Zesty Mexican Corn Coleslaw Recipe for Summer Cookouts

Mexican corn coleslaw blends vibrant flavors with a zesty twist that crafts ordinary side dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Raw, crisp vegetables dance alongside sweet corn kernels, creating a refreshing medley of textures and tastes.

The combination delivers a perfect balance between crunchy and smooth elements that tantalize your palate.

Traditional coleslaw gets a spicy makeover with bold southwestern ingredients that elevate its standard profile.

Tangy dressings and bright seasonings infuse each bite with remarkable depth and complexity.

Cool cabbage provides a neutral canvas for intense flavor combinations that surprise and delight.

Each forkful promises a fiesta of tastes that celebrates summer’s freshest produce in one spectacular dish.

Why You’ll Love Mexican Corn Coleslaw

• Burst of Zesty Flavors: This Mexican-inspired coleslaw delivers a tangy punch with lime juice and taco seasoning, creating a vibrant taste experience that dances on your palate.
• Texture Paradise: Crisp coleslaw mix meets creamy dressing, while corn and black beans add delightful pops of texture that make every bite interesting and satisfying.
• Quick Fiesta Preparation: Whip up this colorful side dish in just minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous summer gatherings that need a fresh, crowd-pleasing accompaniment.
• Healthful Veggie Explosion: Packed with bell peppers, corn, and black beans, this recipe offers a nutritious twist on traditional coleslaw, providing a rainbow of vegetables in one delicious serving.

Mexican Corn Coleslaw Ingredient Rundown

Main Components:

Salad Base: – Coleslaw Mix: Crunchy foundation for the salad with pre-shredded cabbage blend. – Bell Peppers: Colorful, fresh vegetables adding vibrant crunch and sweetness. – Black Beans: Protein-rich legumes providing hearty texture and nutritional boost. – Corn: Sweet kernel that adds natural sweetness and Mexican-inspired flavor.

Herbs and Spicy Elements: – Cilantro: Fresh herb with bright, citrusy notes that enhance Mexican-style dishes. – Jalapeño: Spicy pepper that brings heat and authentic Mexican character.

Dressing Components: – Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy base that creates rich, tangy dressing. – Lime Juice: Bright, acidic element that adds freshness and balances flavors. – Taco Seasoning: Signature Mexican spice blend that provides depth and warmth.

Steps for Assembling Mexican Corn Coleslaw

Step 1: Whip Up the Zesty Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Fresh lime juice
• Taco seasoning

Whisk ingredients until smooth, then chill in the refrigerator to let flavors mingle.

Step 2: Chop and Combine Fresh Vegetables

• Coleslaw mix
• Red bell pepper
• Green bell pepper
• Black beans (well-drained)
• Corn kernels (well-drained)
• Chopped cilantro
• Diced jalapeño

Step 3: Dress and Toss the Salad

Pour the chilled dressing over the vegetable mixture. Gently stir until every ingredient is evenly coated with the creamy, tangy sauce. For an extra pop of color and flavor, sprinkle additional fresh cilantro on top before serving.

Pro Tip: This Mexican-inspired coleslaw is perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or as a vibrant side dish that adds a kick to any meal.

Tips to Perfect Mexican Corn Coleslaw

• Drain Vegetables Thoroughly: Pat corn, beans, and coleslaw mix completely dry to prevent watery, soggy slaw.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust jalapeño amount or remove seeds for milder or spicier results based on personal heat preference.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Let the slaw sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to marinate and blend flavors.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Choose crisp bell peppers and vibrant cilantro to enhance the overall texture and taste of the coleslaw.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dressing and chop vegetables separately, combining just before serving to maintain crunchiness and prevent wilting.

How to Keep Mexican Corn Coleslaw Fresh

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the coleslaw chilled to maintain its crisp texture and fresh flavor. Stir gently before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients. Avoid freezing, as the vegetables will lose their crunch and mayonnaise-based dressing may separate when thawed. For best results, enjoy the Mexican Corn Coleslaw within 24-48 hours of preparation to savor its vibrant taste and crunchy vegetables.

Dishes That Pair with Mexican Corn Coleslaw

• Boost Protein Power: Pair this zesty coleslaw with grilled chicken or blackened fish to create a complete meal that balances the creamy, tangy dressing with lean protein.
• Crunch and Cool Companion: Serve alongside crispy tortilla chips or corn chips to add extra texture and provide a satisfying crunch that complements the soft vegetable mix.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Enjoy with a cold Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo, or a bright, citrusy margarita that echoes the lime and taco seasoning flavors in the coleslaw.
• Southwest Sidekick: Combine with grilled street tacos or pulled pork to create a vibrant, colorful plate that celebrates bold Mexican-inspired cuisine and brings multiple flavor dimensions to your meal.

Variations to Jazz Up Mexican Corn Coleslaw

• Southwestern Corn Slaw: Replace taco seasoning with chipotle powder for a smoky kick, and add grilled chicken strips for extra protein.
• Vegan Mexican Slaw: Swap mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives like cashew cream, and include roasted sweet potatoes for added richness.
• Spicy Mango Corn Coleslaw: Incorporate diced fresh mango for sweetness, increase jalapeño quantity, and sprinkle tajín seasoning for a zesty tropical version.
• Quinoa Mexican Salad: Transform the slaw into a heartier grain-based salad by mixing in cooked quinoa and adding crumbled queso fresco for creamy texture.

Mexican Corn Coleslaw Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Zesty Mexican Corn Coleslaw brings summer’s fresh flavors to your plate with crisp cabbage and sweet corn dancing together. Spiked with tangy lime and cilantro, this vibrant side dish delivers a crowd-pleasing crunch you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 1 14 ounces (397 grams) package of coleslaw mix
• ½ red bell pepper, finely diced
• ½ orange bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 jalapeño, seeds meticulously removed and minced
• ⅓ cup freshly minced cilantro

Protein and Grains:

• 1 13.75 ounces (390 grams) can of black beans, properly rinsed and drained
• 1 13.75 ounces (390 grams) can of corn, adequately rinsed and drained
• 1 package of taco seasoning

Dressing:

• ¾ cup mayonnaise of superior quality
• ⅓ cup premium sour cream
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, sour cream, freshly squeezed lime juice (about or 30 milliliters), and taco seasoning in a medium mixing bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
2. Refrigerate the prepared dressing for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and intensify while chilling.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine shredded coleslaw mix, diced red and green bell peppers, thoroughly drained black beans, sweet corn kernels, chopped fresh cilantro, and finely minced jalapeño pepper.
4. Gently fold the chilled dressing into the vegetable mixture, ensuring each ingredient is evenly and generously coated with the tangy, seasoned sauce.
5. Toss the salad thoroughly to distribute the dressing and create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
6. Optional: Sprinkle additional fresh cilantro leaves on top for a vibrant garnish and an extra burst of herbal freshness.
7. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop and the vegetables to absorb the dressing’s robust taste.

Notes

• This vibrant Mexican-inspired salad bursts with fresh, zesty flavors that dance on your palate.
• Drain canned ingredients thoroughly to prevent watery coleslaw and maintain a crisp texture.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeño quantity or removing seeds for milder taste.
• Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
• Keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making it perfect for meal prep and potlucks.
• Swap mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed alternative that’s equally delicious.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 317 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 22 mg