Mango Slaw
Sarah Vance
Mango Slaw combines crisp purple cabbage, firm mango, cilantro, red onion, and a bright orange-lime dressing with optional jalapeño heat. This colorful no-cook side is well suited to tacos, grilled meals, cookouts, and make-ahead lunches.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 0 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 89 kcal
Large mixing bowl
Small bowl
Whisk
Sharp knife or mandoline
Cutting Board
Citrus zester
- 3 cups purple cabbage shredded, or use slaw mix with carrots
- 1–2 firm mangoes chilled and shredded to yield 2 cups
- 1/2 cup cilantro chopped, thin stems included
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced, or use green onions
- 1/2–1 jalapeño optional and finely minced
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1–2 tablespoons lime juice plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
Prepare the cabbage, chilled mango, cilantro, onion, and jalapeño as directed.
Whisk the orange zest, orange juice, lime zest, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and salt in a small bowl.
Combine the cabbage, mango, cilantro, onion, and jalapeño in a large mixing bowl.
Pour over the citrus dressing and toss gently until evenly coated.
Let the slaw rest for 10 minutes, then taste and add more lime juice or salt as needed.
Toss once more and serve cold or lightly chilled.
Storage: Refrigerate the finished slaw in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For the crispest texture, store the dressing and prepared produce separately for up to 24 hours.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended because cabbage and mango release water and become soft after thawing.
Best Tips: Use ripe but firm, chilled mangoes and cut the cabbage into thin, even shreds. Add the second tablespoon of lime juice only after tasting.
Make Ahead: Prepare the cabbage, onion, cilantro, and dressing one day ahead, then shred the mango and toss everything closer to serving.
Variations: Substitute green onions for red onion, add sliced bell pepper, mix in fresh mint, or finish with toasted pumpkin seeds.
Serving Ideas: Serve cold with fish tacos, grilled chicken, shrimp, pulled pork, black bean bowls, or cookout sandwiches.
Nutrition: Nutrition values are estimates only and may vary based on ingredients, brands, and portion size.
Keyword cabbage slaw, citrus slaw, mango slaw, no-cook side dish, summer side dish