Jamaican Mango Slaw

Name: Jamaican Mango Slaw
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded red cabbage; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 ripe mango, diced; 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced; 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional); 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 tablespoon honey; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Local Cooking

I absolutely love making Jamaican Mango Slaw, especially during the warmer months when fresh ingredients are at their peak. The combination of ripe mangoes and crisp vegetables creates a vibrant, colorful dish that's not only refreshing but also packed with flavor. I enjoy serving this slaw at barbecues and gatherings because it pairs wonderfully with grilled meats and adds an exciting twist to any meal. The dressing, with hints of lime and a touch of heat, brings everything together beautifully.

Created by

Saskia Morton

Last updated on 2026-01-12T07:05:34.510Z

When I first tried Jamaican Mango Slaw at a local Caribbean restaurant, the vibrant flavors captivated my taste buds instantly. The mix of sweet mango, crunchy vegetables, and spicy jalapeño was unlike anything I'd made before. I knew I had to recreate this dish at home, and after a few attempts, I managed to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and heat I remembered.

To ensure freshness and crunch, I use a mix of red cabbage and bell peppers, which not only adds color but also enhances the overall texture. I recommend preparing the slaw just before serving to maintain its crispiness and tossing it with the dressing for that burst of flavor right when it's time to enjoy. It's a dish that never fails to impress!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        The sweet and tangy dressing perfectly complements the fresh crunch of veggies
An explosion of colors makes it visually stunning for any occasion
Simple to prepare, yet impressively flavorful and refreshing

      

Mastering the Ingredients

The base of the Jamaican Mango Slaw relies heavily on the freshness and quality of its ingredients. Ensure you choose ripe mangoes that yield slightly to pressure for the perfect sweetness and texture. When selecting vegetables, vibrant colors and firm textures indicate freshness, so opt for red cabbage with no wilting or bruises. Incorporating a jalapeño adds a delightful kick, but it can also be adjusted to your heat preference or replaced with a milder pepper like a green bell if you're looking for fewer spices.

The role of fresh cilantro shouldn't be overlooked. This herb adds a bright, aromatic note that elevates the overall flavor profile of the slaw. If you're not a fan of cilantro, parsley can be used as a substitute, although it will alter the taste somewhat. A generous amount of the vibrant mango not only contributes sweetness but adds a tropical flair, making each bite a festival of flavors—a crucial characteristic of this dish.

Perfecting the Dressing

For the dressing, the balance between acidity and sweetness is key. A freshly squeezed lime juice instead of bottled enhances the slaw’s zing significantly, ensuring the dressing is robust and bright. Mixing your olive oil gradually into the lime juice helps to create an emulsion, making for a thicker dressing that clings beautifully to each vegetable piece. Aim for a glossy appearance, which indicates the oil and acid are well combined.

Should you prefer to adjust the sweetness, feel free to increase or decrease the honey to your taste. Alternatively, agave syrup can be used for a vegan option, maintaining the same delicious balance. Taste your dressing before adding it to the slaw; a well-seasoned dressing should taste vibrant and fresh. Remember, adjusting the salt and pepper here allows you to personalize the dish to suit your palate.

Serving and Storing Tips

Jamaican Mango Slaw is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to prepare it ahead of time, do so by keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. The vegetables can be prepped and stored in an airtight container for a day or two, which keeps them crisp and vibrant. Just be sure to give them a quick toss in the dressing just before serving to maintain that delightful crunch and freshness.

This slaw pairs beautifully with various main dishes, particularly grilled meats like jerk chicken or fish. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside barbecue jackfruit for a delightful contrast. If you're planning a larger gathering, consider doubling the recipe; it multiplies easily while still maintaining its refreshing qualities. By preparing a larger batch, you ensure there's enough for everyone to enjoy without compromising on flavor or texture.

Ingredients

Fresh ingredients are key to a delicious slaw.

Salad Ingredients

2 cups shredded red cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots
1 ripe mango, diced
1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Dressing Ingredients

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

Feel free to customize with other fresh vegetables!

Instructions

Gather all your ingredients for a smooth cooking experience.

Prepare the Vegetables

In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, diced mango, bell pepper, jalapeño, and cilantro. Toss them together gently to mix.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper until well blended.

Combine and Serve

Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve immediately for the best crunch.

Enjoy your refreshing slaw as a side dish or on its own!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add a splash of hot sauce to the dressing for those who love heat.

Culinary Variations

Feel free to play with the basic ingredients in the slaw. Add thinly sliced radishes for a peppery snap, or toss in some diced cucumber for added crunch. If you're a fan of tropical flavors, consider throwing in a handful of diced pineapple for an extra layer of sweetness that complements the mango beautifully. When summer squash is in season, it can also provide a delightful tender crunch when shredded.

Another great variation is to add toasted nuts or seeds like sunflower seeds or chopped pecans. They add a nice crunch and elevate the dish nutritionally by introducing healthy fats and protein. Each addition of different textures and flavors turns your Jamaican Mango Slaw into a custom creation that will impress family and friends with each new twist you explore.

Storage Notes

If you do have leftovers, store the slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, please note that the vegetables may soften over time, and they won’t maintain their perfect crunch. It's best to eat it fresh for optimal flavor. To revitalize leftovers, consider adding a fresh squeeze of lime juice to revamp the flavors and offer a burst of freshness before serving.

Freezing the slaw is not recommended due to the high water content in the vegetables, which can lead to a mushy texture once thawed. Instead, focus on making a smaller batch that can be enjoyed in one sitting or prep components ahead so that your slaw can be quickly assembled when cravings strike. This ensures that you always have fresh and crispy slaw on hand when you need it most.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this slaw ahead of time?

While the slaw can be prepared a few hours in advance, it's best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

You can include ingredients like green onions, radishes, or even diced cucumbers for variety.

→ Is this slaw suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prep the vegetables and the dressing separately. Just combine them when ready to eat.

→ Can I use canned mango?

While fresh mango is preferred for flavor and texture, if you use canned mango, ensure it's well-drained and adjust the sweetness of the dressing accordingly.