Fish Taco Slaw

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Every time I make tacos at home, I love adding something fresh and crunchy to balance everything out. That’s where this Fish Taco Slaw comes in. It’s crisp, tangy, a little creamy, and the perfect topping for just about any fish taco you can imagine…..grilled, baked, or fried. This slaw is the kind of simple recipe that instantly levels up taco night without requiring much effort. One bowl, a quick toss, and you’ve got the refreshing crunch that ties all the flavors together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bright, fresh, and tangy the perfect taco topping
  • Quick to make in under 10 minutes
  • Pairs with any style of fish
  • Light, flavorful, and never soggy
  • Great for taco bars and meal prep

📋 Recipe Overview

  • Servings: 4–6
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Estimated Calories: ~80 per serving (varies by mayo used)

🥗 Ingredients

For the Slaw

  • 3 cups shredded green cabbage (or coleslaw mix)
  • 1 cup shredded purple cabbage (optional, but colorful!)
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 jalapeño, finely minced (optional)

For the Dressing

  • ⅓ cup mayo (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp lime zest
  • 1 tbsp honey or agave
  • 1–2 tsp hot sauce or sriracha (optional)
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp cumin
  • Salt & pepper to taste

🥣 How to Make Fish Taco Slaw

1. Mix the Slaw

In a large bowl, combine:

  • Cabbage
  • Carrots
  • Cilantro
  • Jalapeño (if using)

2. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together:

  • Mayo (or yogurt)
  • Lime juice & zest
  • Honey/agave
  • Hot sauce
  • Garlic powder
  • Cumin
  • Salt & pepper

3. Toss & Serve

  • Pour dressing over the slaw mixture.
  • Toss well until everything is evenly coated.
  • Taste and adjust salt, lime, or sweetness as needed.

4. Chill (Optional)

  • For extra flavor, refrigerate for 20–30 minutes before serving.
  • Otherwise, it’s delicious instantly!

💡 Tips & Tricks

  • Add dressing right before serving if you prefer maximum crunch.
  • Thin the dressing with a splash of water or lime for a lighter slaw.
  • Taste your lime—some are tangier than others, adjust accordingly.
  • For extra crunch, add sliced radishes or shredded broccoli stems.
  • Make it creamy but light by mixing half mayo, half Greek yogurt.

🔄 Variations & Substitutions

Variations

  • Chipotle Slaw: Add 1 tsp chipotle in adobo to the dressing.
  • Pineapple Slaw: Add ½ cup finely diced pineapple for a sweet twist.
  • Mango Slaw: Swap pineapple for diced mango.
  • Avocado Lime Slaw: Add 1 diced avocado right before serving.

Substitutions

  • Mayo → Greek yogurt for a healthier version.
  • Honey → Maple syrup, agave, or sugar.
  • Jalapeño → Serrano for more heat or leave out for mild flavor.
  • Cabbage → Bagged coleslaw mix for convenience.

Fish Taco Slaw

Recipe by Balanced Healthy MealsCourse: Sides, AppetizersDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Calories

80

kcal

Ingredients

  • Slaw
  • 3 cups shredded green cabbage (or coleslaw mix)

  • 1 cup shredded purple cabbage (optional, but colorful!)

  • ½ cup shredded carrots

  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro

  • 1 jalapeño, finely minced (optional)

  • Dressing
  • ⅓ cup mayo (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)

  • 2 tbsp lime juice

  • 1 tsp lime zest

  • 1 tbsp honey or agave

  • 1–2 tsp hot sauce or sriracha (optional)

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ¼ tsp cumin

  • Salt & pepper to taste

Directions

  • In a large bowl, combine your Cabbage, Carrots, Cilantro and Jalapeño (if using)
  • Then Make the Dressing by In a small bowl, whisk together Mayo (or yogurt), Lime juice & zest, Honey/agave, Hot sauce, Garlic powder, Cumin and Salt & pepper
  • Pour dressing over the slaw mixture.
  • Toss well until everything is evenly coated.
  • Taste and adjust salt, lime, or sweetness as needed.
  • For extra flavor, refrigerate for 20–30 minutes before serving.
  • Otherwise, it’s delicious instantly!