Jamaican Mango Slaw

Name: Jamaican Mango Slaw
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 ripe mangoes, diced; 1 cup red cabbage, shredded; 1 cup green cabbage, shredded; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 carrot, grated; 1/4 cup green onions, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 tablespoon honey; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I absolutely love this Jamaican Mango Slaw! The combination of fresh mango, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty dressing makes it a vibrant addition to any meal. It’s the perfect side dish for barbecues, picnics, or even just a flavorful lunch. The sweetness of the mango balances beautifully with the tangy dressing, creating a refreshing taste that has everyone asking for seconds. I often make a big batch to keep in the fridge for easy meals throughout the week. Trust me, you’ll want this tropical twist on slaw in your recipe collection!

Created by

Chloe Bennett

Last updated on 2026-01-13T02:04:15.305Z

When I first tasted Jamaican Mango Slaw during a tropical vacation, I was immediately hooked. The crunchy veggies combined with ripe mangoes create a mouthwatering experience. I decided to recreate it at home, and it was such a hit that it’s become a staple in our meals.

I discovered that letting the slaw marinate for a bit allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Always use ripe mangoes; their sweetness really elevates the dish. Trust me, the effort is worth it!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Sweet and tangy flavors that brighten any meal
Made with fresh, colorful ingredients
Perfect for summer gatherings and barbecues

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of this Jamaican Mango Slaw is, of course, the ripe mangoes. Choose mangoes that are slightly soft to the touch but not overly mushy for the best flavor. Varieties like Ataulfo or Haden are excellent choices as they are sweet and have a smooth texture. The sweetness of the mango balances the tangy notes of the dressing, so don’t skip this crucial ingredient. If mangoes aren’t in season, you can substitute with diced pineapple or papaya for a similar tropical flair.

In this slaw, both red and green cabbages contribute not only to the flavor but also to the texture. Red cabbage offers a crunch and a slight peppery bite, while green cabbage is milder and more tender. Shredding the cabbages finely will ensure that they marry well with the dressing, creating a delightful contrast with the softer mango pieces. Aim for thin, uniform shreds to avoid any tough or chewy pieces in your salad.

Perfecting the Dressing

The dressing for this slaw uses honey as a sweetener, which pairs beautifully with the acidity of the apple cider vinegar and lime juice. When mixing, whisk until the dressing is glossy and fully emulsified, which typically takes about 30 seconds. If you prefer a spice kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. This elevates the flavors while keeping the slaw refreshing. Adjust the sweetness by adding more honey if needed, especially if your mangoes are on the tart side.

Make sure to taste the dressing before pouring it over the slaw; this is where you can adjust seasonings to your liking. If it feels too acidic, a little extra honey can balance the flavors. Conversely, if it’s too sweet, add a splash more lime juice or vinegar to bring it back into balance. Remember, the right dressing makes a world of difference in how the final dish will taste.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

This slaw can be made ahead of time, making it a perfect addition to meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just be aware that the slaw may become slightly less crunchy over time. To revive it, add a sprinkle of lime juice before serving. I often recommend mixing just enough dressing into the portion you plan to serve to keep the leftovers crisp and fresh.

For serving, consider pairing the slaw with grilled chicken or fish to enhance its tropical vibes. It also works wonderfully as a topping for tacos or a base for bowls with seasoned rice or quinoa. If you want to add some extra crunch, sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds like sesame or sunflower on top just before serving. This slaw is versatile enough to brighten up any meal!

Ingredients

For the Slaw

2 ripe mangoes, diced
1 cup red cabbage, shredded
1 cup green cabbage, shredded
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 carrot, grated
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Dressing

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix your ingredients together for a refreshing experience!

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables

In a large bowl, combine the diced mango, red cabbage, green cabbage, red bell pepper, grated carrot, green onions, and cilantro. Mix well to combine all the fresh ingredients.

Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Combine and Serve

Pour the dressing over the mango slaw and toss gently until everything is coated. Allow it to sit for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.

Enjoy your tropical slaw!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add a dash of chili powder to the dressing. This slaw can also be prepared a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.

Variations to Explore

Experimenting with different vegetables can add new dimensions to this slaw. Try incorporating sliced radishes for an added peppery flavor or some jicama for a crisp texture. You can also throw in some shredded carrots for extra sweetness and color. Each of these additions brings unique flavors and textures, allowing you to personalize the slaw to your taste.

If you're looking for a kick, adding diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can give it a delightful heat. This not only enhances the flavor profile but introduces an exciting layer of warmth that complements the sweet mango beautifully. Add these variations gradually and taste often to find your perfect balance.

A Tropical Twist for Every Season

While this slaw shines in summer barbecues and picnics, it can be enjoyed year-round. The bright colors and fresh flavors can help bring a bit of sunshine to dreary winter months. Consider swapping in seasonal fruits like persimmons or Asian pears when mangoes aren’t available, keeping the same tropical zest and crunch.

Additionally, this recipe can easily be scaled up for larger gatherings. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need, keeping the dressing ratios the same. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning in larger batches, as different batches of ingredients can vary in flavor intensity.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen mango?

Yes, you can use frozen mango, but make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding to the slaw.

→ How long can I store the slaw?

The slaw is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

→ Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, all the ingredients in this slaw are vegan-friendly!

→ What can I serve with this slaw?

This slaw pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or as a topping for burgers.