Zesty Citrus Coleslaw

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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If you're looking for a fresh, tangy twist on classic coleslaw, look no further than this Zesty Citrus Coleslaw. This recipe brings together crisp veggies and a vibrant citrus dressing for a side dish that's as refreshing as it is flavorful. Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or even just a weeknight dinner!

Ingredients for Zesty Citrus Coleslaw

Green cabbage is the backbone of this coleslaw, providing crunch and a mild flavor that pairs well with the citrus dressing. The carrot adds a touch of sweetness and a pop of color, while the red onion introduces a slight sharpness. Cilantro brings a fragrant herbal note, making the dish feel extra fresh. The lime juice and orange juice are key players in the dressing, offering bright and zesty flavors. Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy depth, and olive oil provides a smooth richness. Honey balances the acidity with its natural sweetness, while ground cumin and chili powder add warmth and spice. Finally, jalapeño gives a hint of heat, making each bite exciting.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra crunch, add the dressing just before serving.
  • If you prefer less heat, adjust the amount of jalapeño to taste.
  • Use a mandoline slicer for uniform cabbage slices.

Serving Suggestions

Zesty Citrus Coleslaw pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken or pork. It also makes a fantastic topping for fish tacos, adding a refreshing crunch. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside black bean burgers or as part of a vibrant salad spread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and toss again before serving.
What if I don't have apple cider vinegar?
You can substitute with white wine vinegar or even rice vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.

Zesty Citrus Coleslaw Recipe Walkthrough

Start by prepping your veggies. Thinly slice a medium head of green cabbage and toss it into a large bowl. Grate a medium carrot and add it to the mix. Thinly slice half of a red onion, and scatter it over the cabbage and carrot. Now, take a smaller bowl and whisk together the dressing ingredients: lime juice, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, ground cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Once everything is well-combined, pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture. Give it a good toss to ensure every piece is coated with that delicious dressing. Next, gently fold in the minced jalapeño and chopped cilantro, distributing them evenly. Now, let the coleslaw rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld, making the dish even more delightful when served.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bright and refreshing flavors that awaken your taste buds.
  • Quick and easy to prepare — ready in less than 15 minutes.
  • Perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and tangy notes.
  • Versatile side dish that complements a variety of main courses.

Ingredients

1 medium head of green cabbage, thinly sliced
1 medium carrot, grated
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup lime juice
1/4 cup orange juice
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cabbage, grated carrot, and red onion.
2. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the lime juice, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well to combine.
4. Gently fold in the minced jalapeño and chopped cilantro.
5. Let the coleslaw sit for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld before serving.

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