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Dinner Made Easy:

Slow Cooker

5 Ingredients

Grilling

Make Ahead

Sheet Pan

Tacos

Pizza

Home Recipes by Cuisine Mexican & Southwestern
30 30 Minutes or Less GF Gluten-Free DF Dairy-Free VG Vegetarian

Mango Slaw – perfect slaw for fish tacos

4.33
/5
20 mins
19 Comments
Jump to Recipe
By: Rachel GurkPosted: 08/12/2019Updated: 06/14/2021

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This mango slaw is the perfect slaw for fish tacos, but you'll find yourself eating it all by itself too, because it is that good! 

This mango slaw is the perfect slaw for fish tacos, but you’ll find yourself eating it all by itself too, because it is that good! 

image of bright and colorful mango slaw, the perfect slaw for fish tacos, in a white bowl with a black spoon. Garnished with a lime.

I’ve only typed the word “slaw” three times so far and it already looks incredibly weird to me. Isn’t it funny how the mind can play tricks like that? I’ll probably type it 50 more times in this post so hopefully it’s not too much of a struggle. I’m sure somehow I’ll survive.

I’ve made this mango slaw so many times this summer and it instantly became a favorite. The first time I made it, we were having my family over for fish tacos and I threw this together in a bowl, not measuring anything and kind of making it up as I went. We all loved it so much that I knew I had to recreate it for you guys. I also shared it on instagram stories and got so many requests for the recipe…so here it is! 

This mango slaw is the perfect slaw for fish tacos, but you'll find yourself eating it all by itself too, because it is that good! 

About this mango slaw

This mango slaw is so easy to make, and like I said, I like it on fish or chicken tacos (it would be great on shrimp tacos, too!). It’s also fantastic on its own or even with chips. 

The first time I made it, I cut up chile spiced dried mangoes (I get them from Trader Joes – I love them on salads) and added them to the mix. However, I found that they softened really quickly and were hard to tell apart from the other ingredients and didn’t really add that chewy element I was looking for. With that being said, if you think they sound like a great idea (they’re so yummy!), make sure to add them right before serving the slaw so they retain their chewiness.

The rest of the slaw is best if you left the flavors meld for about an hour. So prep this ahead, pop it in the fridge, and then get to making the rest of your dinner. It honestly takes the pressure off – I love prepping ahead whenever possible.

If you let it set for more than 2 hours in the fridge, the cabbage will start to soften a bit, but it’s still super tasty. I frequently eat this 3-4 days after making it, especially if I’m the only one eating it. 

The trickiest part of making this slaw may be slicing the mango. Here’s a good video and graphic to help you if you’re unsure of how to dice a mango.

Image of mango slaw for tacos, in a white bowl with a mango and limes in the background

How to make this mango slaw your own

There are a few ways you can adapt this to make it perfect for you and your family or friends. Here are some ideas:

  • If you want it spicier, add some diced jalapeño. I’d go with one jalapeño pepper. If you like it really spicy, leave in the seeds and ribs of the pepper. If you like a little heat, but not quite as much, just use the green flesh of the pepper. 
  • Make this Whole30 – it’s already paleo if you use honey, but you can make it Whole30 compliant by omitting the honey or agave. This will make it extra tangy, but the mango provides really nice sweetness so it will still be tasty. You can decrease the lime juice slightly if you’re fearful it might be too sour. 
  • If you don’t have fresh lime juice, you can use apple cider vinegar or even just regular distilled vinegar. In my mind…this is kind of a last resort because the lime juice gives it so much flavor, but if you don’t have limes, the vinegar will give the slaw the acidity it needs. 
  • Are you a cilantro hater? Well, we can’t be friends. Juuuust kidding, I know it’s a very polarizing ingredient. I love the flavor it adds to this slaw but it’s still very flavorful without no cilantro. You could leave it out without having to make any other changes. 
  • Don’t want to bother with tacos? This slaw would also be absolutely fantastic spooned over a grilled chicken breast or a fillet of fish (I’d recommend cod or salmon). You could also use it as a salad and top with grilled or pan-fried shrimp to make this a full meal. I’m not a big tofu eater, but I bet this would be great over pan-fried or baked tofu, too. I’m envisioning it on top of these southwestern-style baked tofu steaks, which are giving me an odd tofu-craving that I’ve never ever experienced. 
  • More fun add-ins if you want to get creative: Diced avocado is always a good choice! If you add avocado, I recommend adding it immediately prior to serving to prevent any browning. You could also add in some fresh pineapple like in this pineapple salsa. If you want to add a little cheese, try queso fresco.

This mango slaw is the perfect slaw for fish tacos, but you'll find yourself eating it all by itself too, because it is that good! 

What sides to serve with fish tacos

Now that you have the slaw for your fish tacos, how about a few more sides to serve with them? Here are some ideas:

  • 7 Layer Dip (the best!)
  • Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Quinoa
  • Southwestern Roasted Sweet Potatoes
  • Cilantro Lime Rice
  • Creamy Southwestern Orzo Salad

This mango slaw is the perfect slaw for fish tacos, but you'll find yourself eating it all by itself too, because it is that good! 

