Zesty Mexican Coleslaw with Fresh Cilantro

Looking to add a burst of flavor to your next meal? Look no further than this delectable Mexican Coleslaw with Cilantro recipe. Packed with vibrant ingredients like crunchy coleslaw mix, charred corn, black beans, and zesty cilantro, this dish is a fiesta for your taste buds. The creamy dressing, featuring a blend of mayo, sour cream, and taco seasoning, ties everything together with a refreshing lime kick. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or taco night, this colorful side dish is sure to impress.

What sets this Mexican Coleslaw apart is its unique blend of textures and flavors that bring a taste of Mexico to your table. The charred corn adds a delightful smokiness that elevates the dish, turning it from good to exceptional. This versatile slaw can be tailored to suit your preferences, whether you opt for a lighter version with Greek yogurt or add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp. Whip up a batch of this crowd-pleaser in just 15 minutes, and watch it disappear as guests clamor for more.

Quick Benefits

• Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal effort
• Loaded with vibrant veggies and protein from black beans
• Brings restaurant-quality Mexican flavors to your home table
• Can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance

Why You’ll Love This Zesty Mexican Coleslaw with Fresh Cilantro Recipe

• Vibrant and Flavorful: This Mexican coleslaw is packed with a colorful array of fresh veggies, black beans, and zesty spices, offering a burst of flavors in every bite.
• Perfect for Various Occasions: Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, picnic, taco night, or looking for a versatile side dish, this coleslaw fits the bill for any occasion.
• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes to prepare, this recipe is a convenient option for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
• Veggie-Loaded and Protein-Rich: Brimming with veggies, black beans, and protein, this coleslaw offers a wholesome and satisfying addition to your meal.
• Restaurant-Quality Flavors at Home: Enjoy the authentic taste of Mexican cuisine with this recipe that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your table.
• Customizable and Versatile: From adjusting the spice level to adding extra protein, this coleslaw can be tailored to suit your preferences and ingredients on hand.
• Make-Ahead and Travel-Friendly: Prepare up to 24 hours in advance and bring it along to potlucks or picnics, making it a convenient dish for on-the-go events.
• Secret Star Ingredient: The charred corn adds a delightful smokiness that elevates the coleslaw from good to exceptional, making it a standout dish that will impress your guests.
• Endless Customization Options: Elevate the dish with diced avocado, extra spice, or using Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter version, demonstrating the recipe’s versatility and adaptability.
• Storage and Serving Tips: Follow storage tips to keep the coleslaw fresh and maintain its texture, ensuring you can enjoy the flavors for days after preparation.

Ingredients for Zesty Mexican Coleslaw with Fresh Cilantro

• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 jalapeño, minced
• 1/2 cup corn, grilled or skillet-charred
• 1 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup red pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 14 ounce bag coleslaw mix

Pro Tips for Zesty Mexican Coleslaw with Fresh Cilantro

Pro Tip 1: Charred corn is the magic ingredient in this Mexican coleslaw. For an exceptional flavor, grill or skillet-char your corn to add a subtle smokiness that elevates the entire dish.

Pro Tip 2: Customize your coleslaw to suit your preferences or ingredients on hand. For a lighter version, swap out mayo and sour cream for Greek yogurt. Add diced grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein, transforming it into a satisfying meal.

Pro Tip 3: Store leftovers properly by keeping the dressing separate from the veggies until serving time to maintain freshness. Toast your taco seasoning before adding it to the dressing for enhanced flavor, and consider adding diced avocado or extra jalapeño for creaminess or a spicy kick.

How to Make Zesty Mexican Coleslaw with Fresh Cilantro

Step 1: Step 01

Combine coleslaw mix, red pepper, black beans, grilled corn, cilantro, and jalapeño in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Step 02

In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, taco seasoning, and lime juice.

