Mexican Corn Coleslaw Recipe

Zesty Mexican Corn Coleslaw Recipe: A Fiesta in Every Bite

Crafting a delightful mexican corn coleslaw brings vibrant summer flavors to your plate in minutes.

Crisp cabbage mingles with sweet corn kernels, creating a zesty salad that dances with tangy brightness.

Fresh cilantro and lime juice add a punchy kick to every colorful bite.

Crunchy textures blend seamlessly with smooth dressing, making this side dish irresistibly appealing.

No bland picnic fare here – this recipe sparks conversation and delights taste buds instantly.

Creamy yet light, the coleslaw promises a refreshing twist on traditional summer sides.

Storage Guidelines for Mexican Corn Coleslaw

  • Refrigerate: Store Mexican Corn Coleslaw in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep it chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Drain Excess Liquid: Before storing, use a slotted spoon to remove any accumulated moisture, preserving the coleslaw's crisp texture.
  • Separate Dressing: If possible, keep the dressing separate from the vegetable mix to prevent soggy vegetables and maintain crunchiness.
  • Freeze Caution: Avoid freezing this coleslaw, as mayonnaise-based dressings and fresh vegetables tend to separate and lose their original texture when thawed.

FAQs

  • What gives this coleslaw its Mexican-inspired flavor?

The taco seasoning and lime juice create a zesty, tangy profile that mimics traditional Mexican cuisine, while ingredients like jalapeño and cilantro add authentic southwestern notes.

  • Is this coleslaw healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with vegetables, beans, and uses a lighter dressing. The recipe includes nutrient-rich bell peppers, corn, black beans, and offers a good balance of protein and fiber.

  • Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it 1-2 hours before serving. The flavors actually develop and improve as the ingredients meld together, making it a great make-ahead side dish for gatherings.

Mexican Corn Coleslaw – Crunch with a Kick

  • Spice Up Your Meal: Packed with vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors that transform an ordinary coleslaw into a zesty, exciting side dish.
  • Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels by adding more or less jalapeño, making it perfect for different taste preferences and family-friendly gatherings.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Requires minimal cooking skills and preparation time, ideal for potlucks, barbecues, and impromptu dinner parties with a delicious twist.
  • Nutritious and Colorful: Combines multiple vegetables and beans, creating a visually appealing and healthy dish that adds excitement to any meal.

Ingredients for Mexican Corn Coleslaw

Base Ingredients:
  • Coleslaw Mix: A pre-shredded blend of cabbage that provides the primary texture and crunch for the salad.
  • Black Beans: A protein-rich ingredient that adds a hearty and nutritious element to the Mexican-inspired coleslaw.
  • Corn: A sweet and juicy component that brings a classic Mexican flavor to the dish.
Vegetable Additions:
  • Red Bell Pepper, Orange Bell Pepper: Colorful vegetables that contribute a vibrant look and fresh, crisp texture to the coleslaw.
  • Jalapeño: A spicy pepper that introduces a zesty and warm heat to the salad.
  • Cilantro: A fresh herb that provides a bright, citrusy flavor characteristic of Mexican cuisine.
Dressing Components:
  • Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy bases that create a rich and smooth dressing for the coleslaw.
  • Lime Juice: A tangy citrus liquid that adds brightness and helps balance the richness of the creamy ingredients.
  • Taco Seasoning: A spice blend that infuses the dressing with classic Mexican-inspired flavors.

How to Toss the Perfect Mexican Corn Coleslaw

Step 1: Whip Up Zesty Dressing

In a medium bowl, blend together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and taco seasoning. Whisk everything until smooth and creamy.

Pop the dressing in the refrigerator to chill while you prep the other ingredients.

  • Mayonnaise
  • Sour cream
  • Lime juice
  • Taco seasoning

Step 2: Chop and Combine Colorful Veggies

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in:
  • Coleslaw mix
  • Red bell pepper
  • Orange bell pepper
  • Black beans (drained)
  • Corn kernels (drained)
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Jalapeño

Make sure to drain the beans and corn completely to keep the slaw from getting watery.

