This Mango Slaw is bright, crunchy, and bursting with sweet mango, tangy lime, and crisp purple cabbage in every bite. I first made this on a hot July afternoon when I needed something cool and refreshing to go with grilled fish tacos, and it's been my go-to ever since. The citrus dressing is light and zesty, and the whole thing comes together in 30 minutes with no cooking required.
If you love quick, fresh salads, you'll also want to try my Avocado Egg Salad and Dumpling Salad for easy lunches that feel vibrant and satisfying.
Why You'll Love This Mango Slaw
Ready in 30 minutes. This refreshing mango slaw recipe requires no cooking, just chopping and tossing, making it ideal for busy days.
Light and healthy. Packed with fresh vegetables, fruit, and a citrus dressing, this slaw is low in calories but full of flavor and nutrients.
Naturally vegan and gluten-free. With no dairy, eggs, or gluten, this slaw works for a variety of diets and dietary needs.
Versatile and customizable. Use it as a taco topping, a side dish, or a standalone salad. Adjust the spice level, sweetness, and acidity to suit your taste.
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Mango Slaw Ingredients
Here's what you need to make this tropical slaw with mango.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
- Purple cabbage, shredded: The crunchy base of the slaw. Purple cabbage adds a vibrant color and holds up well without getting soggy.
- Firm mangos, shredded: Sweet and juicy, mango adds tropical flavor. Chilling the mango before shredding makes it easier to handle and keeps the slaw cool.
- Cilantro, chopped: Brings a fresh, herby flavor that complements the citrus and mango. If you're not a cilantro fan, try parsley instead.
- Red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a mild bite and sharpness. Green onions are a milder option if you prefer less intensity.
- Jalapeno, finely minced: Adds a spicy kick. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference, or leave it out entirely for a mild slaw.
- Orange - zest and juice: The zest adds aromatic citrus oil, and the juice brings sweetness and acidity to the dressing.
- Lime - zest and juice: Lime adds brightness and tang that balances the sweetness of the mango and orange.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and brings out the natural sweetness of the mango and cabbage.
How to Make It
This easy mango slaw for tacos comes together in just a few simple steps.
Prep the mango: Peel the cold, firm mango with a vegetable peeler, then use a box grater or mandoline to shred it into thin strips. If you prefer, you can slice it into matchsticks with a knife. Place the shredded mango in a large mixing bowl.
Add the cabbage and aromatics: Shred or thinly slice the purple cabbage and add it to the bowl with the mango. Toss in the chopped cilantro, thinly sliced red onion, and finely minced jalapeno if using.
Add the zest: Sprinkle in the orange zest and lime zest. At this point, you can refrigerate the slaw until you're ready to serve, which helps keep everything crisp and fresh.
Dress the slaw: Just before serving, add the orange juice, lime juice, and salt. Toss everything together thoroughly so the dressing coats all the vegetables and mango evenly.
Adjust the flavors: Taste the slaw and adjust the salt, spice, or lime juice as needed. Some people like it tangier, some prefer it sweeter. Make it your own.
Serve immediately: This slaw is best enjoyed fresh and cold, with all the vibrant flavors at their peak.
Substitutions and Variations
Swap the mango. Try fresh pineapple, papaya, or peaches for a different tropical twist.
Use green cabbage. Green cabbage or a store-bought coleslaw mix works just as well and adds a milder flavor.
Make it spicy. Add more jalapeno, a pinch of cayenne, or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat.
Add crunch. Toss in toasted slivered almonds, pumpkin seeds, or crispy wonton strips for added texture.
Make it creamy. For a mango coleslaw with mayo, mix in 2 to 3 tablespoons of mayo or Greek yogurt along with the citrus dressing.
Equipment You'll Need
- Vegetable peeler: Makes peeling the mango quick and easy.
- Box grater or mandoline slicer: Shreds the mango and cabbage into thin, even strips.
- Large mixing bowl: Holds all the ingredients and makes tossing easy.
- Knife and cutting board: For chopping cilantro, onion, and jalapeno.
- Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and dressing.
- Citrus zester: Zests the orange and lime for maximum flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The slaw will soften slightly as it sits, but the flavors will continue to develop.
