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Creamy easy taco slaw is the perfectly balanced combination of red cabbage and red onion dressed with a creamy cilantro spice sauce. This versatile slaw compliments everything from grilled fish to tacos and pulled pork!
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Table of Contents
Best Easy Taco Flavored Slaw
I have not always been a big coleslaw fan. Growing up it would always appear at BBQs and I never really understood what to do with this overdressed sloppy lettuce. Once when traveling to Canada I had an amazing pulled pork sandwich in a tiny joint along a side street and it had a red cabbage slaw which convinced me that I could love slaw!
I have found that the trick to a really amazing taco slaw or any slaw for that matter is controlling the moisture. All types of cabbage tend to be very wet and need to be really thoroughly dried before you combine them with the dressing, or the dressing won’t be able to permeate the greens properly. I have also learned that slaw is best when it has been tossed in the dressing and chilled only 30 minutes before enjoying. As with any salad, this taco slaw will soften the longer the dressing has been on it so if you are planning to save some for the next day only dress what you plan to eat. I know you will enjoy this colorful tangy version of classic coleslaw, let us know what you enjoy this slaw on in the comment section, thanks!
How to Make Red Cabbage Taco Slaw
First assemble the following ingredients:
- Red cabbage (2 cups) – Red cabbage provides a vibrant color and crunchy texture, serving as the main base for the slaw.
- Red onion (½ small) – Red onion adds a sharp, tangy flavor and a bit of crunch to the slaw.
- Mayonnaise (1/3 cup) – Mayonnaise gives the slaw a creamy consistency and a rich taste.
- Sour cream (1/3 cup) – Sour cream adds a tangy and creamy element that balances the flavors in the slaw.
- Limes (2-3 Tbsp) – Fresh lime juice offers a zesty, citrusy tang that brightens up the slaw.
- Scallions (3) – Scallions contribute a mild onion flavor and a hint of green color.
- Cilantro (¼ cup) – Cilantro introduces a fresh, herbal note that enhances the overall flavor of the slaw.
- Garlic salt (1 tbsp) – Garlic salt adds a savory garlic flavor and a touch of saltiness.
- Sea salt – Sea salt enhances the natural flavors of all the ingredients, balancing the slaw perfectly.
Use this Method
Salt and drain the cabbage. Place 2 cups shredded cabbage in a large colander set over a sink or large bowl. Sprinkle with ½ tsp Kosher salt, then toss to thoroughly coat. Allow cabbage to drain for 10-15 minutes.
Make the dressing. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, garlic salt, and the juice of 2 limes.
Toss, then chill. Transfer the drained cabbage to the large mixing bowl with the dressing, then add thinly sliced red onion, scallions, and ¼ cup fresh cilantro. Toss well, then refrigerate until needed, at least 30 minutes. Taste, adjust seasoning, then serve!
Tips and Tricks for Making Taco Slaw
Shred Cabbage Thinly. Thinly shred the cabbage for a more delicate texture that mixes well with other ingredients.
Mix Red and Green Cabbage. Combining red and green cabbage adds color and a variety of textures to your slaw.
Add Carrots. Shredded carrots add sweetness and vibrant color to the slaw.
Use Fresh Herbs. Add chopped cilantro or parsley for a burst of fresh flavor.
Prepare the Dressing Separately. Mix the dressing ingredients separately before tossing with the vegetables to ensure even distribution.
Balance the Flavors. Use a combination of acidic (lime juice, vinegar), sweet (honey, sugar), and creamy (mayonnaise, sour cream) elements in the dressing for a well-balanced flavor.
Don’t Overdress. Add dressing gradually to avoid making the slaw too soggy. You can always add more if needed.
Let It Marinate. Allow the slaw to sit for at least 15-30 minutes after dressing to let the flavors meld together.
Add Crunchy Elements. Include ingredients like thinly sliced radishes or jicama for extra crunch.
Customize Heat Level. Add jalapeños or other chili peppers to the slaw for a spicy kick, adjusting to your heat preference.
FAQs
Dress the slaw just before serving, or keep the dressing separate and mix it in right before you eat. Using fresh, dry vegetables also helps maintain crunchiness.
Yes, you can prepare the vegetables and dressing separately a few hours ahead. Combine them just before serving to keep the slaw crisp.
Yes, pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix can save time and works well for taco slaw. Just make sure it’s fresh and dry.
Add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, spices such as cumin or chili powder, and other ingredients like lime zest, jalapeños, or diced fruits like mango or pineapple.
Yes! This slaw is totally gluten free and a very healthy option too!
Taco slaw can last 2-3 days in the refrigerator, though it’s best enjoyed fresh to maintain its crunch.
Yes, you can use green cabbage, Napa cabbage, or a mix of them for different flavors and textures.
To make it spicier, add chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper. To reduce heat, omit these ingredients and use more mild peppers or omit them altogether.
Ingredients like toasted pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or crushed tortilla chips can add an extra layer of crunch to your slaw.
What to Serve with Taco Slaw
Grilled Chicken Tacos. The taco slaw adds a crunchy and tangy contrast to the juicy grilled chicken.
Fish Tacos. The fresh and zesty slaw complements the delicate flavor of the fish.
Carnitas (Pulled Pork) Tacos. The acidity of the slaw cuts through the rich, savory pork, balancing the flavors.
Beef Tacos. The crisp texture and tangy taste of the slaw pair well with seasoned ground beef or steak.
Shrimp Tacos. The slaw adds a refreshing crunch that pairs beautifully with the sweet and spicy shrimp.
Vegetarian Tacos. Enhance veggie tacos with the slaw’s crunch and zest, especially with fillings like black beans, grilled vegetables, or tofu.
Quesadillas. Serve the slaw on the side or inside the quesadilla for added texture and flavor.
Taco Bowls. Use the slaw as a topping for taco bowls, featuring ingredients like rice, beans, avocado, and your choice of protein.
Nachos. Top your nachos with taco slaw for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
Burritos. Include the slaw inside the burrito for added texture, or serve it on the side as a refreshing accompaniment.
Grilled Corn on the Cob. The sweet and smoky flavors of grilled corn pair well with the tangy taco slaw.
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Easy Taco Slaw
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage, pre-shredded is fine
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced into half moons
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 2 limes, juiced, about 2-3 Tbsp
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced, green and white parts
- ¼ cup cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp garlic salt
- sea salt, to taste
Instructions
- Place 2 cups shredded cabbage in a large colander set over a sink or large bowl. Sprinkle with ½ tsp Kosher salt, then toss to thoroughly coat. Allow cabbage to drain for 10-15 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, garlic salt, and the juice of 2 limes.
- Transfer the drained cabbage to the large mixing bowl with the dressing, then add thinly sliced red onion, scallions, and ¼ cup fresh cilantro. Toss well, then refrigerate until needed, at least 30 minutes. Taste, adjust seasoning, then serve!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Delicious!
This looks wonderful! I’ll make it soon.