This Fish Taco Slaw With Mango is made with shredded cabbage, mango and a creamy dressing, making it perfect for fish or any seafood taco.

Close up image of a white bowl with cabbage slaw and a wood spoon.

Cabbage slaw starts with the star of the show: cabbage! You’ll want to use fresh green and purple cabbage for a colorful slaw. The cabbage is thinly sliced or shredded, creating those lovely, delicate strands that give the slaw its signature texture. The best part? Cabbage is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients like vitamins C and K, making your slaw both delicious and nutritious!

I was inspired to make Fish Taco Slaw with mango since I was craving fish tacos from Coconut Cafe in Arizona. Let me tell you, adding mango to crunchy cabbage is brilliant!

Why this recipe is awesome

  • The perfect crunch: this slaw adds the perfect texture to your favorite fish tacos recipes.
  • It’s so creamy and delicious!
  • Easy to make ahead. This recipe is great for when you don’t feel like cooking but still want to eat something super delicious. Buy premade fish (or previously frozen breaded fish), make the slaw a day ahead of time, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in just a few minutes.
A white bowl with fish taco slaw and a wood spoon with a slice of mango and slices of limes on the side.

Ingredients

  • The Cabbage: Use a combination of green and purple cabbage. You’re more than free to use either or! (To save time, buy pre-shredded coleslaw mix).
  • The mango: Choose a ripe but firm large mango.
  • Jalapeño is optional but highly recommended! It adds a nice kick to the slaw and balances perfectly with the sweet mango.
  • Fresh cilantro adds a nice fresh taste.
  • Optional: Sliced radishes, chopped avocado, red onions, and/or shredded carrots.
  • The dressing: It’s made of light mayonnaise but feel free to use regular mayo instead. Plus fresh lime juice, salt & pepper.
    • Variation: This dressing can also be made with a combination of mayo and sour cream or Greek yogurt. Also add garlic powder for another layer of flavor.
The ingredients to make fish taco slaw on a blue backdrop.

How to Make Fish Taco Slaw

This is a visual overview of the steps to make this recipe. See the detailed list of ingredients & instructions in the recipe card below.

A measuring cup with shredded cabbage.

Top tip! when measuring the cabbage, use a liquid measuring cup instead of dry measuring cup when making slaw.

A white bowl with cabbage slaw and a wood spoon with limes on the counter.
  • Place the shredded cabbage and chopped mango and jalapeño, in a large bowl. Chop the cilantro and add it to the bowl as well.
  • Toss the ingredients together to ensure an even distribution.
Adding the dressing to fish taco slaw.
  • In a separate medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
  • Pour the dressing over the shredded cabbage and mango mixture. Use a spatula or tongs to gently toss and coat the vegetables with the dressing.
A white bowl with cabbage slaw and a wood spoon.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste of the coleslaw.

Serving Suggestions

This cabbage slaw is perfect as a topping on most fish tacos recipe like these Baja Fish Tacos or these Blackened Salmon Tacos. But it’s also great on Shrimp Tacos or any other seafood taco.

Another way to serve it is as a salad or side dish for grilled white fish like cod, halibut or tilapia. But don’t stop there! It goes great with grilled or roasted chicken. So good!

To serve your tacos I suggest adding this Chipotle Crema as a fish taco sauce. You can prepare the fish from scratch or to save time, buy premade at the grocery store or restaurant. Serve on corn tortillas, your favorite salsa plus lime wedges and you’re ready to enjoy!

A fish taco topped with slaw and garnished with cilantro leaves.


How to Store

  • Fridge storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. However, it’s important to note that the texture of the cabbage may soften over time. If you prefer a crispier coleslaw, it’s best to consume it within the first couple of days.
  • Freezer: It does not freeze well and I do not recommend.

FAQs

Can I make this slaw recipe ahead of time?

Yes you can make it ahead of time. In fact, coleslaw often tastes even better when it has had time to sit and allow the flavors to meld together. Prepare the fish taco slaw as instructed, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before serving. Give it a gentle toss before serving to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.

Can I use red cabbage only instead of green cabbage?

Absolutely! Red cabbage can be used as a delicious and colorful alternative to green cabbage. It adds a vibrant purple hue to your coleslaw and provides additional nutritional benefits. Feel free to experiment with a combination of both green and red cabbage for a visually appealing and flavorful coleslaw.

Can coleslaw be made without cabbage?

While cabbage is the star ingredient in coleslaw, you can certainly make variations without cabbage. Shredded Brussels sprouts, broccoli slaw, or a combination of julienned vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers can be used as a base for a refreshing and crunchy slaw.

A white bowl with fish taco slaw and a wood spoon.
Pestle and mortar icon graphic.

More Condiments To Try:

Try any of my delicious sauces, dips & dressings…. Always easy & delicious!

I hope you like this recipe! Share it, or leave a rating and comment below. For questions that need an answer right away, please contact  me and I’ll get back to you asap. Gracias!!!! xx, Ana

Print Recipe:

Close up image of a white bowl with cabbage slaw and a wood spoon.

Fish Taco Slaw With Mango

Servings 4 cups
Ana Frias
5 from 9 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
This Fish Taco Slaw With Mango is made with shredded cabbage, mango and a creamy dressing, making it perfect for fish or any seafood taco.
4 cups

Ingredients  

  • 3 cups green cabbage thinly shredded
  • 1 cup purple cabbage thinly shredded
  • 1 firm mango chopped in small strips or cubes
  • 1 fresh jalapeño finely chopped, optional
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro finely chopped
  • Sliced radishes, red onions, and/or shredded carrots optional
  • ¾ cup Light mayonnaise
  • 3 Tablespoons fresh lime juice (1 ½ limes)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions 

  • Place the shredded cabbage and chopped mango and jalapeño, in a large bowl. Chop the cilantro and add it to the bowl as well.
  • Toss the ingredients together to ensure an even distribution.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
  • Pour the dressing over the shredded cabbage and mango mixture. Use a spatula or tongs to gently toss and coat the vegetables with the dressing.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste of the coleslaw.

Add Your Own Private Notes

Whenever you come back to this recipe, you’ll be able to see your notes.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 88kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 413mg | Potassium: 142mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g

The nutritional information and US conversions are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this data. If this is important to you, please verify with your favourite nutrition calculator and/or unit conversion tool.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




8 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This mango slaw was SO good with fish tacos. Going to be making this a lot while mangoes are in season!

  2. 5 stars
    I looooove fish tacos but never make them at home, this slaw is perfect and I can’t wait to try it myself!

  3. 5 stars
    This is so perfect for the summer! Just what I needed for a potluck on the beach this weekend, thank you so much for sharing this recipe 🙂

  4. 5 stars
    This is a great recipe for the summer months. The mango gives the salad a great tropical flavor and the jalapeno adds some heat.

  5. 5 stars
    Love this fish taco slaw with mango, it looks delicious and fresh, perfect for summer and for TACOS!!!!! will make it soon.