3 Shares

When the sun starts to shine a little brighter and taco cravings hit, I find myself reaching for the vibrant colors of this Taco Slaw. Picture this: crisp green cabbage, tangy lime, and fresh cilantro coming together to create a refreshing side that not only brightens up your plate but also elevates those tacos from ordinary to extraordinary.

This isn’t just any slaw; it’s a zesty companion that delivers a perfect crunch and brings a wave of fruity freshness to the rich Mexican flavors we love. What I adore most is how quick and easy it is to whip up—a breeze in the kitchen that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or sunny backyard gatherings. Read on to discover how to make Taco Slaw with Lime Sour Cream Dressing and turn your next taco night into a fiesta of flavor!

Why will you love Taco Slaw?

Freshness at its finest: This Taco Slaw combines crunchy cabbage and zesty lime for a refreshing bite that enhances any taco.
Quick and easy preparation: With minimal chopping and a simple dressing, you can whip this slaw up in no time—perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile topping: Use it with everything from beef to fish tacos, or enjoy it as a standalone side that complements any meal.
Flavorful twist: The unique combination of cilantro and lime adds a bright pop that cuts through heavier taco fillings, keeping your taste buds excited.
Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it in advance for stress-free entertaining; it’s delicious even after a couple of days in the fridge!

Taco Slaw Ingredients

For the Slaw

Green Cabbage – use about 1/4 head, finely shredded for the perfect crunch that forms the base of your taco slaw.
Green Onion – slice diagonally for a mild onion flavor that adds a touch of elegance to your dish.
Coriander/Cilantro Leaves – these fresh herbs bring a burst of flavor, but feel free to substitute with parsley if you prefer.

For the Dressing

Sour Cream – this creamy base enriches the dressing; consider using plain yogurt for a tangier twist if desired.
Mayonnaise (or Olive Oil) – add richness with mayo or opt for olive oil for a lighter dressing.
Lime Zest – freshly grated, this enhances the dressing’s flavor, making it bright and zesty.
Lime Juice – fresh lime juice is ideal for acidity that balances the creaminess of the dressing, ensuring your taco slaw shines.
Salt – enhances all flavors and helps draw moisture from the cabbage, which is essential for the slaw.

Remember, this Taco Slaw is not just a topping—it’s a game changer for all your taco nights!

How to Make Taco Slaw

Mix the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise (or olive oil), lime zest, lime juice, and salt. Stir until smooth, creating a beautifully creamy dressing.
Add the Veggies: Toss in the finely shredded cabbage, diagonal slices of green onion, and fresh cilantro leaves to the bowl. The colors should pop vibrantly against the creamy dressing!
Toss to Combine: Using your hands or tongs, gently toss everything together until all the vegetables are thoroughly coated in the dressing. You’ll want to see a lovely blend of textures and flavors.
Let It Rest: Set the slaw aside for at least 1 hour. This crucial step allows the cabbage to mellow and absorb all those delicious flavors while wilting slightly for the perfect crunch.
Final Toss & Serve: Just before serving, give the slaw another light toss to refresh it. Use it as a taco filling or a lively side salad that everyone will love.

Optional: Add diced bell peppers for an extra crunch and a splash of color!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Taco Slaw preparations are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts, allowing for a flavorful dish ready when you need it! You can make the dressing (sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest, and salt) up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. The shredded cabbage can also be prepared up to 3 days prior; just make sure to store it in a separate container to prevent excess moisture from softening the texture. When you’re ready to enjoy your Taco Slaw, simply combine the prepped dressing with the cabbage and toss in the green onions and cilantro. You’ll have a delightful slaw that’s just as delicious as if it were freshly made!

Expert Tips for Taco Slaw

Dress It Right: Ensure the slaw is properly coated in the dressing for maximum flavor; a good mix is key to a delicious Taco Slaw.
Contrast of Textures: Avoid sogginess by keeping the slaw as the main topping in your tacos; too many ingredients can make your tacos mushy!
Chill Time Matters: Allowing the slaw to rest for at least one hour lets the flavors meld perfectly—don’t skip this step!
Store Smartly: If making ahead, keep the Taco Slaw refrigerated in an airtight container. It can last up to 3 days, but may soften slightly.
Flavor Variations: Experiment with spices! A pinch of cumin or chili powder can add an exciting twist to the dressing.