Prep ahead. You can shred the cabbage, mango, and aromatics up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Add the zest and juice just before serving to keep everything fresh and bright.
Don't freeze. This slaw doesn't freeze well because the cabbage and mango will lose their texture when thawed.
Refresh leftovers. If the slaw tastes a little flat the next day, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt to brighten it up.
Serving Suggestions
Top your tacos. This mango slaw for fish tacos is a classic pairing. It also works beautifully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or carnitas.
Serve with grilled meats. Pair it with jerk chicken, grilled pork chops, or barbecue ribs for a fresh, cooling contrast.
Make it a bowl. Serve the slaw over rice or quinoa with black beans, avocado, and your favorite protein for a healthy grain bowl.
Add it to sandwiches. Layer it into pulled pork sandwiches, burgers, or wraps for extra crunch and flavor.
What Makes This Mango Slaw So Refreshing
Mango Slaw is a colorful, tropical twist on traditional coleslaw. Instead of a heavy, creamy dressing, this mango cabbage salad uses fresh orange and lime juice to keep things light and tangy.
The base is shredded purple cabbage, which adds a satisfying crunch and a gorgeous purple color. Sweet, firm mango gets shredded or sliced into thin strips, and fresh cilantro, red onion, and optional jalapeno bring bold, fresh flavor. The citrus slaw dressing is made with orange zest, lime zest, orange juice, and lime juice, which brightens everything without weighing it down.
This quick summer salad works as a topping for tacos, a side for grilled meats, or a standalone salad when you want something healthy and vibrant. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days, making it great for meal prep or bringing to gatherings.
Why This Mango Slaw Gets Requested Again and Again
The first time I brought this slaw to a family get-together, I was a little nervous about the extra lime I'd added at the last minute - I thought I might have overdone it. I set it down on the table and told everyone to taste it before deciding.
The feedback was immediate - everyone loved it. The cabbage stayed crisp, the mango was sweet, and the lime was bright without being overpowering. It turned out that extra squeeze of lime was exactly what the slaw needed.
The lime and the cilantro together with the orange zest gave it this fresh, tropical flavour that had everyone going back for seconds. It became the dish people request me to bring to every gathering since then.
Top Tip
Use firm, cold mangos. Chilling the mango before shredding makes it easier to work with and keeps the slaw cool and refreshing.
Don't overdress. Add the citrus juice just before serving so the cabbage stays crunchy. Overdressed slaw gets soggy quickly.
Adjust the heat. Start with half a jalapeno and taste before adding more. You can always add heat, but you can't take it away.
Let the flavors meld. If you have time, let the dressed slaw sit in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. The flavors come together beautifully.
Taste and adjust. Everyone's citrus is different. Taste the slaw and add more lime juice, salt, or sweetness as needed.
FAQ
What is in mango slaw?
Mango slaw is made with shredded purple cabbage, fresh mango, cilantro, red onion, and optional jalapeno, all tossed in a citrus dressing made with orange juice, lime juice, and zest. It's a fresh, crunchy, tropical salad.
What is mango slaw made of?
Traditional mango slaw is made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing, but there are many variations. Fresh fruit slaw like this one uses citrus juice instead of mayo for a lighter, tangier dressing.
What does mango slaw go with?
Mango slaw pairs beautifully with fish tacos, grilled chicken, jerk chicken, pulled pork, shrimp, carnitas, and grilled fish. It's also great as a side dish for barbecue or served over grain bowls.
What is coleslaw made of?
Coleslaw is typically made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy or citrus-based dressing. This tropical version includes mango, cilantro, and lime juice.
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Pairing
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Mango Slaw
Ingredients
Method
- Peel and shred the cold, firm mangoes using a grater or slice into thin strips. Place in a large bowl.
- Shred or thinly slice the purple cabbage and add it to the bowl with the mango.
- Add the chopped cilantro, thinly sliced red onion, and minced jalapeno to the bowl.
- Zest the orange and lime, then sprinkle the zest over the mango and cabbage mixture.
- If not serving immediately, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Just before serving, pour in the orange juice, lime juice, and sprinkle with salt. Toss thoroughly to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding extra salt, lime juice, or jalapeno to your preference.
- Serve chilled as a side dish, taco topping, or over grain bowls.
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