Mexican Coleslaw is a vibrant, zesty dish that brings a fresh twist to any meal. A crunchy and colorful combination of vegetables, it captures the essence of Mexican flavors with every bite. This salad is perfect for barbecues, picnics, or as a side to your favorite tacos and grilled dishes. You’ll find that its creamy texture, bursting with the tang of lime, harmonizes beautifully with the spices and veggies, making it a delightful addition to any table.
Why We Love This Mexican Coleslaw Recipe
This Mexican Coleslaw recipe is a favorite for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you are a seasoned cook or just starting out, you’ll find that mixing a few ingredients together can yield delicious results. It’s also a crowd-pleaser. The combination of creamy dressing, crunchy coleslaw mix, and colorful vegetables suits various tastes, satisfying both kids and adults alike. Additionally, it packs a nutritional punch with fresh ingredients like bell peppers, beans, and cilantro, loading your plate with vitamins and fiber. Plus, the versatility of this coleslaw means you can enjoy it as a side dish or even as a main course, so it’s perfect for meals any time of the day.
Ingredients for Mexican Coleslaw
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ⅔ cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 (16-ounce) bag tri-color coleslaw
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles, drained
- 1 (11-ounce) can corn kernels, drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
How to Make Mexican Coleslaw Directions
To create your delicious Mexican Coleslaw, start by preparing the creamy dressing. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of mayonnaise, ⅔ cup of sour cream, 3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice, and 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning. Use a whisk or spatula to mix everything until it’s smooth and well combined.
Next, it’s time to add the colorful vegetables. Pour in the contents of a 16-ounce bag of tri-color coleslaw, along with the diced red bell pepper, the drained can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles, the drained can of corn kernels, and the drained and rinsed black beans. For some extra kick, add the finely chopped jalapeno pepper based on your preferred spice level.
Now, it’s the moment to fold in the flavors! Gently toss the mixture together, ensuring that all the veggies are well-coated in the dressing. This step is key to making sure every bite is packed with flavor.
Once everything is combined, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allowing it to chill for at least 30 minutes helps all the flavors meld together beautifully. This resting period is crucial as it enhances the overall taste of your coleslaw and lets the veggies crisp up.
After chilling, give the coleslaw a final stir before serving, and you’ll be ready to dig into a colorful, tasty dish that’s sure to impress.
How to Serve Mexican Coleslaw
Serving Mexican Coleslaw is all about presentation and pairing it with the right dishes. This coleslaw shines as a side dish next to tacos, grilled chicken, or fish. Its vibrant colors and textures add a pop of freshness to your plate.
To serve, simply scoop a generous portion into a salad bowl or alongside your main dish. For a fun twist, consider serving it in taco shells or as a topping for grilled meats or sandwiches. You can also garnish your coleslaw with extra cilantro on top, or a few lime wedges for that added zest.
If you’re preparing a larger meal, think of serving this coleslaw at a temperature in a chilled bowl to keep it fresh and crisp. It’s perfect for outdoor gatherings, picnics, and potlucks, making it an ideal choice when you need to feed a crowd.
Expert Tips for Mexican Coleslaw
- Adjust Seasoning: The taco seasoning used can vary in flavor, so feel free to taste the dressing before you add all of it. Adjust the spice level to meet your preferences.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables rather than canned or frozen. Fresh produce ensures the best flavor and crunch in your coleslaw.
- Chill for Best Flavor: Allowing the coleslaw to sit in the fridge for longer than 30 minutes can further enhance its flavors, so feel free to prepare it a few hours in advance.
- Texture Balance: If you love extra crunch, consider adding additional vegetables like shredded carrots, diced cucumbers, or even radishes to enhance the texture.
- Personalize It: Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own! Add diced avocados or a sprinkle of cheese for a richer flavor, or swap ingredients based on what’s available in your kitchen.
How to Store Mexican Coleslaw
Proper storage of your Mexican Coleslaw will maintain its freshness. If you find yourself with leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. It’s crucial to consume the leftover coleslaw within three to four days for the best quality and taste.
Avoid leaving it at room temperature for long periods, especially if you’re at a gathering. If you’re unsure about serving it again, always give it a sniff and taste test to check for freshness. The texture may soften over time, so it’s best to enjoy it within a short period after making it.
Variations of Mexican Coleslaw
While the traditional recipe is fantastic, feel free to experiment with various ingredients to tailor your Mexican Coleslaw to your taste. Here are a few ideas:
- Add Fruits: Consider mixing in diced mango or pineapple for a sweet contrast to the spicy elements.
- Go Vegan: Substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with plant-based alternatives like avocado or a vegan yogurt to create a vegan-friendly dish.
- Spice It Up: If you love heat, throw in some diced serrano peppers or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Southwestern Twist: Swap in black olives, or diced avocado for a heartier option that still complements the Mexican flavors.
FAQ
What is the best way to serve Mexican Coleslaw?
Serving Mexican Coleslaw chilled as a side dish complements a variety of grilled meats, tacos, and sandwiches.
Can I prepare Mexican Coleslaw in advance?
Yes, you can make it ahead of time. Just ensure to let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving, and enjoy it within three to four days.
What makes this recipe a Mexican Coleslaw?
The use of taco seasoning, lime juice, and fresh ingredients like cilantro and jalapenos adds distinctive Mexican flair to the classic coleslaw.
Can I use different vegetables in Mexican Coleslaw?
Certainly! Feel free to include other vegetables like cucumbers, radishes, or even corn to create your own version that suits your tastes.
How spicy is Mexican Coleslaw?
The spiciness of this coleslaw can be adjusted based on how much jalapeno you include and the type of taco seasoning you use, making it customizable to your heat preference.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free unless you use a taco seasoning that contains gluten, so simply opt for a certified gluten-free version to keep it safe for your needs.
Now that you have all the insights into making this delicious Mexican Coleslaw, it’s time to get cooking! Enjoy each flavorful bite as you share this vibrant dish with family and friends.
Mexican Coleslaw
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ⅔ cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons lime juice fresh
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
Vegetables
- 1 16-ounce bag tri-color coleslaw fresh
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 10-ounce can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles, drained
- 1 11-ounce can corn kernels, drained
- 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped adjust based on spice level
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and taco seasoning. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Add the tri-color coleslaw, diced red bell pepper, drained Rotel, drained corn, drained and rinsed black beans, and finely chopped jalapeno pepper to the bowl.
- Gently toss the mixture together to ensure all veggies are well-coated in the dressing.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Give the coleslaw a final stir before serving.
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