Jamaican Mango Slaw

Name: Jamaican Mango Slaw
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded green cabbage; 1 ripe mango, diced; 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; Juice of 1 lime; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon honey; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I absolutely love this Caribbean-inspired Jamaican Mango Slaw! The vibrant colors of the fresh ingredients and the sweetness of ripe mangoes make this side dish a standout at any gathering. It balances crunchy cabbage with juicy mango and zesty lime for a refreshing flavor explosion. Whenever I serve it, my guests are always impressed by its bright presentation and delightful taste. Plus, it takes just 15 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and easy addition to any meal!

Created by

Eleanor Briggs

Last updated on 2026-01-13T04:37:05.961Z

Making Jamaican Mango Slaw has become a summer staple in my kitchen. The smoky notes from the paprika paired with the vibrant mango create a unique taste profile that I just can't resist. I love how quickly it comes together with minimal cooking; just a simple toss of the ingredients and it's ready to serve.

One of my favorite tips is to use perfectly ripe mangoes for sweetness, but don't shy away from a little lime juice to add a zesty kick. It really lifts the entire dish! Every time I prepare this slaw, I find it brings a taste of the tropics to my dining table.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Refreshing crunch with the perfect touch of sweetness
Bright colors that enhance any meal presentation
Quick and easy preparation for busy weeknights

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of this Jamaican Mango Slaw is undoubtedly the ripe mango. Choose a mango that yields slightly to gentle pressure but is not overly soft, as this indicates perfect ripeness. The sweetness of the mango complements the sharpness of the lime and the crunch of the cabbage. If mangoes aren't in season, consider using diced pineapple for a tropical twist while maintaining a similar balance of sweetness and acidity.

Green cabbage serves as the base of this slaw, providing a satisfying crunch. For a variation, try using red cabbage, which not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the slaw's crunch factor. Remember to shred the cabbage finely to ensure it's tender and absorbs the dressing evenly. The addition of red bell pepper not only contributes a beautiful hue but also offers a slight sweetness and additional nutrients.

Dressing Dilemmas

The dressing is where the magic happens, seamlessly binding all the flavors in this slaw. The combination of lime juice and honey creates a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness. Adjust the amount of honey based on the ripeness of your mango; if the mango is particularly sweet, you can reduce the honey a bit. For a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.

If you're short on time, feel free to use store-bought vinaigrettes, but ensure they are citrus-based to maintain the integrity of the slaw's flavor profile. Just remember to taste as you go; a well-dressed slaw should not be overly salty or sweet. Aim for a bright flavor that balances well with the fresh ingredients.

Make-Ahead and Serving Suggestions

Jamaican Mango Slaw can be made ahead of time, which adds to its versatility as a side dish. If you're preparing it a few hours in advance, hold off on mixing in the dressing until just before serving to prevent the cabbage from wilting. Store the slaw covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, and the flavors will deepen beautifully without sacrificing texture.

This slaw pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats, such as jerk chicken or seafood, bringing a refreshing contrast to rich flavors. I love serving it on tacos or as a topping for sandwiches for an extra layer of flavor and crunch. For a complete meal, consider adding black beans or quinoa for extra protein, making it a delightful main course.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to start your Jamaican Mango Slaw.

Ingredients

2 cups shredded green cabbage
1 ripe mango, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Juice of 1 lime
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Once you have everything prepared, you’ll enjoy assembling this slaw!

Instructions

Here’s how to put together this delicious Jamaican Mango Slaw.

Combine the Vegetables

In a large bowl, mix the shredded cabbage, diced mango, sliced red bell pepper, and chopped cilantro.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Toss and Serve

Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss until everything is well coated. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Your fresh and zesty Jamaican Mango Slaw is ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For added texture, consider adding a handful of toasted nuts or seeds to the slaw just before serving.

Tips for Perfect Texture

For the ultimate texture contrast in your slaw, ensure the cabbage is shredded finely and uniformly. This allows each bite to be consistent and ensures that it coats well with the dressing. If you're looking to save time, use a food processor with a shredding attachment for quick prep. Just be careful not to over-process, as you want to maintain some bite to the cabbage and not turn it into mush.

Additionally, letting the slaw sit for about 10 minutes after tossing with the dressing allows the flavors to meld together while enhancing the crunchiness of the vegetables. If you notice the slaw becoming too soggy, a quick solution is to drain any excess liquid before serving.

Scaling the Recipe

If you're serving a larger crowd, this recipe scales beautifully. Simply multiply each ingredient by the number of servings needed. For example, if you're doubling the recipe for a potluck, be sure to use a large bowl for mixing and account for a bit more dressing, tasting as you go to ensure balance. Keeping the ratios consistent will ensure your slaw retains its delicious flavor and crunch.

When scaling up, consider preparing larger batches of the dressing separately. Store any extra dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, making it easy to whip up additional slaw later. This way, you can enjoy the slaw's freshness with minimal effort when hosting.

Substitutions and Variations

While the flavor combination in Jamaican Mango Slaw is delightful, feel free to experiment with substitutions based on your taste preferences. For a creamier slaw, you can mix in a dollop of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise into the dressing. This will create a tangy, creamy texture that can be a refreshing variation, particularly for those who enjoy richer flavors.

If fresh ingredients are limited, frozen mango chunks are a practical substitute; just ensure they're fully thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture. Alternatively, incorporate different fruits like shredded apple or sliced cucumbers for a unique twist while preserving the refreshing nature of the dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare this slaw in advance?

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours ahead of time. However, it's best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the cabbage crisp.

→ What other fruits can I add to the slaw?

You can experiment with pineapple, papaya, or even a small amount of apple for added sweetness.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients used are gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

The slaw can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 2 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.