Coleslaw has always been my go-to side dish for pretty much anything—barbecues, sandwiches, you name it. Over the years, I’ve learned how to nail the perfect balance of crunch and flavor, and I’m excited to share my version of Cava Cabbage Slaw with you today.
What is Cava Cabbage Slaw? It’s a refreshing twist on traditional coleslaw, made with finely shredded cabbage, crunchy carrots, and a tangy lime-and-cilantro dressing. This simple, vibrant recipe adds a burst of flavor to any meal.
By reading on, you’ll learn exactly how to whip up this zesty cabbage slaw in no time, plus some tips to make it even better. Let’s dive in!
What Does Cava Cabbage Slaw Taste Like?
Cava Cabbage Slaw offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The cabbage is crisp and refreshing, while the carrots add a natural sweetness and crunch.
The lime juice brings a bright, tangy zest that lifts the dish, complemented by the subtle earthiness of freshly chopped cilantro. A touch of sugar enhances the overall flavor, balancing the tang and spice from black pepper. The creamy mayonnaise ties everything together, creating a smooth and luscious dressing that clings to every bite.
This slaw is a harmonious blend of fresh, zesty, and creamy elements, making it the perfect side dish for barbecues, tacos, or sandwiches. It’s vibrant, flavorful, and irresistibly satisfying with every forkful!
Ingredients Required for Cava Cabbage Slaw Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Cava Cabbage Slaw
- 1 pound of cabbage (or ¼ of a large cabbage)
- 2 medium carrots, peeled
- A handful of cilantro (about ¼ cup, finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 small lime
- ½ cup mayonnaise
Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Grater (with large holes)
- Citrus juicer (optional)
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: None
Total Time: 15 minutes
Recipe for Cava Cabbage Slaw
Simply follow the steps given below to make your cava slaw recipe at home
1. Prepare the Cabbage
Start by shredding 1 pound of cabbage (or ¼ of a large cabbage) as thinly as possible. For smaller, more manageable pieces, cut the shreds down the middle with a sharp knife. No one likes overly thick or large cabbage pieces in their slaw! Place the shredded cabbage into a large mixing bowl and set it aside.
2. Grate the Carrots
Peel 2 medium carrots, then grate them using the side of your grater with large holes. Grate directly into the bowl with the cabbage to minimize dishes—because who enjoys extra cleanup?
3. Add Cilantro
Take a handful of fresh cilantro, remove the stems, and chop it finely. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, feel free to skip this step, but it adds a delightful burst of freshness. Add the chopped cilantro to the bowl.
4. Make the Dressing
In the same bowl, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of white sugar and 1 teaspoon of black pepper over the vegetables. Squeeze the juice from a small lime and drizzle it into the mix. Toss everything together to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
5. Incorporate the Mayonnaise
Add ½ cup of mayonnaise to the bowl and mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well coated. The mayo adds creaminess and ties the flavors together beautifully.
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Cabbage Slaw Cava
1. Classic Barbecue Side
Pair the creamy slaw with smoked brisket, ribs, or pulled pork for a traditional barbecue experience. The tangy lime and cilantro balance the richness of the meat beautifully.
2. Fish Tacos
Use the slaw as a topping for grilled or fried fish tacos. The crunch adds texture, and the lime juice enhances the flavors of the fish.
3. Sandwich Topping
Add a generous layer of Cava Cabbage Slaw to burgers, pulled chicken sandwiches, or veggie burgers for a fresh, zesty crunch.
4. Buddha Bowls
Include the slaw in a healthy grain bowl with quinoa, grilled chicken, avocado, and a drizzle of your favorite dressing for a balanced and satisfying meal.
5. Hot Dogs or Sausages
Top your hot dogs or grilled sausages with the slaw for a refreshing twist on this classic dish.
6. Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Load up baked sweet potatoes with shredded chicken or black beans and a generous scoop of slaw for a quick and wholesome meal.
7. Crispy Tostadas
Spread refried beans on a crispy tostada shell, layer with slaw, and finish with shredded cheese and a squeeze of hot sauce for a crunchy, flavorful bite.
8. Asian-Inspired Wraps
Use the slaw as a filling in lettuce wraps or rice paper rolls with grilled shrimp or tofu for a light and refreshing snack or appetizer.
9. Side for Fried Chicken
Serve the slaw alongside crispy fried chicken to cut through the richness of the dish while adding a pop of freshness.
10. Baked Potato Topping
Replace traditional sour cream and chives with a dollop of Cava Cabbage Slaw on a baked potato for a flavorful and lighter alternative.
Some Tips on This Cava Cabbage Slaw Recipe
1. Slice Cabbage Thinly: Use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to achieve thin, uniform shreds of cabbage. Thinner slices mix better and provide the ideal texture.
2. Chop for Manageability: After shredding, cut the cabbage shreds into shorter pieces for easier mixing and serving. No one likes oversized chunks in their coleslaw!
