Fish Taco Slaw Recipe
Introduction
This vibrant Fish Taco Slaw is a zesty, creamy topping that adds crunch and fresh flavor to your favorite tacos. Made with a tangy lime dressing and crisp cabbage mix, it’s a quick and delicious way to elevate any fish taco night.

Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 6-8 limes)
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 16 ounce bag pre-shredded coleslaw mix (discard any dressing that comes with the mix)
- ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set the dressing aside.
- Step 2: In a separate medium bowl, combine the shredded cabbage slaw mix, chopped green onions, and cilantro.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Step 4: Refrigerate the slaw until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, add thinly sliced radishes or diced jicama to the slaw.
- Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, mix in a small minced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best bright, zesty flavor instead of bottled lime juice.
Storage
Store the Fish Taco Slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving, as the dressing may separate slightly. This slaw is best enjoyed fresh to maintain its crisp texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the slaw in advance?
Yes, you can make the slaw a few hours to a day ahead. Keep it refrigerated in a sealed container and stir before serving.
Is this slaw suitable for diets avoiding mayonnaise?
You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative to suit dietary preferences, though this will slightly change the texture and flavor.
PrintFish Taco Slaw Recipe
This Fish Taco Slaw is a tangy and creamy cabbage slaw perfect for topping fish tacos or serving as a refreshing side dish. Made with pre-shredded coleslaw mix, zesty lime juice, and a light mayonnaise dressing infused with cilantro and green onions, this slaw is quick to prepare and bursting with vibrant flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 6–8 limes)
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Slaw
- 16 ounce bag pre-shredded coleslaw mix (discard any dressing included)
- ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lime juice, granulated sugar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. Set this dressing aside.
- Combine the slaw ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, add the pre-shredded coleslaw mix, chopped green onions, and finely chopped cilantro. Pour the prepared dressing over the slaw mixture.
- Mix thoroughly: Stir the dressing into the cabbage mixture until everything is evenly coated with the creamy lime dressing.
- Chill before serving: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the slaw until ready to use, allowing the flavors to meld and the slaw to chill properly. Serve cold as a topping for fish tacos or as a side salad.
Notes
- Discard any pre-packaged dressing that comes with the coleslaw mix to prevent sogginess and flavor clashes.
- For best flavor, refrigerate the slaw for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- This slaw can be made a few hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Adjust lime juice and sugar to taste depending on your preferred balance of tang and sweetness.
- Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick if desired.
Keywords: fish taco slaw, coleslaw recipe, lime coleslaw, taco toppings, creamy slaw, cilantro slaw, quick side dish