Step 3: Mix and Marry Flavors

Pull out the chilled dressing from the refrigerator. Pour it over the veggie mixture and gently stir until everything is evenly coated.

For an extra pop of color and flavor, sprinkle some additional cilantro on top. Your Mexican Corn Coleslaw is ready to serve and enjoy!

Pro Tips to Make Mexican Corn Coleslaw Shine

  • Drain corn and black beans thoroughly to prevent watery coleslaw, ensuring a crisp texture that holds up well.
  • Adjust jalapeño quantity based on spice preference, removing seeds for milder version or adding more for extra heat.
  • Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier alternative that maintains creamy consistency.
  • Consider adding roasted pepitas or sunflower seeds for extra crunch and nutty flavor profile.
  • Prepare dressing ahead of time and refrigerate for enhanced flavor melding, allowing ingredients to develop deeper taste.

Tasty Variations on Mexican Corn Coleslaw

  • Vegan Veggie Fusion: Replace mayonnaise and sour cream with cashew cream, use plant-based taco seasoning, and swap black beans with roasted chickpeas for protein.
  • Spicy Southwest Crunch: Add diced jalapeños, incorporate crushed tortilla chips for extra texture, and include smoked paprika in the dressing for deeper flavor.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Remix: Substitute coleslaw mix with riced cauliflower, reduce corn quantity, and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for lower carbohydrate content.
  • Protein Power Bowl: Mix in grilled chicken or shredded carnitas, increase cilantro quantity, and serve over quinoa for a complete meal option.

Pairings That Match Mexican Corn Coleslaw

  • Grilled chicken or fish tacos complement the zesty Mexican corn coleslaw, creating a balanced and vibrant meal experience.
  • Crisp Mexican lager or a bright margarita with fresh lime perfectly cuts through the creamy, tangy coleslaw, enhancing its bold flavors.
  • Serve alongside grilled carnitas or pulled pork for a textural contrast that highlights the coleslaw's fresh, crunchy elements.
  • Pair with black bean enchiladas or chili rellenos to create a complete, satisfying Mexican-inspired plate that celebrates regional ingredients.
Print
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Mexican Corn Coleslaw Recipe

Mexican Corn Coleslaw Recipe


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4.8 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Mexican corn coleslaw blends crisp cabbage with sweet corn in a zesty lime dressing. Fresh ingredients and bold flavors create a perfect summer side dish you’ll crave at every cookout.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package of taco seasoning
  • 1 14 oz. package of coleslaw mix
  • 1 13.75 oz. can of corn (adequately rinsed and drained)
  • 1 13.75 oz. can of black beans (properly rinsed and drained)
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 1/3 cup cilantro (freshly minced)
  • 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1/2 red bell pepper (finely diced)
  • 1/2 orange bell pepper (finely diced)
  • 1 jalapeño (seeds removed and minced)

Instructions

  1. Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and taco seasoning in a medium bowl until smooth and well-integrated. Chill the dressing while preparing other components.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded coleslaw mix with vibrant red and orange bell peppers, thoroughly drained black beans, and corn kernels.
  3. Add finely chopped cilantro and jalapeño to the vegetable mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
  4. Pour the chilled dressing over the vegetable blend, gently tossing to coat every ingredient completely and uniformly.
  5. Allow the coleslaw to rest for 10-15 minutes at room temperature, enabling flavors to meld and develop a harmonious taste profile.
  6. Before serving, optionally garnish with additional fresh cilantro leaves for enhanced visual appeal and herbaceous flavor.
  7. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to maintain crisp texture and fresh taste.

Notes

  • Drain corn and beans thoroughly to prevent watery coleslaw, using a colander and gently patting with paper towels for optimal texture.
  • Adjust spice levels by reducing or removing jalapeño seeds, allowing heat-sensitive individuals to enjoy the dish comfortably.
  • Make a vegan version by substituting mayonnaise and sour cream with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream or vegan yogurt.
  • Enhance flavor complexity by toasting corn kernels quickly in a dry skillet before adding to the salad, introducing a subtle smoky depth.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 255 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 430 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 4.5 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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