This easy Lime Cilantro Broccoli Slaw is creamy, crunchy, and full of fresh and zesty lime flavor. The creamy dressing, toasted almonds, and cilantro turn this quick 5-minute slaw into a side dish that’s simply irresistible.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Lime Cilantro Slaw Recipe

• Broccoli slaw mix with red cabbage and carrots
• Tossed in a creamy and zesty lime cilantro dressing
• Crunchy toasted almonds gives great contrast in texture
• Fun alternative to traditional coleslaw
• Quick and easy to make in 5 minutes

This Lime Cilantro Broccoli Slaw is everything you want in a quick, easy side dish. It’s fresh, crisp, and full of zesty flavor that takes the classic idea of coleslaw and gives it a bright, citrusy twist. You can throw it together in just a few minutes, making it perfect for weeknights, picnics, or potlucks.

What stands out most is how the creamy dressing, crunchy almonds, and a hint of jalapeño all work together to create the most amazing flavor. This is the perfect slaw to serve as a standalone side dish or as a topping for tacos, baked chicken and fish, or anything coming off the grill.

Looking for other slaw recipes with a tasty twist? Be sure to try my Buffalo Coleslaw and Dill Pickle Slaw recipes.

🛒 Ingredients for Broccoli Slaw

• Broccoli slaw mix: Includes shredded broccoli stems, red cabbage, and carrots for texture and color.
• Heavy cream: Adds a rich, creamy base to the dressing.
• Sour cream: Gives a tangy flavor that balances the lime.
• Sliced almonds, toasted: Adds crunch and a nutty contrast.
• Fresh lime juice: Brings brightness and acidity to the dressing.
• Jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced: Adds gentle heat and freshness.
• Fresh cilantro, chopped: Adds bold herbal flavor and color.
• Scallions, green parts sliced: Adds a mild onion flavor that ties everything together.
• Lime zest: Enhances the lime flavor without extra acidity.
• Salt: Brings all the flavors into balance.
• Ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick that rounds out the dressing.

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

🔪 How to Make Keto Broccoli Slaw

Add the heavy cream, sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, salt and ground black pepper to a large mixing bowl.

Whisk the dressing until combined.

Add in the broccoli slaw mix, cilantro, scallions, jalapeño pepper, and toasted almonds, then toss until combined and everything is well coated in the dressing.

Toss to combine and allow to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.  The longer it sits, the better it will taste!

☑️ Storage Instructions

Store in an airtight container, it will last up to about 5 days in the fridge.

🍴 What to Serve With Broccoli Slaw

This broccoli coleslaw salad can be served with just about any of your favorite Keto main dishes. If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out some most popular choices:

• Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
• Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
• Fried Chicken Tenders
• Instant Pot Roasted Chicken
• Blackened Salmon
• Thai Red Curry Coconut Grilled Chicken
• Grilled Lime Cilantro Shrimp

💡 Tips

This recipe for Keto broccoli slaw is truly fail-proof, but there’re a few things that really make it the best.

• Toasting the almonds deepens their flavor and gives the slaw more texture.
• Use fresh lime juice instead of bottled for the best tangy kick.
• Chill before serving to help the flavors meld.
• Adjust the heat by adding more or less jalapeño depending on your preference.
• Zesting limes are easier to handle before you juice them.

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Chicken: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy main dish.

• Crunch: Swap almonds for toasted pumpkin seeds or cashews for a nut-free option.

• Pepper: Mix in a handful of thinly sliced red bell peppers for more color and crunch.

• Sweetener: Add a touch of honey or monk fruit if you prefer a slightly sweeter dressing.

• Yogurt: Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version.

• Cheese: Sprinkle in cotija or feta cheese before serving for a salty finish.

What are the Carbs in Coleslaw?

Traditional coleslaw recipes typically have a sugary dressing which really shoots the carb count up. This broccoli slaw mix only have 3 net carbs per serving, most all of which come naturally from the mix. Talk about the perfect Keto side dish!

Can I Add Sweetener to the Keto Coleslaw Dressing?

If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can add a little monk fruit/allulose to get the desired sweetness you prefer.

Can I Make Cilantro Lime Slaw in Advance?

For optimal flavor, it is best to make this recipe in advance. It’s best when made at least a hour before you’re ready to serve it. The flavors really come together and it allows the dressing to really soak in with the slaw mix.

If you’re looking for a short cut to making this slaw, you can always mix up the dressing a few hours in advance of needing it.

What Can I Use Instead of Broccoli Slaw Mix?

If your local grocery store is anything like most, it’s not uncommon for them to be out of certain things as times. If this is the case, you can certainly use regular coleslaw mix or even angel hair cabbage mix.

Can I Freeze This Broccoli Slaw?

It’s okay to freeze some coleslaw recipes that have more of a vinegar base, but this Keto coleslaw is dairy based and it just doesn’t freeze well. The taste may be effected and the mayo tends to segregate and pull away from the slaw mix.

🍽️ More Easy Side Dish Recipes

• Bacon Wrapped Green Beans
• Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Mashed Cauliflower
• Easy Creamed Spinach
• Jalapeño Popper Cauliflower “Mac” and Cheese
• Easy Sautéed Mushrooms
• Mexican Cauliflower Rice
• Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Prosciutto
• Loaded Creamy Cauliflower Casserole

Need even more ideas for Keto Side Dishes?  Check out these 50 Best Keto Side Dish Recipes roundup!

*Originally published on March 2, 2019, updated on January 9, 2026 with improvements to the recipe, new photos, new recipe information and helpful tips.