Citric Acid Free Whole30 Cilantro Lime Slaw
This vibrant slaw brings together two kinds of cabbage, sweet carrots, fresh cilantro, and a kick of jalapeño for a dish that's crunchy, colorful, and genuinely exciting to eat. The real star is the creamy avocado dressing — mashed smooth and whisked with fresh lime juice, olive oil, and cumin — which coats every strand in something rich and bright without relying on any processed additives or preservatives. For anyone avoiding citric acid, that distinction matters more than it might seem, since bottled dressings and store-bought slaws almost always sneak it in as a preservative or flavor enhancer. Here, the tang comes entirely from freshly squeezed lime, so you know exactly what you're getting. A short 10-minute rest before serving lets the cabbage soften just enough and allows the flavors to meld into something that tastes far more complex than the ingredient list suggests. It works beautifully as a taco topper, a side for grilled protein, or honestly just eaten straight from the bowl.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the slaw
- 3 cups green cabbage, thinly shredded
- 1 cup red cabbage, thinly shredded
- 1 cup carrots, julienned or coarsely grated
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
- 3 scallions (green tops only), thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely minced (optional)
For the dressing
- 1 ripe avocado, pitted and flesh scooped out
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- 1
Combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, cilantro, scallion greens, and jalapeño (if using) in a large mixing bowl and toss to distribute evenly.
- 2
In a small mixing bowl, mash the avocado flesh with a fork until smooth with no large lumps remaining. Whisk in the lime juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is cohesive and pourable — it should be thick enough to coat a spoon but thin enough to drizzle.
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