Meet your new favorite side dish: Mexican Coleslaw, a bold, crunchy, flavor-loaded slaw that brings the party to any plate. It’s packed with grilled corn, black beans, juicy grape tomatoes, and a creamy lime-taco spiced dressing that ties it all together. A little heat from jalapeño, freshness from cilantro, and a pop of color from red pepper make this anything but your average coleslaw.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 bag (16 oz) tri-color coleslaw mix
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1½ cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 can (15.25 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1½ cups grilled or blackened corn (fresh or canned)
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Make the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lime juice, and taco seasoning until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and fully combined.
2. Build the Salad Base
To the same bowl, add the coleslaw mix, diced red bell pepper, halved grape tomatoes, black beans, grilled or blackened corn, minced jalapeño, and chopped cilantro.
3. Toss to Combine
Using tongs or a large spoon, gently toss all ingredients together until the vegetables are evenly coated in the creamy dressing. Be sure everything is well mixed, but try not to mash the ingredients.
4. Season and Chill
Taste and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate the slaw for 20–30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the slaw crisp up.
5. Serve
Serve chilled as a fresh, crunchy side dish. It’s perfect with tacos, grilled meats, burgers, or even layered into sandwiches and burrito bowls for extra zing and texture.
Variations
1. Spicy Chipotle Kick
If you’re a fan of smoky and spicy flavors, add 1–2 teaspoons of finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the dressing. The chipotle will give the slaw a smoky depth and an extra layer of heat that complements the creamy dressing and crunchy veggies. For more heat, feel free to add a bit of the adobo sauce as well. Adjust to your desired spice level!
2. Tropical Twist with Mango or Pineapple
For a refreshing contrast to the creamy dressing and spicy jalapeño, dice up some fresh mango or pineapple and fold it into the slaw. The sweet fruit adds a tropical flair and balances out the heat, making the slaw an ideal complement to grilled meats like jerk chicken or tacos al pastor. You could even add a squeeze of orange juice for an extra citrusy sweetness.
3. Creamy Avocado Upgrade
For a rich, buttery twist, mash 1 ripe avocado into the dressing before mixing it with the vegetables. This creates an even creamier texture and adds a subtle flavor that blends beautifully with the lime and taco seasoning. It’s especially great if you’re looking for a heartier version of the slaw to serve with grilled fish or chicken.
4. Cilantro-Lime Yogurt Dressing
If you’re looking for a lighter version of the slaw, swap out the mayo and sour cream for Greek yogurt. It adds a tangy, creamy base and pairs wonderfully with the lime juice and taco seasoning. You can also add some extra fresh cilantro and a touch of honey to balance out the flavors. This variation is perfect for those seeking a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor.
Cooking Notes
Grilling the Corn
To get the best flavor out of the corn, grill it over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes, turning it every couple of minutes until it gets nice char marks. Grilled corn adds a subtle smokiness to the slaw that canned corn just can’t replicate. If you’re short on time or don’t have a grill, you can quickly sear canned corn in a hot skillet with a little olive oil to get those crispy, caramelized edges.
Allow Time for Chilling
After mixing the slaw, refrigerate it for at least 20–30 minutes before serving. This gives the dressing time to meld with the vegetables, enhancing the flavor. Plus, the cold temperature keeps the slaw crisp and refreshing, which is perfect for hot weather or summer barbecues.
Make It Ahead
This slaw can be made ahead of time! In fact, the flavors get even better the longer they sit together. You can prepare the slaw up to a day in advance, just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge. If it starts to separate, give it a quick toss before serving.
Control the Creaminess
The beauty of this slaw is how customizable it is. If you prefer a lighter dressing, reduce the mayo and sour cream by 1/4 cup each and thin the dressing with a bit of lime juice or water. On the other hand, if you like it extra creamy, you can add more mayo or sour cream to achieve your desired texture.
Serving Suggestions
1. Taco Night Essential
This slaw is the perfect crunchy, zesty topping for tacos. Whether you’re making fish, shrimp, chicken, or beef tacos, this slaw adds vibrant color and a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory fillings. The creaminess and lime flavor balance out the richness of grilled meats and spicy salsas. Try it with a squeeze of extra lime and a few fresh cilantro leaves on top for a next-level taco experience.
