Serve this Ginger Lime Mango Coleslaw alongside any summer meal for a tangy and refreshing side dish. Freshly grated ginger and fresh squeezed lime juice pair perfectly with sweet chunks of mango, crispy cabbage, and a hint of jalapeno.
ME BEFORE THE RECIPE…
This summer has been nonstop entertainment thus far. As most summers are, we’ve had our fair share of epic adventures. To name just a few, we:
- Took a turn around vacation to St. George, Utah, packing in as many shenanigans as we could in just two days. We played with cousins, cruised along the lake in a much coveted ski boat (don’t even get me started on our perpetually broken boat), and took advantage of free tickets to an outstanding outdoor summer musical, Matilda.
- Shipped the girls off to a week long daily gymnastics camp while I attended a church youth retreat in California. My girls not only worked their dad (as expected), but also exercised some impressive money management skills. After weaseling $10 from Ben for snacks one day, they proudly exclaimed they were able to purchase a king sized candy bar, two Slurpees, a corndog, and a large refillable soda AND still had change leftover. Watch out corporate America!
- Packed our usual six weeks worth of Utah summer partying into a brief six days. It’s still all a blur and I’m currently mentally and physically recovering from that vacation. For reals, I even took a pregnancy test today because I can’t even remember feeling this tired. And no, I’m not pregnant. Apparently your body just isn’t quite as chipper in your mid 30’s as it once was.
So yeah. I was actually worried this summer would last forever since we weren’t spending as much time in Utah as we’re previously used to. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Between planning vacations, recovering from said vacations, and playing entertainer/tour guide/referee/chauffeur/drill sergeant for my crazy kiddos…well I’m downright pooped while this summer seems to be flying by with me flailing around frantically clinging to its coattails.
Somebody save me.
How is it that as children we never seem to recognize the effort our parents pour into pulling off a successful summer? I mean, I was always under the impression that memorable summers just sort of happened. Really, how hard can it be to plan a fun summer. Summer is just inherently fun, right???
WRONG!
In fact, I think I need to take a break right now from typing and use these handy dandy little fingers of mine to dial my mother and tell her THANK YOU! Thank your for the thirty four summers (and counting) of my life that I have been privileged enough to enjoy.
HERE COMES THE RECIPE…
With all the chaos that summer brings, it’s always a relief to keep at least one thing simple: food. Now before you go on thinking that simple equates to ordinary and tasteless, let me assure you that simple most definitely does NOT mean bland and boring. Simple still has room for flare, creativity, color, and flavor. Sooooo much flavor!
One of my favorite dishes to throw together on these hot summer days is a cool refreshing salad. And what type of salad screams summer more perfectly than coleslaw?! This Ginger Lime Mango Coleslaw can grace its presence at any summer gathering and I’ll be the first in line.
You can eat this Ginger Lime Mango Coleslaw plain as a side, or use it to dress up a burger, sloppy joe, or fish taco with a heaping spoonful. I’m even thinking about topping a pulled pork sandwich or loaded baked potato with this stuff. It’s addictively delicious, so I’m pretty sure you will find multiple uses for it’s goodness.
Now I’m not a huge fan of overly saucy coleslaw. I enjoy my coleslaw lightly dressed as opposed to swimming in sauce. But if swimming is your thang, then add some more mayo and lime juice to the mix.
And speaking of mix, let’s talk about mix-ins. Part of what makes this Ginger Lime Mango Coleslaw so irresistible are all the fresh ingredients tossed in. We’re talkin’ grated ginger, chopped cilantro, tropical mango, and some spicy jalapeno. It’s the perfect combo of flavors for a sweet, spicy, tangy side dish.
There is something soulfully satisfying about the pairing of sweet warm ginger with crisp cool cabbage that just makes my heart smile and my taste buds tingle. Pretty much every coleslaw should consider inviting some ginger to their summer party. This zesty and aromatic root knows how to have a real good time.
So before your summer comes to a screeching halt and you’re left dazed, trying to process what exactly just happened to you over the past few months, whip up a batch of this Ginger Lime Mango Coleslaw. Chowing down on this slaw is sure to stick around as a favorite summer memory and may even graduate its way up to becoming a recurring family summer tradition. This mama says there’s always room for some good grub.
YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY…
- The Best Sloppy Joes
- Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Beef Tacos
- Cucumber Mango Salsa
- Gluten Free Cilantro Ginger Turkey Burgers
- Healthier Broccoli Raisin Salad
- ½ cup mayo*
- juice of 1 lime (about 1 tablespoon)*
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- ½ head of cabbage (green, purple, or mixture), cored and chopped into thin slices (about 4 cups)
- ⅔ cup shredded carrots
- ⅓ cup roughly chopped cilantro leaves
- ½ cup diced mango
- 1 small jalapeno, seeded and minced
- ¼ cup crumbled feta (optional)
- In a small bowl, combine mayo, lime juice, honey, grated ginger, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. Set aside.
- In a larger mixing bowl, combine chopped cabbage, shredded carrots, cilantro leaves, diced mango, and minced jalapeno. Toss to mix veggies evenly.
- Pour sauce over veggie mixture and stir to coat. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed. Cover and chill for 2-3 hours. Stir again before serving. Sprinkle top with crumbled feta.*
