Zesty Mexican Coleslaw Recipe: The Perfect Creamy Side Dish

This Mexican Coleslaw Recipe brings together all the vibrant and bold flavors of Mexico into a creamy, crunchy slaw that’s simply irresistible. Bursting with black beans, fresh cilantro, colorful bell peppers, and a zesty taco seasoning kick, this easy-to-make side dish is destined to be a hit at your next potluck, summer barbecue, or family picnic.

Close-up shot of creamy Mexican Coleslaw with visible black beans, corn, and bell peppers, highlighting its fresh and flavorful ingredients.

If you’re like me and have a soft spot for a fantastic slaw, you’re in for a treat. From the refreshing crunch of Broccoli Slaw to the tropical sweetness of Hawaiian Coleslaw and the festive flavors of Apple Cranberry Coleslaw, coleslaw is undeniably one of the most versatile and beloved side dishes. The endless variations are what make it so exciting!

When it comes to Mexican-inspired slaws, my mind often wanders to the bright, citrusy notes of Cilantro Lime Slaw or a tangy Citrus Slaw, like the kind that perfectly complements Baja Fish Tacos. However, this Mexican Coleslaw recipe takes a slightly different, and incredibly delicious, turn. It’s generously loaded with ingredients and infused with the robust taste of taco seasoning, creating a delightful fusion of taco salad and coleslaw. Trust me, it works wonders!

This recipe isn’t just a fantastic side dish; it’s also substantial enough to be enjoyed as a light and flavorful main course. Simply add your favorite protein – grilled chicken, seasoned beef, or succulent shrimp – to transform it into a complete meal.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Mexican Coleslaw Recipe

Effortless to Make: This is truly an easy Mexican coleslaw recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you can whip this up perfectly every single time.

Explosion of Flavor: Get ready for the most flavorful Mexican slaw you’ve ever tasted! The combination of fresh vegetables, creamy dressing, and taco seasoning is simply irresistible.

Crowd-Pleasing Portions: This recipe makes a generous batch of Mexican coleslaw, making it ideal for feeding a large group of friends and family at parties, picnics, or potlucks. It’s the perfect side to bring when you need to serve many!

Ingredients for Your Easy Mexican Coleslaw

Here’s what you’ll need to create this vibrant and flavorful Mexican Coleslaw:

Coleslaw Mix: Start with convenience! One 14-ounce bag of coleslaw mix, which equals about 6-7 cups of shredded cabbage, forms the base. You can use a classic green cabbage mix or a colorful blend of green and red cabbage.
Red Bell Pepper: For a touch of sweetness and satisfying crunch, add 1/2 cup of diced red bell pepper. Feel free to experiment with other colors like yellow or orange bell pepper for visual appeal and varied nutrients.
Black Beans: Protein and Mexican flair come in the form of 1/2 cup of canned black beans, make sure they are drained and rinsed to remove excess sodium.
Corn: Sweet corn adds another layer of texture and flavor. Use 1/2 cup of sweet corn. For an extra depth of flavor, grilled corn or skillet-charred corn is highly recommended. To char corn in a skillet, simply sauté frozen, canned, or fresh corn in a bit of olive oil over medium-high heat until kernels are nicely browned.
Fresh Cilantro: A generous 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro provides that signature bright, herbaceous Mexican flavor.
Jalapeño: For a touch of heat, use 1 minced jalapeño. Adjust the amount to your spice preference – add more for extra heat or remove the seeds and membranes for milder flavor.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the dressing is 3/4 cup of mayonnaise. Use your favorite brand; classic Hellman’s works beautifully, or choose an avocado mayo for a richer flavor.
Sour Cream: Adding 1/4 cup of sour cream to the mayonnaise enhances the creaminess and adds a slight tang. For a lighter option, you can substitute with Greek yogurt.
Taco Seasoning: The star flavor! You’ll need 1/2 package of taco seasoning, which is about 1 1/2 tablespoons. For an even more authentic taste, consider using homemade taco seasoning where you can control the spices and sodium.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice, 2 tablespoons, is essential to brighten all the flavors and balance the richness of the dressing with a zesty tang.

A bowl of Mexican Coleslaw being mixed, showing the vibrant colors and textures of the ingredients before dressing is fully incorporated.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Mexican Coleslaw

Making this delicious Mexican coleslaw is incredibly simple and quick:

Combine the Slaw Ingredients: In a large, spacious mixing bowl, toss together the coleslaw mix, diced red bell pepper, drained black beans, grilled corn kernels, chopped fresh cilantro, and minced jalapeño. Ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed in the bowl.
Prepare the Creamy Taco Dressing: In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, taco seasoning, and fresh lime juice. Mix until the dressing is smooth and well combined, ensuring no clumps of seasoning remain.
Dress the Slaw and Combine: Pour the creamy taco dressing over the coleslaw mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until the coleslaw is evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the crispness of the vegetables.
Serve and Enjoy! Transfer your vibrant Mexican Coleslaw to a serving dish. For an eye-catching presentation, consider using a brightly colored serving bowl to enhance the slaw’s visual appeal. Serve immediately and watch it disappear!

Creative Recipe Variations to Try

Want to customize your Mexican Coleslaw? Here are some delicious variations:

Boost the Veggies: Incorporate other crunchy vegetables like shredded carrots, thinly sliced red onions, chopped green onions, or creamy avocado chunks for added texture and nutrients.
Add Protein for a Main Course: Make it a complete meal by adding your favorite protein. Grilled chicken, seasoned ground beef, or sautéed shrimp would be excellent additions. Consider using pan-fried chicken or blackened shrimp for extra flavor depth.
Pepper Power: Experiment with different peppers for varying levels of heat and flavor. Try using habanero for intense spice or poblano for a milder, smoky flavor.
Spice it Your Way: Feel free to use homemade taco seasoning or even homemade fajita seasoning for a slightly different flavor profile.
DIY Seasoning Blend: Get creative and substitute taco seasoning entirely with your own blend of spices. Chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and salt are great starting points.
Add a Spicy Kick: For those who love extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing.

A serving of Mexican Coleslaw on a plate, showcasing its vibrant colors and the perfect creamy texture, ready to be enjoyed as a side dish.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Mexican Cabbage Slaw is a fantastic make-ahead dish, perfect for stress-free entertaining.

Prep Ahead: To prepare in advance, combine all the slaw ingredients (cabbage mix, vegetables, cilantro, jalapeño) and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Separately, mix together all the dressing ingredients and store them in another airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the slaw ingredients and the dressing. This prevents the slaw from becoming soggy.

Storage: Leftover Mexican coleslaw should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and is best enjoyed within 3-4 days. The slaw will soften slightly as it sits, but the flavor will still be delicious.

What to Serve with Mexican Coleslaw

This versatile Mexican Coleslaw is an amazing side dish that complements a wide variety of main courses. Here are some family-favorite serving suggestions:

Tacos and Fajitas: Naturally, it’s a perfect pairing for tacos, fajitas, and any Mexican-inspired main dishes.
Grilled Meats: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or burgers for a fresh and zesty contrast.
Fish and Seafood: It’s excellent with grilled or blackened fish, shrimp, or fish tacos.
Pulled Pork or BBQ: The creaminess and tanginess of the slaw cut through the richness of pulled pork or BBQ ribs beautifully.
Sandwiches and Wraps: Add a scoop to sandwiches or wraps for extra flavor and crunch.

Mexican Coleslaw Recipe

This Mexican Coleslaw recipe is a delightful blend of creamy and crunchy textures, packed with vibrant Mexican flavors. It’s an easy side dish perfect for any occasion!

4.79 from 32 votes
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Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 168kcal

Author: Cathy Trochelman

Ingredients

14 ounce bag coleslaw mix
1/2 cup red pepper diced
1/2 cup black beans drained and rinsed
1/2 cup corn grilled or skillet-charred corn recommended
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1 jalapeño minced
3/4 cup mayo
1/4 cup sour cream
1 1/2 Tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade taco seasoning recommended)
2 Tablespoons lime juice

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine coleslaw mix, red pepper, black beans, corn, cilantro, and jalapeño.
In a separate small bowl, combine mayo, sour cream, taco seasoning, and lime juice.
Add mayo mixture to coleslaw mixture and stir gently to combine.
Serve immediately or chill for later.

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