Handwritten recipe for Mexican Cabbage Slaw
by: salvagedrecipes

Zesty Mexican Cabbage Slaw with Chicken & Black Beans

Mexican Cabbage Slaw
Mexican Cabbage Slaw is a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish combining crisp green and red cabbage with tender shredded chicken, juicy tomatoes, and bold flavors like ripe olives and black beans. Dressed with lime juice, garlic, and cumin, it's a fresh and tangy side or light entrée with Southwestern flair. Often enjoyed with warm corn tortillas, this slaw is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a taco filling. It balances crunch, creaminess, and zest, showcasing the beauty of wholesome, simple ingredients.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 230 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups green cabbage (shredded )
  • 2 cups red cabbage (shredded )
  • 2 cups chicken breast (8 oz, cooked and shredded)
  • 1 cup olives (sliced, ripe )
  • 1 cup Roma tomatoes (diced )
  • 15 oz black beans, (rinsed and drained)
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped )
  • ¼ cup lime juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic (minced )
  • ¼ tsp ground cumin
  • salt (to taste)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

  • Shred both green and red cabbage.
  • Cook and shred the chicken if not using pre-cooked.
  • Dice Roma tomatoes and chop cilantro.

Step 2: Mix Slaw

  • In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, chicken, olives, diced tomatoes, and black beans.

Step 3: Dress the Salad

  • Add lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chopped cilantro, and salt to the bowl.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

  • Toss all ingredients gently until evenly coated.
  • Serve with warm corn tortillas.

Tips

  • Add sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
  • Swap chicken for grilled shrimp or leave it out for a vegetarian option.
  • Add corn kernels for sweetness and extra texture.
  • Use purple cabbage only for a more vibrant slaw.
  • Replace lime juice with a mix of lime + orange for a brighter citrus flavor.
  • Add diced avocado just before serving.
  • Serve inside warm corn tortillas for easy tacos.
  • Mix in crushed tortilla chips for added crunch (just before serving).
  • Chill 1 hour before serving to deepen flavors.

Nutrition

Calories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 18gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 425mgPotassium: 670mgFiber: 9gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 841IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 64mgIron: 2mg
Keyword black bean salad, cabbage salad, chicken slaw, easy lunch, fresh salads, light meal, lime dressing, Mexican slaw, tortillas
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