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A white bowl filled with vibrant mango slaw, featuring shredded cabbage, fresh mango chunks, cilantro, and lime.

Zesty Mango Slaw with Ginger-Lime Dressing

A vibrant and refreshing mango slaw featuring crisp cabbage, sweet mango, crunchy vegetables, and a bright ginger-lime dressing. Perfect as a summer side dish or a light meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian, Fusion, Tropical
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

For the Slaw
  • 1/2 head Green Cabbage thinly sliced or shredded
  • 1/4 head Red Cabbage thinly sliced or shredded
  • 2 large Ripe Mangoes ripe but firm, julienned
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 large Carrot shredded or julienned
  • 1/4 Red Onion very thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro chopped
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Mint chopped (optional)
For the Ginger-Lime Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Lime Juice (from 2-3 limes)
  • 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger grated
  • 1 clove Garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Sesame Oil
  • 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground, or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes optional, for a kick

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Sharp Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Prepare the Slaw Ingredients
  1. Thinly slice both green and red cabbage. A mandoline can help achieve very fine shreds. Place the sliced cabbage in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Carefully julienne the ripe but firm mango into thin strips. Add it to the bowl with the cabbage.
  3. Thinly slice the red bell pepper and red onion. Shred or julienne the carrot. Add all these vegetables to the large mixing bowl.
  4. Roughly chop the fresh cilantro and mint (if using). Add them to the bowl with the other slaw ingredients.
Make the Ginger-Lime Dressing
  1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the fresh lime juice, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  2. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and the honey is fully dissolved. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Combine and Serve
  1. Pour the prepared ginger-lime dressing over the slaw ingredients in the large mixing bowl.
  2. Using tongs or clean hands, gently but thoroughly toss the slaw to ensure all vegetables and mango are evenly coated with the dressing.
  3. For best flavor, let the mango slaw sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld. Taste again and adjust salt, lime, or sweetness as desired.
  4. Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or a light appetizer. This mango slaw pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or pork.

Notes

This slaw is best enjoyed fresh on the day it's made to maintain the crispness of the vegetables. If you need to prepare it ahead, chop all the slaw ingredients and store them separately from the dressing. Combine and toss with the dressing no more than 1 hour before serving. For an added layer of flavor and crunch, consider topping with toasted cashews or chopped peanuts just before serving.