Crunchy, colorful, and refreshingly crisp, this crunchy lime slaw for camping stays fresh in the cooler for several days. Tossed with a bright lime vinaigrette (no mayo!), it’s the perfect make-ahead side dish for camping, river trips, picnics, and potlucks. Serve it alongside chili or grilled meats, pile it into wraps, or top it with chicken, tofu, or salmon for a light, satisfying lunch.

crunchy lime slaw for camping on rock by river bank
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Why this slaw works well for camping and river trips

This slaw is one of our river trip and camping favorites because it does triple duty as a side dish, a filling for wraps, or topped with protein (chicken, tofu, salmon, and shrimp all work well) as a light summer main dish.

  • With no mayonnaise, this slaw keeps for days in the cooler
  • Crunchy vegetables resist turning soggy (unlike delicate greens)
  • Leftovers can be reused in creative ways, as a topping for tacos, chili, or rice bowls, or added to other salads to dial up the crunch

Our hot tip for making this slaw the MVP of your river trip meals: Dress only the amount needed for the current meal. The undressed vegetables stay crisp for several days in the cooler, making leftovers perfect for lunches later in the trip.

Looking for other sturdy salads for camping that hold up well in the cooler and can be used in various ways? Check out our protein-packed Colorado Tabbouleh, a staple of our camping and river trips.

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