Mexican Coleslaw

Name: Mexican Coleslaw
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486577H14M13S
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 14 oz coleslaw mix; ½ cup diced red pepper; ½ cup black beans (drained and rinsed); ½ cup corn (grilled or skillet-charred); ½ cup chopped cilantro; 1 jalapeño (minced); ¾ cup mayo; ¼ cup sour cream; 1½ tbsp taco seasoning; 2 tbsp lime juice

Recipe By:

Juliette

Posted:

May 27, 2025

Updated:

May 27, 2025

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This Mexican Coleslaw is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings all the zest of Mexican cuisine to your table. With a delightful blend of textures and flavors, this creamy slaw features black beans, fresh cilantro, bell peppers, and taco seasoning. It’s not only a perfect side dish for potlucks, picnics, or summer BBQs but also an easy recipe that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: In just 15 minutes, you can prepare this delicious coleslaw, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings.
Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh ingredients and taco seasoning creates a unique taste that stands out.
Versatile Side Dish: This coleslaw pairs well with various main dishes, from grilled meats to tacos.
Healthy Ingredients: Loaded with vegetables and beans, it’s a nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Small bowl
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Spoon for mixing

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large bowl is essential for combining all ingredients without making a mess.
Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for all veggies, enhancing presentation and texture in your coleslaw.

Ingredients

This Mexican Coleslaw combines all the Mexican flavors you love in a deliciously creamy slaw! Packed with black beans, fresh cilantro, bell peppers, and taco seasoning… it’s the perfect side dish for potlucks, picnics, or summer BBQs!

For the Slaw

14 ounce bag coleslaw mix
1/2 cup red pepper (diced)
1/2 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
1/2 cup corn (I like using grilled or skillet-charred corn)
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1 jalapeño (minced)

For the Dressing

3/4 cup mayo
1/4 cup sour cream
1 1/2 Tablespoons taco seasoning
2 Tablespoons lime juice

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Mexican Coleslaw

Step 1: Prepare the Slaw Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
1. Coleslaw mix
2. Diced red pepper
3. Rinsed black beans
4. Grilled corn
5. Chopped cilantro
6. Minced jalapeño

Stir gently to ensure even distribution of ingredients.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing

In a separate small bowl:
1. Combine mayo,
2. Sour cream,
3. Taco seasoning,
4. Lime juice.

Mix until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Everything Together

Pour the dressing mixture over the slaw mixture in the large bowl. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are coated evenly with the dressing.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Mexican Coleslaw!

How to Serve Mexican Coleslaw

Mexican Coleslaw is a vibrant and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or attending a potluck, this slaw pairs well with many meals. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

As a Topping for Tacos

This coleslaw makes an excellent topping for tacos. The crunchiness complements the soft tortillas and adds a fresh flavor.

With Grilled Chicken

Serve Mexican Coleslaw alongside grilled chicken for a refreshing contrast. The creamy dressing enhances the smoky flavors of the chicken.

On Sandwiches

Use it as a filling in sandwiches or wraps. It adds texture and taste, making your lunch more exciting.

As a Salad Base

Create a colorful salad by placing Mexican Coleslaw on a bed of greens. Add some avocado or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition.

At Summer Picnics

Bring this dish to summer picnics. Its unique flavors will impress your friends and family while being easy to transport.

How to Perfect Mexican Coleslaw

To make the best Mexican Coleslaw, consider these helpful tips that enhance texture and flavor.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables like cilantro and peppers elevate the taste.
Customize Spice Level: Adjust the jalapeño amount to fit your spice preference.
Chill Before Serving: Letting the coleslaw sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes allows flavors to meld.
Substitute Dressings: Experiment with yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter version.
Add More Veggies: Consider adding shredded carrots or radishes for added color and crunch.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Coleslaw

Mexican Coleslaw is versatile and pairs wonderfully with various sides. Here are some great options to complement your meal.

Grilled Corn on the Cob
A classic summer side that adds sweetness and smokiness, perfect alongside coleslaw.
Chips and Salsa
Crunchy tortilla chips paired with fresh salsa offer a delightful contrast in textures.
Black Bean Soup
A hearty soup that brings more beans into your meal, enhancing protein content while adding warmth.
Rice & Beans
A staple side dish that rounds out your meal, providing fiber and nutrients with every bite.
Quesadillas
Cheesy quesadillas are easy to prepare and make an excellent accompaniment, especially with all that flavor from the coleslaw.
Guacamole
Creamy guacamole adds richness and complements the tangy slaw beautifully, offering depth of flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mexican Coleslaw can be easy, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

Overdressing the coleslaw: Adding too much dressing can make the slaw soggy. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
Ignoring ingredient freshness: Using stale or old ingredients can affect the taste. Always choose fresh veggies and herbs for the best flavor.
Not letting it chill: Skipping the chilling time means flavors won’t meld together. Allow it to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Using bland corn: Corn adds sweetness and texture. If you’re using canned corn, consider grilling it for added flavor.
Neglecting spice balance: Too much jalapeño can overwhelm other flavors. Start with a little and adjust according to your heat preference.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Mexican Coleslaw

Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as it may change the texture of the vegetables.
If you must freeze, consider only freezing the dressing separately.

Reheating Mexican Coleslaw

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread coleslaw on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Mexican Coleslaw ahead of time?

You can prepare Mexican Coleslaw a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated to maintain freshness.

What variations can I try with Mexican Coleslaw?

Feel free to add ingredients like diced avocados or shredded cheese for extra flavor. You can also adjust the seasoning based on your taste preferences.

How do I make Mexican Coleslaw spicier?

To increase the heat, add more minced jalapeño or incorporate some chopped serrano peppers into your slaw mix.

Is Mexican Coleslaw suitable for vegans?

You can make this dish vegan by substituting mayo with a plant-based alternative and omitting sour cream or using a vegan version.

What should I serve with Mexican Coleslaw?

This slaw pairs perfectly with grilled meats, tacos, or as part of a burrito bowl. It’s great at summer BBQs!

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Coleslaw is not only delicious but also versatile enough to complement various dishes. The creamy texture combined with zesty flavors makes it an excellent side dish for gatherings or casual meals. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients! Try making this refreshing recipe today!