2. Burger Sidekick
Serve this slaw as a topping for burgers or alongside your favorite grilled sandwich. The crunch from the coleslaw and the tangy dressing work wonderfully with rich, juicy burgers. It’s especially good on BBQ chicken sandwiches, where it adds texture and a burst of flavor to complement the smoky meat.
3. Burrito Bowls
Add this Mexican coleslaw as a topping to your burrito bowl. The creaminess and crunch bring a refreshing contrast to warm rice, beans, and grilled chicken or steak. It also pairs nicely with cilantro-lime rice or guacamole, making your burrito bowl even more satisfying and vibrant.
4. Grilled Meats & BBQ
Serve this slaw alongside grilled meats like chicken, steak, or ribs. The freshness of the slaw cuts through the richness of the grilled meats, providing a light, crunchy balance to a hearty meal. It’s also perfect as a side at a BBQ or cookout where you need a refreshing side dish to pair with charred burgers and sausages.
Tips
1. Adjusting the Spice Level
If you’re sensitive to spice, you can omit the jalapeño or use a milder pepper like a bell pepper or poblano for a more subtle kick. If you prefer extra heat, you can leave the seeds in the jalapeño or even add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the dressing. This recipe is easily customizable to suit your taste!
2. Add Cheese for Extra Flavor
For a rich, salty addition, sprinkle some crumbled cotija or feta cheese on top of the slaw before serving. The salty cheese perfectly complements the sweetness of the corn and the tangy lime dressing. You could also use shredded cheddar if you prefer a sharper flavor.
3. Swap the Dressing Ingredients
If you’re not a fan of sour cream, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or even buttermilk for a tangy twist. Alternatively, you could use a vegan mayo or cashew cream to make this slaw dairy-free. This flexibility allows you to adjust the recipe based on your dietary preferences.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this Mexican coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it’s even better after chilling. You can make it up to 1 day in advance. Just give it a quick stir before serving, as the dressing may settle or slightly loosen over time. - Is there a dairy-free alternative for the dressing?
Absolutely. Swap the sour cream for a plant-based version and use vegan mayonnaise. The flavor will still be rich and creamy with that signature tang from the lime juice and taco seasoning. - What’s the best way to grill corn for this recipe?
Brush fresh corn with oil and grill it over high heat, turning every couple of minutes until it’s charred and golden in spots. If you’re short on time, canned corn can be seared in a hot skillet for a similar effect. - Can I adjust the spice level?
Totally customizable! For more heat, keep the jalapeño seeds in, or add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne. For less heat, omit the jalapeño entirely or substitute with diced bell pepper for mild crunch.
Conclusion
This Mexican Coleslaw is more than just a side, it’s a flavor-packed, vibrant dish that brings color, crunch, and creamy zing to any plate. Whether you’re topping off tacos, layering burgers, or building the ultimate burrito bowl, this slaw delivers freshness in every bite. Quick to make, endlessly customizable, and always crowd-pleasing, keep this recipe in your back pocket for your next cookout or taco night!
Print
Mexican Coleslaw
- Total Time: 20–30 minutes (plus chill time)
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Meet your new favorite side dish: Mexican Coleslaw, a bold, crunchy, flavor-loaded slaw that brings the party to any plate. It’s packed with grilled corn, black beans, juicy grape tomatoes, and a creamy lime-taco spiced dressing that ties it all together. A little heat from jalapeño, freshness from cilantro, and a pop of color from red pepper make this anything but your average coleslaw.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 bag (16 oz) tri-color coleslaw mix
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1½ cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 can (15.25 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1½ cups grilled or blackened corn (fresh or canned)
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lime juice, and taco seasoning until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and fully combined.
To the same bowl, add the coleslaw mix, diced red bell pepper, halved grape tomatoes, black beans, grilled or blackened corn, minced jalapeño, and chopped cilantro.
Using tongs or a large spoon, gently toss all ingredients together until the vegetables are evenly coated in the creamy dressing. Be sure everything is well mixed, but try not to mash the ingredients.
Taste and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate the slaw for 20–30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the slaw crisp up.
Serve chilled as a fresh, crunchy side dish. It’s perfect with tacos, grilled meats, burgers, or even layered into sandwiches and burrito bowls for extra zing and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (if grilling corn)
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: ~280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Mexican coleslaw, taco slaw, cilantro slaw, summer side dish, grilled corn salad