Zesty Mexican Coleslaw Recipe: A Fiesta of Fresh Flavors

Cool summer days call for a zesty Mexican coleslaw recipe that brings vibrant flavors to your plate.

This colorful dish bursts with crisp vegetables and tangy dressing.

Crunchy cabbage mingles with bright peppers and fresh herbs, creating a mouthwatering side that steals the show at every gathering.

Southwestern spices dance through each bite, delivering a refreshing twist on traditional slaw.

The blend of textures and bold seasonings makes this recipe a crowd-pleaser for backyard barbecues and picnics.

Serve this crowd-favorite alongside grilled meats or as a standalone salad that promises to awaken your taste buds.

Prepare to dive into a fiesta of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Mexican Coleslaw: Crisp, Colorful, and Full of Flavor

• Enjoy a zesty twist on traditional coleslaw with bold Mexican-inspired flavors that wake up your taste buds.
• Whip up this colorful side dish in minutes with minimal chopping and just a few easy mixing steps.
• Perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, and family gatherings where everyone craves something fresh and exciting.
• Loaded with vibrant vegetables, beans, and corn, offering a healthy and satisfying accompaniment to any main course.

Ingredients for a Zesty Mexican Coleslaw

• Mayonnaise: A creamy base that adds richness to the coleslaw dressing.
• Sour Cream: Provides a tangy flavor and smooth texture to the dressing.
• Lime Juice: Adds bright, citrusy acidity to balance the creamy dressing.
• Taco Seasoning: Introduces a zesty Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall taste.

• Coleslaw Mix: Shredded cabbage that serves as the primary salad base.
• Red Pepper: Offers a sweet crunch and vibrant color to the slaw.
• Tomatoes: Provide juicy freshness and additional color.
• Black Beans: Add protein and a hearty texture to the salad.
• Corn: Introduces sweetness and a pop of texture.
• Jalapeno: Brings a spicy kick to the coleslaw.
• Cilantro: Contributes a fresh, herbal note typical of Mexican cuisine.

Kitchen Tools for Easy Coleslaw Prep

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for tossing and combining all vegetables and dressing.
• Small mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking together creamy dressing ingredients.
• Whisk: Great for blending mayo, sour cream, lime juice, and taco seasoning smoothly.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping vegetables like red pepper, jalapeno, and cilantro.
• Sharp knife: Helps dice vegetables precisely and cleanly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Spatula: Useful for gently stirring and mixing ingredients without crushing them.

Mixing and Tossing the Freshest Mexican Slaw

Step 1: Whisk Creamy Zesty Dressing

In a petite mixing bowl, blend tangy mayonnaise, rich sour cream, fresh lime juice, and vibrant taco seasoning until smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 2: Chop and Toss Colorful Veggies

• Diced red bell pepper
• Juicy chopped tomatoes
• Hearty black beans
• Sweet corn kernels
• Spicy sliced jalapeño
• Fresh chopped cilantro

Gently toss all ingredients together until beautifully mixed.

Step 3: Marry Dressing with Vegetables

Drizzle the creamy dressing over the vegetable mixture.

Fold ingredients carefully to ensure every morsel gets coated.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper to enhance flavors.

Step 4: Chill and Develop Flavors

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or lid.

Place in refrigerator for half an hour, allowing ingredients to mingle and develop a delightful taste profile.

Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light meal.

Pro Tips for Crisp and Flavorful Coleslaw

• Let the coleslaw sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow ingredients to blend and develop richer taste profiles.
• Adjust jalapeno quantity based on personal spice tolerance – remove seeds for milder version or add extra for more kick.
• Replace black beans with grilled chicken or shredded carnitas for a heartier protein-packed side dish.
• Swap mayo and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream or vegan yogurt to create a plant-based version.
• Store coleslaw in an airtight container and consume within 2-3 days for optimal crunchiness and flavor preservation.

Creative Twists for Mexican Coleslaw

• Vegan Fiesta Slaw: Replace mayo and sour cream with vegan yogurt or cashew cream. Use plant-based protein like chickpeas instead of black beans for added nutrition.
• Spicy Southwest Coleslaw: Increase jalapeno or add diced green chiles for extra heat. Swap taco seasoning for chipotle powder to enhance smoky flavor.
• Low-Carb Zesty Slaw: Substitute cabbage with cauliflower or broccoli slaw. Use Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Mexican Salad: Ensure taco seasoning is gluten-free. Add quinoa or grilled chicken for a protein-packed version that's safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Ways to Serve Up a Fiesta-Inspired Slaw

• Fiesta Flavor Pairing: Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish tacos, or pulled pork for a zesty summer meal that brings Mexican-inspired freshness to your plate.
• Picnic Perfect Companion: Pack this coleslaw in a portable container for outdoor gatherings, barbecues, or potluck events where guests crave a cool, tangy side dish.
• Taco Night Star: Use as a vibrant topping for street tacos, nachos, or directly inside your favorite taco shells to add crunch and bright, creamy texture.
• Protein Power Bowl: Transform this coleslaw into a complete meal by adding grilled shrimp, shredded chicken, or black beans for a protein-packed lunch option.

How to Store Coleslaw and Keep It Crisp

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the coleslaw crisp by avoiding additional stirring.
• Before serving stored coleslaw, gently drain any accumulated liquid to maintain the salad's texture and prevent sogginess.
• Sprinkle some fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice when serving chilled leftovers to revive the flavors and add brightness.
• Avoid freezing this coleslaw as the vegetables will lose their crunch and the creamy dressing will separate, compromising the overall quality and taste.

FAQs

• Is this coleslaw spicy?

The heat level depends on the jalapeno. Remove seeds for mild flavor or add more for extra kick.

• Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?

Yes, it stays fresh in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. The flavors actually improve as they blend together.

• Is this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! It’s packed with beans, corn, and vegetables, making it a protein-rich vegetarian side dish.

• What if I don't have taco seasoning?

You can substitute with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt to create a similar flavor profile.

Mexican Coleslaw Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Zesty Mexican coleslaw combines crisp cabbage with tangy lime dressing for a refreshing side dish. Crunchy vegetables and bold spices create a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or tacos you’ll love.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 bag (16 ounces / 453 grams) tri-color coleslaw mix
• 1 1/2 cups grilled or blackened corn
• 1 can (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 diced red pepper
• 1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2/3 cup sour cream
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• Kosher salt to taste
• Fresh ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Whisk together mayo, sour cream, lime juice, and taco seasoning in a compact mixing vessel until smooth and well-blended.
2. Slice red pepper into thin strips and dice tomatoes into small, uniform cubes for consistent texture.
3. Drain and rinse black beans and corn to remove excess liquid, ensuring a crisp salad base.
4. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine shredded coleslaw mix with prepared red pepper, tomatoes, black beans, corn, finely chopped jalapeño, and fresh cilantro leaves.
5. Pour the creamy dressing over the vegetable mixture, gently folding to distribute ingredients evenly without crushing delicate components.
6. Season with salt and cracked black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
7. Seal the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and develop a harmonious profile.
8. Before serving, give the coleslaw a quick stir to redistribute the dressing and reinvigorate the fresh ingredients.

Notes

• Customize Heat Level by adjusting the amount of jalapeño or removing seeds for milder coleslaw.
• Boost Protein easily by adding grilled chicken, shredded beef, or canned tuna for a more substantial meal.
• Dairy-Free Option can be achieved by substituting mayo and sour cream with vegan alternatives like cashew cream or plant-based yogurt.
• Prep Ahead works wonderfully since flavors intensify when chilled, making this a perfect make-ahead side dish for gatherings or meal prep.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg