tacos, but it's also delicious on burritos and burrito bowls. I especially love it on shrimp burritos. Make sure to check out my fish taco recipe.

    Homemade tortillas are the best when you're making Mexican food. Try my corn tortilla recipe or this easy homemade flour tortilla recipe.

    • Restaurant Style Mexican Rice
    • How to Make Shredded Beef
    • Fish Taco Bowl with Mango Salsa
    • Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl
    • Chipotle Chicken Meal-Prep
    • Healthy Ground Beef Recipe For Meal-Prep

    Hungry for more things that go with tacos?

    I am always hungry for tacos, and I have a huge lineup of the best things to serve with tacos.

    • Pineapple Salsa Recipe
    • Mango Salsa Recipe
    • Homemade Pico de Gallo
    • Corn Salsa Recipe
    • Restaurant Style Mexican Rice
    • Easy Guacamole Recipe

    ➽ Did you make this recipe? I love to see what's going on in your kitchen. Please show me what you're cooking. 🍳 Tag me @foodologygeek on your favorite social channel! Facebook, Instagram & Pinterest. If you loved ❤︎ this recipe, please leave a five ★ review and a comment!

    fish taco slaw recipe
    Favorite Saved!

    Mexican Taco Slaw

    Laura Reigel
    Taco slaw with cilantro lime dressing is just what your Taco Tuesday asked for! This crunchy, flavorful slaw is delicious on all kinds of tacos and burrito bowls. But my favorite way to serve this spicy taco slaw is with fish tacos or shrimp burritos.
    PRINT PIN SAVE SAVED
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Total Time 15 mins
    Course Salad, Side Dish
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 8
    Calories 28 kcal

    Equipment

    • mandoline slicer

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cups green cabbage finely sliced
    • 2 cups red cabbage finely sliced

    Cilantro Lime Dressing

    • 3 tablespoon avocado oil
    • 3 tablespoon red wine vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon lime juice
    • ½ teaspoon cumin
    • ½ teaspoon coriander
    • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • ½ bunch fresh cilantro minced
    • 4 green onions sliced
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. 
    • Toss well to coat.
    • Store in an air-tight container.

    Video

    Laura's Tips + Notes

    The Dressing (Make-ahead if you want)
    I usually do not mix up the dressing separately. I just add it all to the bowl and toss it with the cabbage. 
    If you would like to make the dressing up separately, it can be stored in an airtight container until you are ready to use it. 
    Recipe Variations
    • Creamy fish taco slaw. Add in equal parts of mayo + crema Mexicana or sour cream. Depending on how creamy you like it, I would use 2 tablespoons to ¼ cup each of both mayo and creme fraiche.
    • Slaw for Korean tacos. Add shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, and green onions. For the dressing, add a tablespoon of soy sauce + sriracha. I like a lot of sriracha...but adjust the amount to your liking.
    • Asian slaw with peanut dressing. Add all the extras that you added for the Korean taco slaw, and add a tablespoon of peanut butter. My only tip here is that this dressing is actually best mixed up in a bowl so that the peanut butter can be mixed in properly.
    Taco Meat Recipes
    • Shredded Beef Tacos
    • Ground Beef Tacos
    • Fish Tacos
    • Chicken Tacos
    Tortilla Recipes
    • Corn tortillas
    • Flour tortillas

    YOUR OWN NOTES

    Click here to add your own private notes.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 0.25cupCalories: 28kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 155mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gCalcium: 18mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword coleslaw, salad
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Snap a 📸 and share it. Tag me @foodologygeek and don't forget to hashtag #foodologygeek!

    More Salad Recipes

    • Potluck Recipes
    • Hawaiian Coleslaw - Sweet & Savory
    • Croutons Recipe (Cheese and Garlic)
    • Caesar Salad With Dressing
    4876 shares

    About Laura Reigel

    Laura is the owner and CEO of Foodology Geek. She holds a degree in Physiology and Neuroscience as well as a Certification as a Nutrition Coach. Laura uses her love of cooking and science to create healthy real food recipes that you'll love eating.

    As a certified recipe hoarder, and meal prep maven Laura is passionate about sharing her love for cooking easy from-scratch recipes. She also shares the occasional family recipe and all of the technical details.

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Review this recipe!




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    laura reigel from foodology geek profile shot

    Hi, I'm Laura! Welcome to Foodology Geek restaurant-inspired recipes & culinary science.

    You'll recipes inspired by restaurants that I visit when I travel. I recreate them in my kitchen so that you can make them in yours.

    The best things in life can be found around the table with family and friends. Make them delicious!

    Find out more about me →

    🦃 It's Almost Turkey Day

    Check out our collection of Thanksgiving Recipes.

    • Classic Pumpkin Pie
    • Smoked Turkey Legs
    • How To Make The BEST Smoked Turkey Breast
    • Homemade Poultry Seasoning Recipe

    All Things Pumpkin

    • Pumpkin Cookies With Cream Cheese Frosting
    • Vegan Pumpkin Pie Tart
    • Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • Classic Pumpkin Pie
    • DIY Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe
    • Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Caramel Sauce

    🥂 Trending...

    • Pot Roast Recipe
    • How to Make Homemade Roasted Nuts
    • Pork Fried Rice
    • Smoked Kalua Pork - Authentic Hawaiian Flavor
    • How To Make Crostini
    • How To Make Italian Grissini Breadsticks

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram
    • TikTok

    Subscribe to our newsletter

    Our Cookbook

    Privacy Policy

    Disclaimer

    Terms & Conditions

    Accessibility Policy

    Contact us at: hello@foodologygeek.com

    Copyright © 2022 Foodology Geek

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptReject Read More
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    4876 shares
    4876 shares