A refreshing, slightly sweet and spicy cumin lime coleslaw recipe that goes with everything from grilled steaks, to pulled pork tacos, to enchiladas. Or use it as a base for a Tex-Mex flavored bowl meal with beans, chicken, pico, and guacamole.

Well, I think it's firmly established around here that I like coleslaw and prefer them dressed with light vinaigrettes (those weirdly sweet, mayo based salads are just not my thing).

All of the slaws I have in our recipe index - Caesar Slaw, Spicy Asian Slaw, and Cranberry, Walnut, & Feta Broccoli Slaw - are regularly featured on our menus. Most often in the winter when cabbage is one of the less expensive fresh vegetables to be had and also from May through August when we're harvesting our spring-planted heads.

And this spicy cumin lime coleslaw? Well, it's my current favorite that I've made three times in the last two weeks!

In that time I've found it goes equally well with dishes like grilled steak, tacos, or chicken & shrimp skewers. That's pretty versatile.

I've served it to our family once, made it for the birthday dinner I had for my brother and took it to my Dad's house for his birthday. Everybody loved it as much as I do, so that's usually my cue to share it with you guys.

Cumin Lime Coleslaw Recipe

The key, of course, is the vinaigrette. Which isn't surprising, because otherwise it would be just cabbage, right? But the real key is making the vinaigrette at least a few hours in advance, and preferably a whole day.

I found this out by accident when I mixed up the dressing early to take to my Dad's house which we weren't serving until the next day. Since I didn't want the cabbage to become all watery, I waited to mix the salad together until just before serving it.

Whoa. Flavor explosion.

Letting the garlic, lime, and sriracha meld together for a bit just intensifies the flavor so much, so definitely do it if you can. But if you didn't remember early enough? Make it anyway - it's still really, really good.

Serving Ideas for Cumin Lime Slaw

Use as a side dish for grilled steak, grilled or baked chicken, or other protein.
Top pulled pork or fish tacos.
Serve alongside enchiladas, quesadillas, or tortilla casserole.
Fill a bowl with slaw and top with beans and/or cooked chicken, pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream for a Tex-Mex bowl dinner.

Spicy Cumin-Lime Slaw - An Oregon Cottage

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5 from 1 vote