Creamy Avocado Coleslaw Recipe
Updated May 10, 2025, Published May 01, 2025
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This Creamy Avocado Coleslaw is the ultimate fresh and tangy side—loaded with lime, cilantro, and velvety avocado for a vibrant twist you’ll want to pile on everything from my shrimp tacos to our best homemade beef hamburger!
This creamy avocado coleslaw is one of my go-to recipes when I want something fresh, vibrant, and just a little unexpected. I love how the creamy texture blends with zesty lime and fragrant cilantro—a perfect balance of flavors. Whether I’m layering it on shrimp tacos or serving it alongside grilled protein, it always adds that wow factor. It’s simple, wholesome, packed with fiber, and delicious—I know you’ll love it!
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients
You only need some fresh ingredients to make this fresh, colorful creamy avocado slaw.
- Shredded cabbage – Crunchy base for the slaw, adds freshness. I like a mix of green cabbage and red cabbage.
- Fresh cilantro – A burst of herbaceous flavor.
- Avocado – Creamy and rich, blending into the dressing.
- Greek yogurt or sour cream – Adds tang and creaminess.
- Mayonnaise (optional) – Extra richness and smooth texture.
- Lime juice – Bright and zesty, tying everything together.
- Garlic – A hint of savory depth.
- Honey – A touch of sweetness to balance the acidity.
- Salt & pepper
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions and Variations
- Dairy-Free – Use coconut yogurt or extra avocado instead of Greek yogurt.
- Lime – lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or red wine vinegar work well.
- No Mayo – Skip it or replace it with more yogurt for a lighter version.
- Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of cayenne or a chopped jalapeño.
- Herb Swap – Try parsley or basil if you’re not a fan of cilantro.
- Add Crunch – Toss in extra veggies such as shredded carrots, thinly sliced radishes, or chopped green onions.
How To Make Avocado Coleslaw
This is an overview of the recipe; the full instructions are in the recipe card below.
Add everything for the avocado slaw (except the cilantro and coleslaw) to a food processor or blender.
Pulse and mix until creamy smooth (this makes a great creamy avocado dressing!). Then, combine the creamy avocado sauce in a large bowl with the slaw and mix to combine.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make Ahead: Prep the dressing up to 1 day in advance and store it separately in an airtight container. Toss with cabbage and cilantro just before serving for the freshest texture.
Storage: Once mixed, store the coleslaw in the fridge for up to 2 days. The cabbage will soften slightly, but the flavors will stay delicious.
Tip: Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the avocado to minimize browning.
My Pro Tip
Recipe Tips
- Use ripe avocado – It should be soft but not mushy for the smoothest, creamiest dressing.
- Blend the dressing well – A high-speed blender or food processor ensures a silky texture.
- Shred the cabbage finely – Thin shreds help the slaw absorb the creamy dressing evenly.
- Add the dressing just before serving – Keeps the cabbage crisp and fresh.
FAQ’s
A little over time, but lime juice helps slow browning. Store with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to keep it fresh.
Absolutely! It’s a great shortcut—just toss it with the homemade dressing.
How To Serve It
Serve it with grilled shrimp, baked chicken thighs, or baked flounder for a light and flavorful meal. It’s also excellent tucked into shrimp tacos, tacos al pastor, grilled chicken sandwiches, or burrito bowls. Try it alongside pulled pork sliders, crispy cod fish, or even as a fresh topping for hamburgers. Enjoy a simple lunch on its own or with a side of tortilla chips for a creamy, crunchy bite!
More Mexican-Inspired Recipes
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Creamy Avocado Coleslaw Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cabbage, green, purple, or a mix
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 small avocado
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise, optional, for extra creaminess
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a blender, combine avocado, Greek yogurt (and mayonnaise if using), lime juice, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Mix the Coleslaw: In a bowl, add shredded cabbage and chopped fresh cilantro, then toss with the dressing until well coated.
- Rest & Serve: Let the coleslaw sit for a few minutes to meld flavors, then serve chilled. Enjoy your zesty, creamy twist on classic coleslaw!
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prep the dressing up to 1 day in advance and store it separately in an airtight container. Toss with cabbage and cilantro just before serving for the freshest texture.
- Storage: Once mixed, store the coleslaw in the fridge for up to 2 days. The cabbage will soften slightly, but the flavors will stay delicious.
- Tip: Press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface to minimize browning from the avocado.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
