South Of The Border Slaw

Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Mexican

A vibrant, tangy slaw with cumin, lime, and fresh vegetables, perfect as a side dish for Tex-Mex or Mexican-inspired meals, offering bold flavors and crunch.

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Ingredients

  • 1 tsp. corn oil
  • 1 tsp. cumin seed
  • 1/2 c. + 2 Tbsp. lime juice
  • 3 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
  • 2 tsp. granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 4 c. finely shredded cabbage
  • 1/2 c. diced seeded pared cucumber
  • 1/2 c. sliced scallions
  • 1/2 c. thinly sliced green bell pepper
  • 1/2 c. thinly sliced red bell pepper
  • 1/2 c. shredded pared carrot

Instructions

  1. In a small skillet, heat the corn oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the cumin seed and cook, stirring constantly, until lightly toasted and fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in lime juice, white wine vinegar, sugar, and salt to make the dressing.

Tips & Substitutions

For added depth of flavor, try toasting the cumin seeds a bit longer, but be careful not to burn them. If you don't have corn oil, a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil can be used as a substitute. For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeño or chopped cilantro to the slaw. This recipe can easily be adjusted to suit vegan recipes by ensuring all ingredients are plant-based.

Serving Suggestions

This South Of The Border Slaw pairs beautifully with grilled meats, tacos, or as a crunchy topping on sandwiches. Serve alongside dishes like Southwestern Pasta Salad for a vibrant meal. It can also complement spicy entrees, balancing the heat with its tangy freshness.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld over time, but the cabbage may become softer. To refresh the slaw before serving, give it a quick toss and consider adding a splash of lime juice to brighten it up again.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of South Of The Border Slaw contains roughly 2267 calories, with 4g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 241g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (120% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1835mg per serving (80% of the Daily Value).

2267 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.7g 7% DV
Total Fat 240.7g 100% DV
Carbs 34.3g 12% DV
Fiber 9.6g 34% DV
Sugar 13.7g 27% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1835.5mg 80% DV
Potassium 976.6mg 21% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1081.4mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 65.9mg 73% DV
Calcium 82.5mg 6% DV
Iron 1.7mg 9% DV
Diet fit High-fiber

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this slaw ahead of time?

Yes, this slaw can be prepared a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain the crunchiness of the cabbage and other vegetables. Mix in the dressing just before serving for best results.

What can I substitute for the cabbage?

If you're looking for alternatives to cabbage, shredded Brussels sprouts or kale can work well. Both will provide a different texture and flavor, but they will still hold up nicely in the dressing.

Is this slaw spicy?

This recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can easily adjust the heat level. Adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce in the dressing can elevate the spice level for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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