What to Serve with Taco Slaw?

When crafting a delightful taco night, pairing the vibrant flavors of Taco Slaw with complementary dishes creates a meal to remember.

Crunchy Chicken Taco Fingers: These flavorful chicken strips provide a satisfying crunch, making them the perfect protein companion to the refreshing slaw.
Fish Tacos: The lightness of fish tacos balances wonderfully with the bright, zesty cabbage, enhancing every bite as they dance together on your palate.
Black Bean Tacos: Rich in flavor and protein, black beans add depth to your meal, while the slaw’s tangy crunch provides an excellent contrast.
Spanish Rice: This seasoned side dish brings a heartiness that complements the lightness of the taco slaw, rounding out the meal beautifully.
Guacamole: Creamy and rich, guacamole adds a luxurious touch—in each mouthful, the slaw’s acidity offsets the smoothness perfectly!
Margaritas: Nothing says fiesta like a refreshing margarita! The citrus notes in the drink echo the lime in the slaw, keeping the mood festive.

Whichever you choose to serve, these pairings will enhance your taco night and make your taste buds sing!

Taco Slaw Variations

Embrace your culinary creativity with delightful twists on this zesty Taco Slaw!

Red Cabbage: Substitute green cabbage with red cabbage for a vibrant color and slightly sweeter flavor.
Greek Yogurt: Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a tangy taste that also ramps up the protein.
Extra Crunch: Add diced bell peppers or shredded carrots for a burst of color and additional crunch in every bite.
Herb Swaps: If cilantro isn’t your favorite, try fresh parsley or even mint for a unique herbal touch in the slaw.
Creamy Alternatives: Swap mayonnaise with avocado for a rich, creamy dressing that’s also heart-healthy.
Spice it Up: A pinch of chili powder or diced jalapeños can turn up the heat for those who love a spicy kick.
Fruit Infusion: Toss in diced mango or pineapple for a sweet contrast that complements the tangy lime dressing beautifully.
Nutty Goodness: Sprinkle some toasted almonds or sunflower seeds on top for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Storage Tips for Taco Slaw

Fridge: Store Taco Slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, but the texture may soften slightly.

Make Ahead: Feel free to prepare the slaw a day in advance for easy entertaining. Just remember to give it a final toss before serving!

Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze Taco Slaw due to the delicate nature of the cabbage, which can become mushy upon thawing.

Reheating: If serving warmed, gently reheat the slaw in a skillet on low heat, but enjoy it cold for the best texture and flavor.

Taco Slaw with Lime Sour Cream Dressing Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe ingredients for Taco Slaw?
Absolutely! For the best Taco Slaw, look for fresh, vibrant green cabbage without dark spots or wilting leaves. A firm head of cabbage will provide the best crunch. When selecting limes, choose ones that feel heavy for their size and have smooth skin, indicating juiciness.

How should I store leftover Taco Slaw?
Very! Store your Taco Slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While it will maintain its flavor, the texture may soften slightly over time. For best results, enjoy it within the first couple of days to appreciate its crunch.

Can I freeze Taco Slaw?
Not recommended! Freezing Taco Slaw isn’t ideal because the cabbage can become mushy upon thawing, losing its delightful crunch. If you want to make it ahead of time, simply prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge.

What should I do if my slaw is too watery?
No worries! If you find your slaw is too watery, it’s likely that the salt has drawn out excess moisture from the cabbage. To fix this, simply drain a bit of the liquid off before serving. If you want to help prevent this from happening in the first place, you can toss the shredded cabbage with a bit of salt and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing and drying.

Is Taco Slaw suitable for people with allergies?
Yes, it can be! This Taco Slaw is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the labels of your mayo and sour cream for any hidden gluten. If you’re accommodating dietary restrictions, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or mayonnaise for a lighter version without compromising on that creamy texture.

What other ingredients can I add to my Taco Slaw?
The more the merrier! For added flavor and texture, consider mixing in diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even thinly sliced jicama. These not only enhance crunch but also introduce a rainbow of colors to your dish. Moreover, spices like cumin or chili powder can provide an extra kick in the dressing!