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!

image of bright and colorful mango slaw, the perfect slaw for fish tacos, in a white bowl with a black spoon. Garnished with a lime.
Recipe

Get the Recipe: Mango Slaw - the perfect slaw for fish tacos

4.33 from 67 votes
Prep Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
8 servings
Print Rate Recipe
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This mango slaw is the perfect slaw for fish tacos, but you'll find yourself eating it all by itself too, because it is that good! 

Ingredients

  • 8 oz bag coleslaw (about 3 cups)
  • 2 large mangoes, diced small (about 2 cups diced mango)
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup minced fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into thin, short strips (a heaping half cup)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons flavorless oil (avocado, grapeseed, or canola)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine.
  • Best served after 1 hour in fridge to let flavors meld, but if you need to serve it immediately, it will still be delicious.

Notes

  • For a chewy twist, add diced dried mango (I like the chile rubbed dried mango). Add 1/2 cup immediately prior to serving.
  • For added spice, add the green flesh of 1 jalapeño, minced. Leave the seeds and ribs in for even more heat!

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1g, Calories: 70kcal, Carbohydrates: 10g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g, Sodium: 75mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 8g

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.

© Author: Rachel Gurk
Did You Make This?Be sure to upload a photo & tag me at @RachelCooksBlog. I love seeing what you made!
Share A Photo! Tag on Insta Rate It
Verdict: It’s the SUMMER OF SLAW. No but seriously, I love this stuff. 
Husband’s take: Ben also loves this! He’s a little gun shy when it comes to green onions so sometimes I decrease those slightly for him. I think his exact words were, “It’s very flavorful…,” which truthfully can mean a number of things.
Changes I would make: None are necessary, but try my suggestions above if you’re interested in mixing it up a little. 
Difficulty: There is some chopping involved, but throw on a good playlist and make it happen! It’s still very easy.
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  1. Joe nameth says

    December 8, 2022 at 8:41 pm

    1 star
    Garbage ! Nothing should come out of a bag !

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      December 12, 2022 at 8:06 am

      You are welcome to shred your own cabbage. I find it’s an easy shortcut to buy a bag and my readers are busy people that appreciate a shortcut now and then. “Garbage” is a stretch, and quite frankly, rude. You can choose not to make the recipe without leaving a rude comment. Choose joy! It’s way more fun.

      Reply
    • sarah weigandt says

      December 17, 2022 at 1:01 pm

      5 stars
      This is the best receipe ever! Love it and it makes me feel good after eating! Super healthy

      Reply
      • Rachel Gurk says

        December 19, 2022 at 8:03 am

        So glad you like it. Thanks for leaving a review!

        Reply
  2. Doreen says

    October 19, 2022 at 9:18 pm

    Delicious recipe I served it over coconut cod tacos and everyone loved it

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      October 26, 2022 at 10:52 am

      Perfect! So glad you liked it!

      Reply
  3. Marco Sanchez says

    December 18, 2021 at 11:23 am

    Best fish taco slaw,Iwill put my money on it.

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      December 21, 2021 at 3:17 pm

      Oh wow, thank you so much! Glad you. liked it!

      Reply
  4. Rnays says

    July 2, 2021 at 9:31 pm

    5 stars
    Made as directed! Was delicious on chunky chicken tacos. I omitted the cilantro cause of an allergy. Will make again, so good!

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      July 4, 2021 at 9:36 am

      So glad to hear it! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, it means a lot!

      Reply
  5. Marie says

    August 13, 2020 at 12:14 pm

    Delicious! I added grated fresh ginger but otherwise followed the recipe.

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      August 17, 2020 at 10:29 am

      I bet it was delicious with fresh ginger! I’m glad you liked it, thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!

      Reply
  6. Ananda Tumsi says

    May 14, 2020 at 7:11 pm

    Amazing!!!

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      May 15, 2020 at 10:05 am

      Thank you! I’m so glad you liked it!

      Reply
  7. Nichole says

    March 17, 2020 at 10:03 pm

    I made this pretty much following directions. It was delish. Definitely making again- it was all gone. Served with cod seasoned with a little chili powder and dredged in rice flour, pan seared with a little avocado oil to crisp. Plates clean! Thank you – seriously making again this week.

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      March 18, 2020 at 2:16 pm

      I bet it was so good with cod! Thanks for taking the time to come back and leave a comment!

      Reply
  8. denise says

    August 13, 2019 at 11:57 pm

    sounds delicious. I’d skip the bell pepper due to a food sensitivity, but other than that it’s perfect for me.

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      August 14, 2019 at 4:35 pm

      It would be great even without the bell pepper!

      Reply
  9. Bonnie McGinnis says

    August 12, 2019 at 4:44 pm

    I LOVE this mango slaw! So fresh and flavorful! Try adding lime zest if you love the taste of lime. Or chopped parsley (which I pretty much add to every salad I make). Thanks, Rachel, this salad is a real winner!

    Reply

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