Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Cilantro Lime Slaw (Fresh, Zesty & Creamy or Vinegar-Style)

Sarah Smith
Dec 17, 2025
2 min read

Bowl of creamy coleslaw with cabbage, carrots, and parsley. Vibrant greens and oranges on a wooden table with a green polka dot cloth.

This Cilantro Lime Slaw is fresh, crisp, and bursting with bright citrus flavor. Shredded cabbage is tossed with a zesty lime dressing, fresh cilantro, and just the right touch of creaminess (or keep it light with a vinegar-style version). It’s the perfect cooling contrast to rich, cheesy, or spicy dishes and comes together in minutes.

Serve it alongside Beef Queso Mac & Cheese, Crispy Birria Tacos, Baked Country-Style Pork Ribs, or anything Tex-Mex inspired.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes Chill Time (optional): 15 minutes Total Time: 10–25 minutes Servings: 4–6

Nutrition Information

Estimated per serving (based on 6 servings)

Calories: 110 Protein: 1.5g Carbohydrates: 10g Fat: 7g Saturated Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 180mg Fiber: 3g Sugar: 6g

Ingredients

Slaw

4 cups shredded green cabbage
1 cup shredded purple cabbage
½ cup shredded carrots
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 green onions, sliced (optional)

Creamy Lime Dressing

¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
Zest of 1 lime
3 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tbsp honey or sugar
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

Light Vinegar-Style Dressing

3 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tsp honey
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, cilantro, and green onions.
In a small bowl, whisk together one of the dressing options until smooth.
Pour dressing over slaw and toss until evenly coated.
Taste and adjust salt or lime juice as needed.
Chill for 15 minutes if desired, then serve cold or at room temperature.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes — it’s best within 24 hours. Toss again before serving.

Does it get soggy?

The creamy version softens slightly; the vinegar-style stays crisp longer.

Can I add jalapeños?

Absolutely — finely diced jalapeño adds a great kick.

What cabbage works best?

A mix of green and purple cabbage gives the best texture and color.

Is this gluten-free?

Yes — both versions are naturally gluten-free.

How to Serve

Serve chilled with tacos, grilled meats, casseroles, or creamy pasta dishes. It’s especially great as a contrast to rich or cheesy meals.

Conclusion

This Cilantro Lime Slaw is fresh, crunchy, and full of bright flavor — the perfect easy side dish to balance hearty comfort foods. Quick to make and endlessly versatile, it’s a recipe you’ll reach for again and again.