Easy Recipe for Cilantro Lime Broccoli Slaw (Great with Tacos!)

This Cilantro Lime Broccoli Slaw is a tasty side dish to accompany any Mexican inspired meal. This broccoli slaw recipe is super easy thanks to pre-packaged shredded broccoli slaw mix. It also has carrots, red cabbage and is tossed with jalapeño, lime, red onion, and red bell pepper for a refreshing side salad.

Creating this Recipe for Cilantro Lime Broccoli Slaw

Mexican food, especially of the Tex-Mex variety, is one of my favorite foods to eat. I seriously don’t think you can go wrong with enchiladas, tacos, and of course a big bowl of guacamole. I love the flavors of cilantro, lime, and jalapeño. They’re always the perfect combination of flavors.

But just as much as how good the food tastes, I think I love all the memories that it brings back of us growing up in Texas.

We usually had tacos weekly at home for dinner. Nothing fancy, just your typical ground beef tacos with corn tortillas. And, we always had Mexican food for birthday dinners at our favorite restaurant.

I’m so thrilled that both of my kids are finally starting to get some decent taste when it comes to food, because I can usually keep everyone happy with a taco or quesadilla night. Even if that means they don’t like the more creative versions of recipes that I prefer.

This Cilantro Lime Broccoli Slaw recipe recently found its way onto our dinner menu and was served alongside tacos for dinner. I thought it was super good and really easy to throw together.

Ingredients in this Broccoli Slaw Recipe

Here is a quick overview of the ingredients you’ll need to prepare this recipe for cilantro lime broccoli slaw and the tangy dressing it is tossed in:

For the Broccoli Slaw Salad

• Broccoli Slaw Mix
• Fresh Cilantro
• Jalapeño
• Red Bell Pepper
• Red Onion or Green Onions

Creamy Lime Dressing Ingredients

• 1 Lime, juiced
• Sour Cream
• Agave
• Salt and Pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes for Broccoli Slaw

• Roasted Pepitas, Sunflower Seeds, or Sliced Almonds
• Queso Fresco or Cotija Cheese
• Sliced Jalapeño
• Extra Cilantro
• Lime Wedges

If you want some extra crunchy texture in this great salad, stir in some roasted pepitas, crunchy sunflower seeds, or sliced almonds. And, for a cheesy garnish, try crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese sprinkled on top or served in a bowl on the side.

For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Broccoli Slaw

First, you start with a bag of pre-packaged broccoli slaw. Usually that includes a mix of shredded broccoli paired with a little bit of shredded carrot and red cabbage for color.

Then, you’ll toss the broccoli slaw mix in a bowl. Next, stir in the remaining ingredients – chopped cilantro, diced red onion and jalapeño, sliced red bell pepper, salt and pepper to taste.

Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing for Broccoli Slaw

After that, it is time to prepare the dressing. Then, dress the cilantro lime broccoli slaw with the creamy slaw dressing made from lime lime juice, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Or, alternatively, you can use your favorite store-bought cilantro lime dressing or vinaigrette.

Then, cover the bowl with the slaw with plastic wrap. Lastly, chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or over night before serving.

How to Garnish Cilantro Lime Broccoli Slaw

Just before serving, add the garnishes. If you want some extra crunchy texture in this great salad, stir in some roasted pepitas, crunchy sunflower seeds, or sliced almonds. And, for a cheesy garnish, try crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese sprinkled on top or served in a bowl on the side.

For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.

Make Ahead Options When Preparing this Recipe

If you like to meal prep or just have a busy day and need to get started on dinner early, here are my time saving suggestions for this recipe:

• Prep the salad ingredients ahead of time and store them in a large bowl or zip top bag. Keep refrigerated.
• You can also prep the dressing recipe ahead of time and store it covered in a small bow or jar in the refrigerator.

The individually prepared elements of this Cilantro Lime Broccoli Slaw will last in the refrigerator for about 2 days. However, the dressing may need to be re-mixed if it has separated.

But, once you have assembled the individual components, I recommend consuming any leftovers within about 24 hours.

How to Store Leftover Cilantro Lime Broccoli Slaw

If you have leftovers of this recipe, then it can be stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. But, make sure you transfer any leftovers to the refrigerator as soon as possible. The chances of food born bacteria developing increase the longer food is left out at room temperature.

I do not recommend freezing this recipe, because the texture would not be the same upon thawing.

Tips for Making this Easy Broccoli Slaw Recipe

• Bagged broccoli slaw mix found in grocery stores is what I use in this cilantro lime broccoli salad recipe. It is a great time saver and makes this a super easy recipe!
• Want to use fresh broccoli instead of broccoli slaw bags? You can run large pieces of fresh broccoli stems through the shred grater on your food processor. And, you’ll also want to add some carrot and red cabbage which are usually included in the prepackaged broccoli slaw mixes
• Having trouble squeezing fresh limes? Try using these three simple steps. You’ll get so much more juice out of your limes and have plenty of juice for your creamy lime dressing recipe.
• For a vegan version of this broccoli slaw recipe: You can prepare the lime vinaigrette dressing in this slaw recipe.
• A great way to make a vegan creamy dressing by substituting your favorite vegan sour cream, vegan mayo, or pureed avocado for the conventional sour cream in the dressing ingredients.

What to Serve with Cilantro Lime Broccoli Salad

Looking for something to serve with this creamy broccoli slaw for a complete meal? Here are a few of our favorite Mexican Recipes that would taste great alonside:

Broccoli Slaw would be a great side dish served with Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos because it is perfect for a meatless option for Taco Tuesday!

This recipe for Chicken Enchiladas with Homemade Chile Gravy Enchilada Sauce reminds me of my favorite enchiladas from a Mexican restaurant we frequented growing up in Texas and Cilantro Lime Broccoli Slaw goes great alongside!

You can’t have Mexican night without a big bowl of guac. I love this Roasted Salsa Verde and Roasted Tomatillo Guacamole Recipe. Or, for something simpler, try 5 Minute Guacamole.

Add this Broccoli Slaw recipe to Taco Bowls with this Roasted Poblano Quinoa, black beans, Shredded Mexican Crock Pot Chicken (or your favorite protein), and pico de gallo. Or, use the slaw in these Layered Ground Chicken Taco Salads in a Jar.

Serve Broccoli Slaw on top of a Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches in the summertime for a different take on a BBQ sandwich! I love it as a crunchy element on my sandwich!

Or, try these Lemon Pepper Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Slaw. They’re really refreshing, but especially in the summer. I love the crunch of the corn tortilla shells and the slaw topping, and you can easily sub this Cilantro Lime Broccoli Slaw in this recipe as well.

Don’t see what you’re looking for here? You can always head over to check out the recipe index to look for more recipes.

What are your favorite side dishes to serve with Mexican food?

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Photography: photos taken in this post are by Rachael from Set the Table.