Name: Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 clove garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups shredded cabbage (mix of red and green); ½ cup shredded carrots; ¼ cup chopped cilantro; ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon honey; Salt and pepper to taste; 8 small corn tortillas; Lime wedges for serving; Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish; Optional toppings: sliced avocado, salsa, or hot sauce

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 23 reviews

If you are craving something fresh, flavorful, and downright irresistible, the Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to. This dish brings together perfectly marinated shrimp bursting with citrusy zest and smoky spices, paired with a cool, creamy slaw that adds a delightful crunch and tang. Wrapped in soft corn tortillas and topped with bright cilantro and optional add-ons like avocado or salsa, these tacos are a celebration of textures and tastes in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these tacos come together in about 30 minutes and bring big-time flavor and freshness to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white oval plate holds one layer of light pink shrimp arranged all around the edge. In the center, there is a pile of shrimp covered with several spices in different colors: dark black pepper, reddish paprika, light yellow powder, and white coarse salt scattered unevenly over the shrimp. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines because of its simple yet vibrant ingredients. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s the bright lime juice that livens up the shrimp or the crunchy cabbage that gives the slaw its delightful texture. Every single ingredient contributes to the overall flavor harmony, creating an amazing balance between creamy, tangy, and spicy notes.

1 lb large shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp absorb the marinade flavors wonderfully and cook quickly for a tender bite.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Keeps the shrimp juicy and helps carry the marinade flavors.
1 tablespoon lime juice: Adds a bright, zesty kick that’s absolutely essential for that fresh taste.
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro: Chopped cilantro infuses each shrimp with an aromatic, herbaceous note.
1 clove garlic: Minced garlic offers a subtle but unmistakable depth of flavor.
½ teaspoon ground cumin: Provides warm earthiness to balance the citrus and spice.
1 teaspoon chili powder: Brings a smoky heat that wakes up the taste buds.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the fresh ingredients.
2 cups shredded cabbage: Mix red and green cabbage for color and a crisp texture that’s the perfect foil for the creamy slaw.
½ cup shredded carrots: Adds natural sweetness and bright orange color.
¼ cup chopped cilantro: More cilantro in the slaw keeps that fresh, lively flavor front and center.
¾ cup plain Greek yogurt: Creates a creamy base for the slaw without heaviness, plus a bit of tang.
2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Makes the slaw extra luscious and rich.
1 tablespoon lime juice: Balances the creamy dressing with bright acidity.
1 teaspoon honey: Just enough sweetness to round out the tanginess beautifully.
8 small corn tortillas: Soft and slightly toasted, they hold all the delicious fillings perfectly.
Lime wedges: To squeeze fresh lime juice on top at serving for an extra hit of brightness.
Fresh cilantro leaves: For garnish, adding color and that signature cilantro punch.
Optional toppings: Sliced avocado, salsa, or hot sauce to customize your tacos exactly how you like them.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Start by prepping your shrimp—make sure they’re peeled, deveined, and patted dry to help them soak up all the marinade flavors. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, chopped cilantro, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to create a vibrant marinade. Toss the shrimp in this mixture and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, but if you can let them sit for an hour, the flavors will really deepen.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Slaw

While the shrimp marinates, get your slaw ready. Toss together shredded cabbage, carrots, and cilantro for that colorful, crunchy base. Whisk Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy. Pour the dressing over the veggies, toss everything well, and pop the bowl in the refrigerator so the slaw firms up and the flavors blend nicely.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Heat a skillet over medium-high and add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the marinated shrimp in a single layer for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Keep a close eye to avoid overcooking, as shrimp cook swiftly and can get rubbery if left too long. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

Gently heat corn tortillas either in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side or wrapped in a damp paper towel in the microwave for 20 seconds. The slight toasting intensifies their flavor and makes them pliable—perfect for folding around your taco fillings.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Place two tortillas on each plate, add a generous handful of shrimp, then top with a spoonful of the creamy slaw. Finish with fresh cilantro leaves and a squeeze of lime. Add any optional toppings like sliced avocado or salsa to make these tacos truly your own.

Step 6: Enjoy!

The best part is digging into these bursting-with-flavor tacos immediately, savoring the vibrant cilantro lime shrimp alongside the cool, creamy slaw with every bite. Fresh lime wedges on the side are a must for that extra zing!

How to Serve Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw Recipe

The image shows a white pan filled with cooked shrimp in a brown, slightly oily sauce, with green herbs sprinkled on top of the shrimp and sauce. The shrimp are orange with grill marks and arranged evenly, covering the pan's surface. The sauce is thick and shiny, creating a glossy texture around the shrimp. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro leaves are essential; they add a pop of green and a fresh, herbaceous note that ties everything together. A wedge of lime is your secret weapon—one squeeze right before you bite brightens the whole dish. If you like a little more texture or spice, thinly sliced radishes or jalapeños are fabulous additions too.

Side Dishes

Keep your meal balanced and exciting by pairing these tacos with a light black bean and corn salad or a simple Mexican street corn (elote) on the cob. For a refreshing contrast, a crisp cucumber and avocado salad with lime dressing complements the zesty shrimp beautifully. And of course, a chilled margarita or sparkling water with lime is a perfect beverage choice.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving these Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw Recipe at a gathering, why not set up a taco bar? Lay out the shrimp, slaw, tortillas, and toppings separately so guests can build their ideal tacos. Another fun idea is to arrange the shrimp and slaw on tostada shells for a crunchy twist. Or try rolling the filling into warm flour tortillas to make burrito-style tacos for a hand-held feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover shrimp or slaw, store them separately in airtight containers. The shrimp keeps well for up to two days in the refrigerator, while the slaw should be enjoyed within 24 hours for the freshest crunch. Avoid assembling the tacos until ready to serve, as the tortillas can get soggy if pre-filled.

Freezing

While shrimp can be frozen cooked, the texture of the creamy slaw won’t hold up well after thawing. If you want to freeze shrimp in advance, do so before cooking, and thaw fully before marinating and cooking. Freezing cooked shrimp tacos is not recommended—best to enjoy them fresh for maximum flavor and texture.

Reheating

Reheat cooked shrimp gently in a skillet over medium-low heat for just a couple of minutes to avoid toughness. The creamy slaw is best served cold or at room temperature. Warm tortillas fresh on a dry skillet or microwave just before serving to keep them soft and pliable.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp fully, pat them dry, and remove any excess moisture before marinating to ensure the best flavor and texture.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt in the creamy slaw?

If you prefer or need a substitute, sour cream or a creamy plant-based yogurt works well, keeping that tangy creaminess essential to the slaw’s balance.

How spicy are these shrimp tacos?

They have a gentle kick from the chili powder but are not overpowering. You can adjust the chili powder amount or add fresh jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat if you like things spicier.

Can I prep parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the shrimp up to one hour in advance and make the slaw ahead of time to let flavors meld. Just keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to cook and assemble.

What if I don’t have corn tortillas?

Flour tortillas are a fine substitute and will work beautifully if that’s what you have on hand. Just warm them up gently to get that softness and flexibility for folding your tacos.

Final Thoughts

This Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels vibrant and fresh but comes together easily enough for any weeknight. You’re going to love how the bright, zesty shrimp pairs with smooth, tangy slaw in every bite. It’s perfect for quick dinners, casual get-togethers, or anytime you want a taste of sunshine on a plate. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorite taco recipes for years to come!