Easy Mexican coleslaw is bursting with the fresh flavors of tomatoes, roasted corn, jalapeno, and cilantro. This simple cabbage salad is so quick to come together, and it is the perfect side dish for burgers, chicken tacos, beef steak, and burrito bowls, making it one of my favorite salads.
This Easy Mexican Cabbage Slaw can be prepped in about twenty minutes, making it the perfect side dish for picnics, potlucks, summer cookouts, and pool parties. It brings all those wonderful Tex-Mex flavors together in a coleslaw bursting with tangy flavor. This slaw recipe takes full advantage of pre-shredded cabbage, giving you more free time to do what you want.
Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisines are family favorites. With all the complex flavors in Tex-Mex dishes, our taste buds are tantalized, and our appetites are satisfied. Because of all the wonderful flavors melding together in this Easy Mexican Coleslaw, the jalapeno and the taco seasonings are pretty mellow. This dish can be prepared either the morning of or up to several days in the fridge, although the salad dressing will become a little thinner as the slaw and tomatoes exude moisture.
How do you make Mexican coleslaw?
First, stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and taco seasoning in a small bowl. Next, in a large bowl, add the coleslaw, red pepper, grape tomatoes, black beans, corn, jalapeno, and cilantro. Gently stir in the mayonnaise mixture. Finally, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let all the delicious flavors meld together.
Helpful recipe tips
- Other vegetables to try in Mexican slaw include red onion, carrots, green onion, and green and red bell peppers.
- Greek yogurt can be substituted for mayonnaise.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- You can easily blacken corn by placing it in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and toss every couple of minutes. Do not use any oil. You can use canned corn but drain well.
- Try my homemade taco seasoning with chili powder, cumin, kosher salt, fresh ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes, ground cayenne,
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It will not be as crisp and crunchy, but it will still be delicious.
How do you choose mild jalapenos?
With just a little bit of understanding and patience, you too, can pick jalapenos that are flavorful yet mild. Look for the young peppers that are green and smooth all over with no striations or blemishes. These young green peppers are milder. Stay away from peppers with white lines, flecks, and red ones, as these peppers are older and much hotter. Always take your time picking the peppers, and before mincing, remove the veins and seeds.
This is a dependable, delicious recipe that you can feel great about feeding your family. What are you waiting for? Put the ingredients for this Easy Mexican Coleslaw on your shopping list today. Your family and friends will be singing your praises.
Other Mexican recipes you will love!
Easy Mexican Coleslaw Recipe
This Tex-Mex styles coleslaw is bursting with flavor from tomatoes, black beans, corn, jalapeno, and cilantro. It is a family-friendly, quick, easy side dish that goes great on top of tacos or with grilled chicken, pork tenderloin, or grilled flank steak.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Tex-Mex side
- Method: no cook
- Cuisine: Tex Mex
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayo
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 bag (16 ounce) tri-color coleslaw mix
- 1 diced red pepper
- 1 1/2 cup grape tomatoes halved
- 1 can (15.25) ounce black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups grilled or blackened corn
- 1 jalapeno seeded and minced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir together mayo, sour cream, lime juice, and taco seasoning.
- In a large serving bowl, add coleslaw, red pepper, grape tomatoes, black beans, corn, jalapeno, and cilantro. Gently stir in the mayo/sour cream mixture. Season with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Notes
- Other vegetables to try in Mexican slaw include red onion, carrots, green onion, and green and red bell peppers.
- Greek yogurt can be substituted for mayonnaise.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- You can easily blacken corn by placing it in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and toss every couple of minutes. Do not use any oil. You can use canned corn, but drain well.
- Try my homemade taco seasoning with chili powder, cumin, kosher salt, fresh ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes, ground cayenne,
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It will not be as crisp and crunchy, but it will still be delicious.
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KansasGal
Yum! I will definitely be making this again. Thanks for the recipe!
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine KansasGal!
Cindy Free
My husband and I make a huge Mexican meal for on Christmas Eve. Our growing family of 26 + are going to love this. Thank you so much for the clear instructions and tips, this will be a breeze to make and I’m sure it will be a must have for future meals.
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Cindy! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Jenna
Absolutely delicious. I followed the recipe as instructed, but I added diced purple onion and omitted the tomatoes. We served ours over shrimp tacos with lime shells and my husband said it was the best taco he’s ever had. Haha
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Jenna! That sounds amazing! I love a good taco, or two or three!
Marissa
Your Easy Mexican Coleslaw recipe is fantastic! It’s a delightful twist on traditional coleslaw, and your step-by-step instructions make it a breeze to prepare. The blend of flavors and textures is mouthwatering. Thanks for sharing this tasty dish!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Marissa! So glad that you like the Mexican coleslaw!
Jack
This is awesome! So easy and so tasty. I served it with some grilled ribs and it was a most enjoyable meal.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Jack! Sp glad that you liked the Mexican coleslaw.
Edgar
Girl, I am hungry now! I wanna make this coleslaw! Thank you for sharing the recipe. I am going to make it with some grilled chicken this weekend.
Shilpa Bindlish
This colourful bowl looks so tempting. I feel like grabbing one right now. Thanks for this easy recipe
Barb
This Easy Mexican Cabbage Slaw recipe was delicious. I served it with some grilled chicken. I’m looking forward to making it again soon!
