Zesty Lime Vinaigrette Coleslaw: Your New Favorite Healthy & Flavorful No-Mayo Recipe

This incredibly healthy and fresh Lime Vinaigrette Coleslaw is a culinary delight, offering a crisp, tangy, and invigorating experience with every bite. Crafted with a vibrant array of nourishing ingredients, it features a colorful mix of shredded cabbage, crunchy carrots, and zesty radishes, all perfectly coated in a simple yet sensational vinaigrette. Best of all, this recipe is entirely free of mayonnaise and added sugars, making it a guilt-free addition to any meal. Its ease of preparation and refreshing flavor profile make it an ideal accompaniment for everything from savory tacos and succulent grilled meats to your next lively backyard BBQ.

Growing up, the traditional creamy coleslaw, known in Spanish as ensalada de col, was a staple at family gatherings and celebrations. While that rich, mayonnaise-based version still holds a special place in my heart, my culinary journey has led me to develop a profound appreciation for lighter, more vibrant alternatives. This particular lime vinaigrette coleslaw has quickly become a beloved favorite, offering a refreshing twist on a classic side dish.

This unique coleslaw recipe elevates the common pairing of cabbage and carrots by incorporating other delightfully crisp ingredients like thinly sliced radishes, fresh green onions, and fragrant cilantro. The magic truly happens with the simple yet impactful dressing: a zesty blend of fresh lime juice, high-quality extra virgin olive oil, a touch of red wine vinegar, and aromatic fresh garlic. This combination creates a bright, tangy, and incredibly flavorful vinaigrette that coats every shred of vegetable beautifully.

What sets this healthy lime coleslaw apart is its natural vibrancy – there’s absolutely no added sugar, allowing the fresh flavors of the vegetables and lime to truly shine. It’s incredibly easy to throw together, making it a perfect last-minute side for busy weeknights or a fantastic make-ahead option for entertaining. Imagine serving this refreshing salad alongside juicy carne asada, with crispy shrimp tacos, or as a bright counterpoint at your next summer barbecue. It’s not just a side; it’s a flavor enhancer that complements a wide array of dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Lime Coleslaw

If you’re searching for a fresh, flavorful, and incredibly versatile side dish, this lime vinaigrette coleslaw is about to become your new go-to. Here’s why it stands out:

• Incredibly Refreshing: The bright citrus notes from the lime juice combined with crisp vegetables create a truly invigorating salad, especially on warm days.
• No Mayo, No Guilt: Say goodbye to heavy, creamy coleslaws! This recipe uses a light vinaigrette, making it a healthier, dairy-free, and sugar-free option that still delivers on taste.
• Vibrant Flavors & Textures: A delightful crunch from cabbage and carrots, a peppery kick from radishes, and aromatic freshness from cilantro and green onions make every forkful exciting.
• Quick & Easy to Make: With minimal prep time and simple steps, you can have this delicious side ready in under 20 minutes, plus chill time.
• Perfectly Versatile: It’s an ideal pairing for a wide range of meals, from grilled fish and chicken to your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes like tacos and fajitas.
• Great for Meal Prep: This coleslaw holds up well in the refrigerator, making it excellent for preparing ahead of time for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

For other delicious and healthy salad side dish recipes that perfectly complement a variety of meals, be sure to explore our Ensalada de Camote (Sweet Potato and Avocado Salad) and the comforting classic, Ensalada de Coditos (Mexican Macaroni Salad).

Key Ingredients for the Best Lime Coleslaw & Easy Substitutions

Crafting the perfect lime vinaigrette coleslaw begins with selecting fresh, quality ingredients. This recipe is designed to be simple yet incredibly flavorful, focusing on the natural goodness of the vegetables and a bright, zesty dressing.

For the Crisp Coleslaw Mix:

• Shredded Cabbage: The foundation of any good coleslaw. You can use green cabbage, red (purple) cabbage for a beautiful color contrast, or a combination of both. Freshly shredded cabbage offers the best crunch, but pre-shredded coleslaw mix from the grocery store is a convenient time-saver.
• Shredded Carrots: Adding a touch of sweetness and vibrant orange color, carrots are essential. Shred them finely for an even distribution of flavor and texture.
• Radishes: Thinly sliced or shredded radishes introduce a delightful peppery bite and extra crispness, elevating the overall freshness of the salad.
• Green Onions (Scallions): These provide a mild onion flavor without overpowering the other delicate ingredients. Chop them thinly, including both the white and green parts.
• Fresh Cilantro: A key herb for that authentic, vibrant, and slightly citrusy Mexican-inspired flavor. Don’t skip it if you enjoy cilantro! If you’re not a fan, fresh parsley can be a milder substitute.
• Jalapeño (Optional but Recommended): For those who love a bit of heat and extra crunch, thinly sliced jalapeños add a fantastic kick. Remove seeds and membranes for less heat, or leave them in for a spicier coleslaw.

For the Zesty Lime Vinaigrette:

• Fresh Lime Juice: The star of the show! Freshly squeezed lime juice is paramount for that bright, tangy, and refreshing flavor. Avoid bottled lime juice for the best results. You’ll need about 2-3 medium limes to yield ¼ cup of juice.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A good quality EVOO provides a smooth base for the vinaigrette, complementing the tartness of the lime and richness of the vegetables.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Adds another layer of acidity and depth to the dressing. Apple cider vinegar is a great substitute if you don’t have red wine vinegar on hand.
• Fresh Garlic: Finely minced or grated garlic infuses the dressing with an aromatic punch, enhancing the overall savory notes.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors. Adjust to your taste preferences.

See the full recipe card below for exact quantities and detailed instructions.

How to Make Lime Vinaigrette Coleslaw: A Simple Guide

This fresh lime coleslaw comes together quickly with just a few straightforward steps. Follow these instructions for a perfect batch every time.

