Quick And Easy Mango Slaw Recipe

Craving something fresh, vibrant, and bursting with tropical flavor? This Quick and Easy Mango Slaw Recipe is my go-to side dish when I want something colorful, crunchy, and ready in minutes. It’s sweet, tangy, slightly savory, and pairs beautifully with grilled dishes, tacos, seafood, or even as a light lunch on its own.

Made with juicy ripe mangoes, crisp cabbage, and a zesty lime dressing, this refreshing mango slaw is the perfect summer salad that comes together in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients List

Fresh Slaw Ingredients

2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
2 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
1 large carrot, grated
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Dressing Ingredients

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Required Kitchen Tools

When preparing this quick mango slaw, you only need a few simple kitchen tools:

Sharp Chef’s Knife: For cleanly dicing mangoes and slicing vegetables thinly.
Cutting Board: A stable surface for prepping all fresh ingredients.
Box Grater or Food Processor: To grate the carrot quickly.
Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for tossing the slaw evenly.
Small Whisk or Fork: For mixing the dressing smoothly.
Measuring Spoons: To ensure balanced flavors in the dressing.

Having these ready makes the process effortless and efficient.

Preparing the Fresh Ingredients

The key to a flavorful and crunchy mango slaw is proper preparation.

Cutting the Mango

I start by peeling the ripe mangoes and carefully slicing the flesh away from the pit. Then, I dice them into small bite-sized cubes. Using ripe but firm mangoes ensures the slaw holds its texture without becoming mushy.

Shredding and Slicing the Vegetables

Next, I finely shred the green cabbage to create a light, airy base. Thin slices allow the dressing to coat every strand evenly.

I grate the carrot for natural sweetness and vibrant color. The red bell pepper and red onion are sliced thinly to maintain a crisp texture without overpowering the slaw. Finally, I chop the fresh cilantro to add brightness and herbaceous flavor.

Making the Honey Lime Dressing

The dressing is what transforms this from a simple cabbage salad into a tropical mango slaw.

In a small bowl, I whisk together:

Fresh lime juice
Honey (or maple syrup for a vegan version)
Sesame oil
Salt and pepper

The lime juice adds acidity, the honey balances sweetness, and the sesame oil brings subtle depth and nuttiness. I whisk until everything is well combined and slightly emulsified.

Assembling the Mango Slaw

Once all the ingredients are prepped, I add the cabbage, carrot, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and diced mango into a large mixing bowl.

I pour the dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until evenly coated. I’m careful not to mash the mango pieces while mixing.

At this stage, I taste and adjust seasoning if needed — sometimes adding a pinch more salt or an extra squeeze of lime for brightness.

For best flavor, I let the slaw sit for 10–15 minutes before serving. This allows the vegetables to slightly soften and absorb the dressing while still maintaining crunch.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

This quick mango slaw is incredibly versatile. I love serving it:

Alongside grilled chicken or fish
As a topping for fish tacos
With pulled pork sandwiches
As a refreshing BBQ side dish
Inside wraps or grain bowls

For extra texture, I sometimes sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on top. If I want a little heat, I add thinly sliced jalapeño or a pinch of chili flakes.

The bright yellow mango, vibrant orange carrot, and deep red pepper make this dish visually stunning on any table.

Storage Instructions

How to Keep Mango Slaw Fresh

I store leftover mango slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cabbage helps maintain structure, but the mango will soften slightly over time.

If making ahead for a gathering, I recommend storing the dressing separately and tossing everything together just before serving for maximum crunch.

Freezing is not recommended, as the fresh vegetables and mango will lose their crisp texture.

Conclusion

This Quick and Easy Mango Slaw Recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create bold, refreshing flavors. It’s sweet, tangy, crunchy, and ready in minutes — making it the perfect healthy side dish for busy days or summer gatherings.

I love how customizable it is, whether I’m making it vegan with maple syrup or adding a bit of spice for heat. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this mango slaw has become one of my favorite fresh salad recipes to make again and again.

If you’re looking for a vibrant, easy mango cabbage slaw that delivers both flavor and texture, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep on repeat. 🥭🥗