Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

These vibrant tacos are bursting with flavor and texture. Juicy, spiced shrimp are cooked until caramelized and coated in a honey-lime glaze. They’re paired with a creamy cilantro lime slaw and fresh avocado slices, all tucked into warm tortillas. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal to impress guests, these tacos offer a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and fresh veggies.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

1 lb wild-caught shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon lime zest
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons honey
½ bunch cilantro, finely chopped

For the Slaw:

3 cups finely shredded green cabbage
½ bunch cilantro, finely chopped
½ cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons lime juice
Pinch of salt

For Assembly:

Avocado slices
8 (6-inch) tortillas (corn or flour)
Extra lime wedges, for serving

Directions

Season the shrimp:
Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder.
Cook the shrimp:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in batches and cook for about 90 seconds per side, until opaque and caramelized.
Make the sauce:
Reduce heat to low. Add butter, lime zest, lime juice, and honey to the skillet. Stir and let simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in chopped cilantro.
Prepare the slaw:
In a bowl, combine shredded cabbage, cilantro, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Toss until evenly coated.
Assemble the tacos:
Warm the tortillas. Fill each with a scoop of slaw, 4–6 shrimp, avocado slices, and a drizzle of the sauce from the pan.
Serve:
Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side.

Nutritional Information (per approx. 2 tacos)

Calories: 429 kcal
Sugar: 12.6 g
Sodium: 481.4 mg
Fat: 17.3 g
Carbohydrates: 43 g
Fiber: 7.9 g
Protein: 30.3 g
Cholesterol: 200.2 mg

Nutrition and Health Benefits

Beyond flavor, these tacos are also a nutritional powerhouse. Here are some key highlights:

High in Protein: Each serving offers over 30 grams of high-quality protein from the shrimp and Greek yogurt. This helps support muscle recovery and keeps you full longer.
Rich in Healthy Fats: Avocado adds monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy and great for brain function.
Low in Refined Carbs: Using corn tortillas or whole wheat options can reduce refined carbohydrate intake while adding fiber.
Packed with Vitamins: The cabbage and cilantro deliver vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants, while lime juice adds a dose of immune-boosting nutrients.
Lower in Calories: With about 429 calories per serving (2 tacos), it’s a satisfying meal that fits within most calorie-conscious diets.

You also have the flexibility to customize the recipe to suit dietary preferences—whether you’re looking for gluten-free, low-carb, dairy-free, or even pescatarian-friendly options.

Slaw: The Unsung Hero

While the shrimp often takes center stage, the creamy cilantro lime slaw is what elevates the taco from good to unforgettable. The slaw provides texture and temperature contrast—cold and crunchy against the warm, tender shrimp. It also acts as a built-in sauce component, thanks to the Greek yogurt base, which adds creaminess without the heaviness of mayo or sour cream.

Greek yogurt not only boosts the protein content but adds a tangy bite that complements the sweetness of the shrimp glaze. Lime juice keeps the slaw vibrant, while fresh cilantro brings herbaceous depth. Altogether, the slaw becomes more than a side—it’s a key player in the flavor experience.

Taco Assembly: The Art of the Perfect Bite

One of the most enjoyable aspects of these tacos is how customizable they are. The base recipe provides a balanced structure, but once you’ve got the basics down, it’s easy to experiment.

Here are a few optional add-ons and swaps:

Pickled red onions for extra tang
Jalapeño slices for a spicy kick
Queso fresco or cotija for added richness
Grilled pineapple for a sweet tropical twist
Chipotle crema for smoky depth
Hot sauce for those who love heat

You can also swap tortillas for lettuce wraps to lower carbs or opt for whole-grain tortillas for more fiber. Even serving the components over rice or a grain bowl transforms the recipe into a hearty taco bowl.

Sustainability and Sourcing Tips

Whenever possible, it’s best to choose wild-caught, sustainably sourced shrimp. Not only does wild-caught shrimp tend to have better flavor and texture, but it also supports more responsible fishing practices. Look for certifications like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) on packaging, or source your shrimp from reputable fishmongers or grocers who prioritize sustainability.

Properly thawed frozen shrimp are also a convenient and affordable option. Just be sure to pat them dry before cooking to ensure proper caramelization.

Why This Recipe Works for Entertaining

If you’re hosting, Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw is a smart choice. Here’s why:

Quick prep time (under 30 minutes from start to finish)
Scalable—Easily double or triple the ingredients
Interactive—Guests can build their own tacos
Crowd-pleaser—Great flavor profile appeals to all ages
Visually appealing—Bright colors and vibrant garnishes make for an Instagram-worthy dish

You can set up a taco bar with all the fixings, letting guests customize their tacos with slaw, shrimp, avocado, lime wedges, and sauces. It’s casual, fun, and satisfying for everyone involved.

Storage and Leftover Ideas

If you have leftovers (a rare occurrence!), they store surprisingly well. The shrimp can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the slaw holds up for about 2 days without losing its crunch.

Here are some creative ways to repurpose leftovers:

Taco bowls with rice or quinoa
Shrimp wraps using lettuce or lavash
Shrimp salad with extra slaw, corn, and black beans
Stuffed avocados with chilled shrimp and slaw
Seafood nachos with shrimp, cheese, and salsa

These variations make the most of your ingredients and minimize food waste while keeping meals exciting.

Conclusion

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw aren’t just another weeknight dinner—they’re a bold, flavorful celebration of fresh ingredients and smart cooking. With minimal effort, you get a complete, satisfying meal that hits every flavor note: sweet, tangy, spicy, and creamy. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is approachable, versatile, and guaranteed to impress.

Perfect for entertaining or weeknight dinners, this dish exemplifies how healthy food doesn’t have to be boring. When vibrant slaw meets juicy, caramelized shrimp in a soft tortilla, magic happens—one delicious taco at a time.

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