A Fun Spin on The Classic Coleslaw!

This Yogurt Cilantro Lime Slaw is my go-to slaw recipe. I prefer a creamy coleslaw over a vinegar-based. However, I do enjoy both style slaws. The addition of Greek yogurt to my creamy slaw cuts calories and fat while bumping the protein up! The flavor is yet further enhanced with the addition of some citrus and herbs!

Preparation Cilantro Lime Slaw

To prep the vegetables for this Yogurt Cilantro Lime Slaw, I use a food processor, knife, and cutting board. I utilize the shredding blade attachment for my food processor to create amazing shredded cabbage and carrots. This food processor shred makes for the perfect mouthfeel.

However, if you do not have a food processor, that is okay too. I only recently obtained a food processor and I was not using it to make this recipe prior, and I would make this recipe for all sorts of occasions. If you are not using a food processor, you can use a sharp knife and cutting board to shred the veggies. For the carrots, I use a vegetable peeler to make carrot ribbons or strips. Then, I finish the carrot strips off with a rough chop!

Even when I am using a food processor on the cabbage and carrots, I use a knife and cutting board for the rest of the vegetables, except corn. I like to include the jalapeno seeds because I like a little kick. Once the ingredients are prepped just toss them all together in a large bowl.

Slaw Ingredients

Coleslaw Mix: Option to use store-bought or make your own mix. I use cabbage and carrots in this recipe. You could include other classic slaw ingredients like red cabbage or change things up with a bit of shredded kale!

Corn: I used a can of low sodium corn, rinsed under cold water. Another option is to use fresh or frozen corn. My absolute favorite corn to use in this recipe is fresh corn on the cob. I especially like to use leftover corn on the cob from a previous meal. To prep corn on the cob for this salad, I will slice off the kernels using a sharp knife on a cutting board. To prevent any accidents, I like to break the corn in half, so I have less risk of corn slippage.

Onion: In this slaw recipe, I prefer green onion. The green onion is mild and fresh without taking over with its oniony flavor! You could sub ou tthe green onion and use chives or red onion if you prefer.

Jalapenos: I love using hot peppers when I cook. I love spicy but I also enjoy the fresh flavor of jalapeno. For a milder slaw, you have the option to use a poblano pepper, or to make it even milder (and colorful) use red, yellow, orange, and/or green bell peppers.

Sharper Tip: Chopping Hot Peppers

After removing the seeds from the jalapeno, wash your hands like you just touched the dirtiest doorknob on earth. And by that I mean sing happy birthday and scrub around and underneath your fingernails! No one likes a burning eyeball after you didn’t quite wash your hands well enough and you itch the corner of your eye. Trust me, I’ve done it. Or, use powder-free kitchen gloves.

Yogurt Slaw Dressing Ingredients

Yogurt dressings are my favorite when considering a creamy salad dressing. In my opintion, homemade salad dressings are the only way to go when planning and making a salad. Check out a breakdown of the ingredients below.

Yogurt: For this Yogurt Cilantro Lime Slaw dressing, I use Full Fat Greek or Islandic yogurt. I often use Siggis, Noosa, or Fage but usually just grab whatever is on sale.

Mayonnaise: You can create your own mayonnaise, which is actually super easy when the steps are followed correctly. For ease, I use Avocado oil mayonnaise. My local Cosco sells these in bulk which prevents frequent trips to the store because I make so much salad dressing!

Date Syrup: Date syrup is just dates that have been turned into syrup. It adds a hint of sweetness to this dressing. I especially love this ingredient and how it compliments the spicy of the jalapeno. 

Lime: Lime works great with cilantro, corn, and jalapeno but if you don’t have lime you can use extra vinegar or lemon.

Vinegar: I find a light-colored vinegar works well, something with a slightly sweet, delicate, clean, and even fruity in flavor. White wine, Champagne, rice, and even distilled white vinegar all work well in this recipe.

Salt/pepper: I often say, “to taste”. By this I mean, go easy on these two ingredients and give the dressing a taste before adding additional amounts. Remember, you can always top your salad with salt and pepper.

Pairings and Variations

I love the uniqueness of this Yogurt Cilantro Lime Slaw; it takes a traditional slaw and puts a lovely spin on it. I make this recipe all the time, probably once a month or so when the cabbage is flowing in my CSA. This slaw makes a great addition to any cookout, BBQ, or siesta!

Try this recipe with some fish tacos, it is phenomenal. The Cilantro Lime Yogurt dressing is cool, refreshing, and brightens up any taco or meal. What’s more, whip up this slaw alongside a batch of my Strawberry Margarita recipe!