Tips for Success & Creative Variations

Achieving the perfect tangy coleslaw is simple with a few helpful tips. Plus, don’t hesitate to get creative with variations to suit your taste or what you have on hand!

Tips for the Best Lime Coleslaw:

• Freshness is Key: Always use the freshest possible vegetables and squeeze your own lime juice. The difference in flavor is remarkable.
• Don’t Over-Dress: While you want all ingredients coated, avoid drowning the coleslaw in dressing. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
• Chill Time Matters: The 30-minute chilling period is essential. It allows the flavors to develop and the vegetables to slightly soften, enhancing the overall texture and taste.
• Preventing Soggy Coleslaw: To minimize sogginess, especially if making ahead, you can lightly salt the shredded cabbage and let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then squeeze out excess water before mixing with other ingredients. This removes some moisture and keeps the cabbage crisp.
• Taste and Adjust: Before serving, always taste your coleslaw. You might want to add a pinch more salt, a grind of pepper, or an extra squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors.

Creative Variations to Try:

• Add a Touch of Sweetness: While this recipe is sugar-free, if you prefer a hint of sweetness, a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup can be whisked into the vinaigrette.
• Introduce More Vegetables: Bell peppers (any color), shredded zucchini, corn kernels, or even finely diced cucumber can be wonderful additions.
• Tropical Twist: For a summery, tropical vibe, add diced mango, pineapple, or even a few segments of orange to the mix.
• Nutty Crunch: Toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds), sunflower seeds, or even a sprinkle of chopped peanuts can add an interesting textural element.
• Herbaciousness: Experiment with other fresh herbs like mint or fresh parsley for a different aromatic profile.
• Creamy Avocado: Just before serving, dice a ripe avocado and gently fold it into the coleslaw for a creamy, rich addition that complements the tanginess.
• Smoky Flavor: A pinch of smoked paprika in the dressing can add a subtle smoky depth, especially if serving with grilled meats.

How to Serve This Zesty Lime Vinaigrette Coleslaw

This versatile lime vinaigrette coleslaw is more than just a side dish; it’s a flavor bomb that brightens and complements a variety of main courses. Its crisp texture and tangy dressing cut through rich flavors and add a refreshing contrast to countless meals. It’s an absolute winner for summer gatherings, potlucks, and everyday family dinners.

A phenomenal side for classic BBQ favorites like juicy burgers and perfectly grilled hot dogs, it’s also incredibly delicious with:

• Shredded Pork: Whether slow-cooked or instant-potted, the tender, savory pork finds its perfect match in the bright, acidic coleslaw. It’s a fantastic combination for tacos, sandwiches, or bowls.
• Flautas de Pollo (Chicken Flautas): The freshness of the coleslaw provides a much-needed balance to the crispy, fried flautas, adding a vibrant crunch to each bite.
• Pork Flautas: Similar to chicken flautas, the tangy coleslaw cuts through the richness of the pork, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal.
• Ceviche de Camaron (Mexican Shrimp Ceviche): For an even lighter and more refreshing meal, serve this coleslaw alongside a fresh ceviche. The flavors wonderfully complement each other, creating a truly coastal dining experience.
• Fish Tacos: This coleslaw is absolutely essential for fish tacos! Its crisp texture and vibrant lime flavor are the perfect topping, offering a delightful contrast to flaky, fried or grilled fish.
• Grilled Chicken or Steak: A simple grilled chicken breast or a perfectly seared steak transforms into a gourmet meal when paired with this zesty side. The acidity helps to tenderize and enhance the meat’s natural flavors.
• Pulled Chicken or Beef Sandwiches: Use it as a topping for your favorite pulled meat sandwiches to add a refreshing crunch and tangy kick.
• Veggie Burgers: Elevate your vegetarian meals by adding a generous scoop of this bright coleslaw to your veggie burgers.

No matter how you choose to serve it, this healthy lime coleslaw is guaranteed to be a hit!

Storing & Make-Ahead Instructions for Lime Coleslaw

One of the many benefits of this no-mayo coleslaw is how well it stores, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep or for feeding a crowd. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy its vibrant flavors for days.

Storing Leftovers:

To keep any leftover lime vinaigrette coleslaw fresh and crisp, transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While it’s best enjoyed on the day it’s made for maximum crunch, the flavors deepen beautifully overnight, and it retains a pleasant texture for a couple of days. If you notice a bit of liquid at the bottom, simply drain it off and give the coleslaw a quick toss before serving again.

Make-Ahead Tips:

This coleslaw is fantastic for making ahead, especially if you’re planning a party or a busy week of meals. Here’s how to prepare it in advance:

• Prepare Components Separately: You can shred and chop all the vegetables (cabbage, carrots, radishes, green onions, cilantro, jalapeños) up to 1-2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Make the Vinaigrette: The lime vinaigrette can also be prepared 2-3 days ahead of time. Store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. Shake it well before using.
• Combine Just Before Serving: For the freshest taste and crispest texture, combine the vegetables and the dressing no more than 1-2 hours before you plan to serve. This minimizes the risk of the vegetables becoming too soft. If you combine it further in advance, ensure you drain any excess liquid that might accumulate.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the convenience of make-ahead meal prep without sacrificing the fresh, zesty flavor and satisfying crunch of this delightful lime vinaigrette coleslaw.

I truly hope you enjoy this healthy and flavorful Lime Vinaigrette Coleslaw as much as I do! If you try this recipe, please leave me a commentwith a star rating below. Your feedback means the world. Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest to stay in touch with more delicious and wholesome recipes. And don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive updates and culinary inspiration!

Recipe

  Originally published June 3, 2018. Updated recipe, photos, and post July 2025.