Step 3: Step 03

Combine the mayonnaise mixture with the coleslaw mixture and mix well.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the vibrant Mexican coleslaw, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, keep in mind that the vegetables may slightly soften and release water over time. To maintain the freshest taste and texture, it is recommended to give the slaw a good stir before serving any remaining portions. For the best results, consider storing the dressing separately from the vegetables and combining them closer to when you plan to serve the dish. This method helps prevent the cabbage from becoming too soggy while allowing the flavors to develop.

To elevate your Mexican coleslaw further, consider toasting your taco seasoning in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding it to the dressing. This simple step enhances the flavor profile of the dish. Additionally, for those who enjoy an extra kick of spiciness, you can include the jalapeño seeds in the slaw or drizzle some hot sauce into the dressing. Customizing this coleslaw with diced avocado just before serving adds a creamy texture and healthy fats. These small adjustments allow you to tailor the dish to your preferences, ensuring a delightful and personalized culinary experience.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter version of this Mexican coleslaw, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayo and sour cream. This swap reduces calories while still providing a tangy, creamy base for the dressing that complements the Mexican flavors well.

If you don’t have coleslaw mix on hand, you can make your own by finely shredding cabbage and carrots. This DIY mix will still provide the desired crunch and texture for the coleslaw. Similarly, if you’re out of black beans, you can substitute with kidney beans or chickpeas for added protein and heartiness in the dish. These substitutions allow for flexibility while maintaining the essence of the recipe.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try layering this vibrant Mexican Coleslaw with Cilantro in crispy tortilla bowls for a fun and interactive appetizer at your next fiesta. The contrast of the crunchy slaw against the crisp tortilla shell adds an exciting texture to each bite, making it a delightful handheld treat for guests to enjoy.

Another serving idea is to incorporate this zesty coleslaw as a topping for pulled pork sandwiches. The creamy texture of the slaw paired with the juicy pulled pork creates a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures. The freshness of the vegetables and the tanginess of the dressing cut through the richness of the pork, elevating a classic sandwich to a whole new level of deliciousness.

FAQs for Zesty Mexican Coleslaw with Fresh Cilantro

Can I use fresh corn instead of grilled or skillet-charred corn?

Yes, you can use fresh corn, but grilling or charring it adds a smoky depth to the flavor.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter alternative?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative to mayonnaise, which will still provide creaminess and tang.

How can I make the coleslaw spicier?

Add extra minced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Can I prepare the coleslaw and dressing ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the coleslaw and dressing separately and mix them just before serving to maintain the texture.

Conclusion

Mexican Coleslaw with Cilantro is not just a side dish; it’s a celebration of vibrant flavors and textures that will elevate any meal. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, a taco night, or simply looking to add a zesty twist to your dinner, this colorful slaw is sure to impress. The combination of crunchy coleslaw mix, charred corn, black beans, and cilantro, all dressed in a creamy, tangy dressing, is a delightful symphony of Mexican-inspired goodness.

Remember, the beauty of this Mexican Coleslaw lies in its versatility. Feel free to customize it to your liking by adding your favorite proteins, adjusting the spice level, or even incorporating different vegetables. The key is to have fun experimenting and making it your own. So, next time you’re in need of a refreshing and flavorful side dish or taco topping, turn to this Mexican Coleslaw with Cilantro recipe and watch it become a staple at your table. Cheers to delicious moments shared with good food and great company!

Zesty Mexican Coleslaw with Fresh Cilantro

Vibrant Mexican Coleslaw with a zesty twist, perfect for BBQs and taco nights, featuring a creamy dressing and smoky grilled corn.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time~ undefined

Total Time10 Minutes

CuisineMexican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings~

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 jalapeño, minced
• 1/2 cup corn, grilled or skillet-charred
• 1 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup red pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 14 ounce bag coleslaw mix

Instructions

1. Step 01: Combine coleslaw mix, red pepper, black beans, grilled corn, cilantro, and jalapeño in a large mixing bowl.
2. Step 02: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, taco seasoning, and lime juice.
3. Step 03: Combine the mayonnaise mixture with the coleslaw mixture and mix well.