Kelly
This was amazing and different! I served it with some burgers and the family loved it. I will make it again.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Kelly! I am so glad that you liked it!
Rich
This looks like a wonderful and healthy recipe. I’ve added it to my recipe book.
Shreya
This is so delish. My husband wants me to make it again. like tomorrow. LOL
Nyxie
This looks gorgeous! I love the fact it’s also (reasonably) healthy too!
Beth
This is such a great recipe! We had tacos last night, and I made this to go with it. It was fantastic.
Angela
This coleslaw was super easy to make and was packed with flavor! We served it as a side dish for burgers for dinner last night and everyone loved it!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Angela! I am so glad that everyone like it.
Steve
Absolutely fantastic! Our new go to salad!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Steve! So glad that you like it. We love it too!
Debbie
Making it for family gathering. It taste wonderful! Hope my family likes it.
Theresa Kilian
Hi there, I’m from north east Connecticut. How do you make blackened corn? Very much interested in this recipe to make.
Beth Pierce
You can easily blacken corn by placing it in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and toss every couple of minutes. Do not use any oil. You can use canned corn but drain well.
Tisha
This sounds so good! I will have to make it soon!
Sandra
This Mexican coleslaw was amazing, We love the combination of flavors. Cannot wait to make this again! So yummy!
Catherine
Oh this is something I have to try asap! What a fabulous take on coleslaw…sounds absolutely delicious! Cannot wait to make this next time.
Carrie Robinson
What a great twist on traditional coleslaw! And the perfect addition to Taco Tuesday tomorrow. 🙂
Beth Pierce
So true!
nancy
i love a good slaw ! This Mexican Coleslaw hits the spot with corn and beans!
Amy
This sounds absolutely delicious! I cannot wait to make this with my pork roast!
Beth Pierce
Thanks! Enjoy!
Sandra
Love how quick and simple this recipe is!
Catalina
Coleslaw is my favorite side dish. This one is even better than the classic one. Love all the additional flavors!
Sarah
This looks amazing! I just have different spices on hand and no taco seasoning. What should I substitute for the taco seasoning? Chili powder, onion powder, cumin, salt and cayenne pepper is my guess, but I am not sure of the ratios…and am I missing something?
Beth Pierce
Here is the link to my taco seasoning. I am sorry I thought I answered this the other day but my site is telling me that I did not.
Susan
Sounds great! Plan to make it for a women’s group lunch party. I do have a question though. Can you make it the day before? Is it better to make it the day of the party. Thanks!
Beth Pierce
I think I would make it the day of if at all possible.
Lori Hartsoe
Love the taste, but didn’t end up using all the mayo mixture, it seems like it would have been too much. Has anyone else experience this? Just made it, so I will save the extra till tomorrow to see if I need to add the rest back in.
Patricia Lonergan
The print functionality changed. The picture of the dish no longer appears. What happened?
As a visual person, I like to see the picture of the finished recipe
Mary
How would it be with Miracle Whip instead of mayo?
Krystyn
I left out the beans and corn to keep it low carb. Added shredded chicken but it was a little dry so added more mayo and seasoning. The rest of the family put it on tortillas but it was a full meal on its own!
Beth Pierce
Awesome! Chicken in it sounds wonderful!!
Katherine
Such an awesome idea to add Mexican flair to coleslaw. And thanks for the tips for choosing mild jalapenos.
Dannii
We always make a big batch of Mexican coleslaw of a BBQ. It always goes down well.
Beth Sachs
I love homemade coleslaw and I bet these Mexican flavours take it to the next level! I’ll be giving this a go soon.
Nart at Cooking with Nart
This recipe is super delicious and easy to make. Thanks for sharing the tips about choosing mild jalapenos too! Very useful 🙂
Jenn
I loved all the big and bright flavors in this coleslaw and it was a delish alternative to the standard fare! We’ll be making this again and again!
Megan M
Even more delicious than the picture! I added some tortilla strips for an extra crunch. I served it with taco spiced shrimp and cornbread. I will definitely be keeping this recipe nearby! Thank you!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Megan! Your meal sounds delicious!
Rachael White
Hey there. Just thought I’d let you know your Pinterest image says Coleslow, instead of Coleslaw. It’s a beautiful pin. I saw it in the Food Recipes and Meal Prep Tailwind tribe and went to pin it when I noticed the spelling. I always appreciate when someone points things like that out to me, so thought I’d give you the heads up. I look forward to trying this recipe!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much much Rachel! I appreciate it! Have a fabulous day!!
Rachael Yerkes
this is awesome!
Betsy
Super fun coleslaw, and delicious! Really great for topping off a fish taco! Yum!
stephanie
This was perfect for our mexican themed food party! Thank you for sharing.
Krissy Allori
Oh wow, the flavors in this recipe just come bursting out with each bite. It’s delicious.
Kristyn
This looks so good!! I love coleslaw & love the idea of a Mexican coleslaw! It looks incredibly easy & flavorful!
Trang
Delicious! I like how one person commented that they made this for fish tacos. Totally trying that then too.
Anna
My family loved this coleslaw! Delicious!
Kimberly
This is such a fun idea and I love the flavors!
April
This slaw was so good and so full of flavor! We put it on our fish tacos and it was delicious!