Emulsifier Free Whole30 Cilantro Lime Slaw
Bright, crunchy, and loaded with fresh flavor, this cilantro lime slaw is the kind of side dish that steals the show at any table. The dressing is where the magic happens — ripe avocado is mashed smooth and whisked together with fresh lime juice, olive oil, and a touch of cumin to create a creamy, tangy coating that clings to every shred of cabbage without a single additive or stabilizer in sight. That matters more than you might think, because most store-bought slaws and bottled dressings rely on emulsifiers to hold their texture together, meaning this homemade version is genuinely cleaner from the first ingredient to the last. Two kinds of cabbage and julienned carrots give you serious crunch, while the scallion greens, cilantro, and optional jalapeño layer in brightness and a little heat. A short 10-minute rest before serving lets the vegetables soften just enough to soak up all that citrusy dressing without going limp. It's the kind of recipe that works as a taco topper, a burger companion, or honestly just a bowl you eat straight from the fridge.
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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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