Whenever I am having a taco night or Mexican themed night I tend to have side dishes that are pretty heavy. I mean who doesn’t love refried beans, Spanish rice, and guac? But sometimes I want something healthy to cut through the richness of the rest of the food that is a little healthier and lighter. I have been making this slaw to be the one healthy side during my taco night, and it is always a hit, either as a taco topping, or a side dish!

Ingredients and Substitutions:

  • Red cabbage – you can use any cabbage here, but I find red is prettier for this slaw! Make sure you thinly slice or mandlin thinly.
  • Red onion – I love a raw onion in a slaw! The key to it being not too overpowering of a flavor is to very thinly slice or chop into very small pieces.
  • Fennel – fennel is used here because it has a great crunch and is naturally sweet. Again, thinly slice it. If you don’t like fennel you can omit it and it won’t make or break the dish.
  • Apple – I love an apple in a slaw for it’s sweet crispness. If you want it to be more tart, go for a green apple.
  • Cilantro – the perfect herb to tie into a Mexican themed dinner!
  • Vinaigrette – I dont f*ck with mayo. This is a mayo free slaw recipe, you’re welcome.
@kellyscleankitchen

Cilantro lime cabbage slaw is the perfect healthy side for tacos or Mexican inspired food #healthysidedish #slaw #cooking #recipe

♬ La belle vie – Sacha Distel
  • SERVINGS:  4
  • PREP TIME: 20 Mins
  • ACTIVE TIME: 30 Mins
  • TOTAL TIME: 3 Hr

This is the perfect side dish for short rib tacos or carne asada!

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 red cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 fennel, thinly sliced
  • 1 pink lady apple, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, minced
  • Vinaigrette:
    • 2 limes, juiced
    • 1 tbsp brown mustard
    • 1 tbsp cumin
    • 1 tbsp honey
    • 1 tsp salt
    • 1/2 cup avocado oil

Preparation:

STEP 1.

Mandolin or thinly slice cabbage, red onion, fennel, apple and cilantro. Combine together in a bowl.

STEP 2.

In another bowl, whisk together the lime juice, brown mustard, cumin, honey and salt until combined. While whisking, slowly add in the oil to emulsify and make a creamy vinaigrette.

STEP 3.

Pour vinaigrette onto the vegetables and massage into. Taste for seasoning and serve.

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