Creamy Red Cabbage Slaw for Tacos (No Mayo)

I eat tacos almost every week, especially in the summer. They're quick, easy to make, and there are so many types to choose from, you'll never get bored. One of my favorite ways to switch up my tacos is by experimenting with different taco topping recipes.

For me, the best taco toppings have a bold flavor that really stands out and adds a contrasting texture. And this red cabbage slaw recipe checks both of those boxes - it's creamy, tangy, crunchy, and adds a bright, fresh flavor to any taco.

Plus, it's made with less than 10 ingredients (no mayo required!) and is ready in just 10 minutes. Trust me, once you try it, you'll want it every taco night!

Today, I’m walking you through how to make cilantro lime red cabbage slaw for tacos, including which ingredients to use, tips for success, and some of my favorite ways to serve this easy taco slaw recipe.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here are some notes on key ingredients. For a full list of ingredients, check out the recipe card below.

• Red Cabbage- This recipe calls for 2 to 2 ½ cups of shredded red or purple cabbage, which is roughly a quarter of a head. You can shred it yourself or grab a bag of shredded cabbage from the store.
• Cilantro- Cilantro adds a fresh, herby flavor to this Mexican slaw recipe that pairs well with lots of different tacos. If you don't enjoy the flavor of cilantro, feel free to leave it out or swap it with parsley.
• Shallots- Adds a mild onion flavor. Slice it thin so it mixes nicely with the cabbage. If you can't get shallots, you can use sliced red onion instead.
• Greek Yogurt- I love using Greek yogurt as a dressing base because of its rich, creamy texture and tangy flavor. If preferred, use sour cream in place of Greek yogurt.
• Lime Juice- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor. You'll need the juice from one whole lime for this recipe. Alternatively, you can use apple cider vinegar instead.
• Olive Oil- Gives the dressing a creamier consistency and helps thin it out slightly. You can swap the olive oil for your preferred salad dressing oil.
• Honey- Balances the tangy flavors with a hint of sweetness. Substitute honey with a teaspoon of granulated sugar if preferred.
• Garlic- Grating or finely mincing the garlic helps it blend more easily into the dressing. If you want a milder taste, use less garlic or swap it for ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder.

🌱 Sustainability Tip: Don't let your extra red cabbage go to waste! Toss it into your salads at lunchtime or whip up a tasty stir-fry for dinner.

How to Make Red Cabbage Slaw for Tacos

Here is how to make cilantro lime red cabbage slaw with Greek yogurt dressing.

Step 1: Prepare the dressing. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, honey, garlic, and kosher salt. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth.

Step 2: Add the vegetables. Add the shredded red cabbage, thinly sliced shallot, and chopped cilantro to the bowl with the dressing.

Step 3: Toss together. Toss the vegetables together with the dressing until evenly coated.

Step 4: Chill and serve. You can serve the slaw immediately, or for the best flavor, cover the bowl and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

How to Use Red Cabbage Slaw for Tacos

This simple red cabbage slaw is perfect for any taco, adding a bold flavor and satisfyingly crunchy texture. I love it with tequila lime shrimp tacos, honey chipotle shrimp tacos, shredded chipotle chicken tacos, and steak fajita tacos.

🌮 Got sourdough starter? Make taco night extra special with my homemade sourdough discard tortillas.

How to Store

Store leftover red cabbage slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After this time, the texture and flavor may begin to degrade slightly. If there's extra liquid, you can pour it off or use a slotted spoon when serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Taco Topping Recipes