Cilantro Lime Bacon Coleslaw with Fresh Herbs
A vibrant twist on traditional coleslaw that combines crispy oven-baked bacon with fresh cilantro and zesty lime dressing. The herbaceous cilantro adds brightness while lime juice provides tangy acidity that cuts through the rich bacon fat. Finely shredded green cabbage creates the perfect crunchy base for this colorful side dish. Perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or as a refreshing accompaniment to grilled meats and tacos. The simple olive oil and lime dressing keeps the flavors clean and allows each component to shine through.
Ingredients
- 8 ounce bacon
- ¼ head green cabbage, finely shredded
- 2 cups cilantro leaves, roughly chopped not packed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400F and line a baking tray with parchment paper
- 2
Place bacon slices side-by-side on the tray and cook for 18-20 minutes until desired crispiness is reached
- 3
Remove bacon from oven and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate using tongs
- 4
Add shredded cabbage, chopped cilantro, and crumbled bacon to a medium bowl
- 5
Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a separate small bowl
- 6
Pour dressing over the slaw mixture
- 7
Toss everything together and serve in a large bowl
Tips
Let bacon cool completely before crumbling to prevent wilting the fresh cilantro and cabbage
For extra crunch, chill the assembled coleslaw for 30 minutes before serving
Reserve a small amount of bacon fat from cooking to add to the dressing for extra flavor
Good to Know
Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 3 days. Dressing may separate, stir before serving.
Can be made 4 hours ahead. Add dressing just before serving to maintain crunch.
Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side dish for grilled meats or barbecue.
Common Mistakes
Don't add dressing too early to avoid soggy cabbage
Let bacon cool completely before adding to prevent wilting greens
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes, but add the dressing just before serving to keep the cabbage crisp. The assembled ingredients can be prepped up to 4 hours ahead.
What if I don't like cilantro?
Fresh parsley makes an excellent substitute and provides similar color and freshness without the distinctive cilantro flavor.
How long will this coleslaw keep in the refrigerator?
Properly stored in an airtight container, this coleslaw will stay fresh for up to 3 days, though it's best within the first day.