3. Peel Your Carrots: Always peel your carrots before grating to remove any bitterness from the outer layer and achieve a sweeter flavor.
4. Use Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice provides a brighter, tangier flavor than bottled lime juice, enhancing the dish’s freshness.
5. Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter slaw, increase the sugar to 1½ tablespoons. For a tangier slaw, reduce the sugar and add more lime juice.
6. Customize the Herbs: If cilantro isn’t your favorite, substitute with parsley or omit it altogether. The recipe is flexible to suit your taste.
7. Mix Gently but Thoroughly: When tossing the slaw, mix gently to avoid bruising the vegetables, ensuring even coating of the dressing.
8. Make It Creamier: For extra creaminess, mix in an additional tablespoon of mayonnaise or add a dollop of sour cream.
9. Let It Rest: Allow the slaw to sit for 10-15 minutes after mixing. This helps the flavors meld together, making the dish even tastier.
10. Serve Cold: Chill the slaw in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. A cold slaw pairs perfectly with warm dishes like barbecue and tacos.
How to Store Cava Cabbage Slaw Properly
Store your Cava Cabbage Slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, ensure the container is sealed tightly.
Avoid freezing, as the texture of the cabbage and carrots may become soggy. Before serving leftovers, give it a quick toss to redistribute the dressing evenly.

Cava Cabbage Slaw Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound of cabbage or ¼ of a large cabbage
- 2 medium carrots peeled
- A handful of cilantro about ¼ cup, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 small lime
- ½ cup mayonnaise
Instructions
- Start by shredding 1 pound of cabbage (or ¼ of a large cabbage) as thinly as possible. For smaller, more manageable pieces, cut the shreds down the middle with a sharp knife. No one likes overly thick or large cabbage pieces in their slaw! Place the shredded cabbage into a large mixing bowl and set it aside.
- Peel 2 medium carrots, then grate them using the side of your grater with large holes. Grate directly into the bowl with the cabbage to minimize dishes—because who enjoys extra cleanup?
- Take a handful of fresh cilantro, remove the stems, and chop it finely. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, feel free to skip this step, but it adds a delightful burst of freshness. Add the chopped cilantro to the bowl.
- In the same bowl, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of white sugar and 1 teaspoon of black pepper over the vegetables. Squeeze the juice from a small lime and drizzle it into the mix. Toss everything together to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Add ½ cup of mayonnaise to the bowl and mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well coated. The mayo adds creaminess and ties the flavors together beautifully.
Video
Notes
Common Queries on This Cava Cabbage Slaw Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Cava Cabbage Slaw Recipe that people often ask.
1. How do you cut cabbage fine for coleslaw?
To cut cabbage finely, remove the outer leaves and cut the cabbage into quarters. Slice out the core, then use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to create thin shreds. For smaller pieces, cut the shreds down the middle after slicing.
2. What is the difference between coleslaw and cabbage?
Cabbage is the raw vegetable that serves as the primary ingredient in coleslaw. Coleslaw, on the other hand, is a dish made from shredded cabbage mixed with dressing and other ingredients like carrots, cilantro, and seasonings.
3. How to dry cabbage for coleslaw?
After shredding the cabbage, you can place it in a colander, sprinkle it lightly with salt, and let it sit for 20–30 minutes. This process helps draw out excess moisture. Rinse off the salt and pat the cabbage dry with paper towels before using.
4. Should you wash cabbage before making coleslaw?
Yes, it’s essential to wash cabbage before using it in coleslaw. After removing the outer leaves, rinse the cabbage under cold water to remove dirt and debris. Pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel before shredding.
5. Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage?
Absolutely! Red cabbage adds a vibrant color and slightly peppery flavor to coleslaw. You can use it alone or mix it with green cabbage for a more colorful dish.
6. How do you keep coleslaw from getting watery?
Salting the cabbage before making coleslaw helps remove excess water, preventing the dish from becoming watery. Mix the shredded cabbage with a pinch of salt, let it sit for 20–30 minutes, rinse, and pat dry before adding the dressing.
7. What is the best type of dressing for coleslaw?
Classic coleslaw dressing is creamy, typically made with mayonnaise, sugar, lime or vinegar, and seasonings. For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt or vinaigrette-based dressings.
8. Can I make coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare coleslaw a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld together. However, add the dressing closer to serving time to maintain its crisp texture.
9. What can I add to coleslaw for extra flavor?
For added flavor, you can include ingredients like sliced green onions, diced apples, raisins, or toasted nuts. A sprinkle of chili flakes or a dash of mustard can also enhance the taste.
10. How long does homemade coleslaw last?
Homemade coleslaw can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving, as the dressing may settle at the bottom.
This Cava Cabbage Slaw is a perfect blend of crunch, creaminess, and zesty freshness. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, preparing tacos, or just need a quick side dish, this recipe is sure to impress.
With its vibrant flavors and simple preparation, it’s bound to become a favorite at your table. Give it a try, and let the crisp taste of homemade goodness elevate your meals! 🌟
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