This Easy Mexican Coleslaw Recipe is a vibrant side dish that brings a burst of flavor to any meal. With its colorful ingredients like tomatoes, black beans, and jalapenos, this coleslaw is not just a treat for the taste buds but also visually appealing. Perfect for summer barbecues, taco nights, or potlucks, it pairs beautifully with grilled meats and makes an excellent topping for tacos. The blend of creamy dressing and fresh vegetables ensures that every bite is refreshing and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of lime juice, taco seasoning, and fresh cilantro creates a zesty flavor that enhances any meal.
- Versatile Serving Options: Great as a side dish, on top of tacos, or even as a filling for burritos—this coleslaw fits many occasions.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with veggies like red bell pepper and black beans, this coleslaw is both healthy and delicious.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the crunch and sweetness of the corn and tomatoes, making it a hit at family dinners.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools is essential. Below are some must-have items for preparing this Easy Mexican Coleslaw.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: They allow you to easily combine ingredients without spilling.
- Cutting board: A sturdy surface protects your countertops while chopping vegetables safely.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for herbs and veggies, enhancing presentation.
Ingredients
This Tex-Mex style 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, beef tenderloin, or grilled flank steak.
For the Dressing
- 1 cup mayo
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
For the Coleslaw
- 1 bag (16 ounce) tri-color coleslaw mix
- 1 diced red bell 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
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Easy Mexican Coleslaw Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, stir together mayo, sour cream, lime juice, and taco seasoning until well mixed.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large serving bowl:
1. Add the coleslaw mix.
2. Toss in diced red pepper, halved grape tomatoes, drained black beans, grilled corn, minced jalapeno, and chopped cilantro.
3. Gently stir in the mayo/sour cream mixture until all ingredients are coated evenly.
Step 3: Season to Taste
Sprinkle kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper over the mixture according to your preference. Mix lightly to combine.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld before serving.
How to Serve Easy Mexican Coleslaw Recipe
Easy Mexican coleslaw is a versatile dish that can elevate any meal. It adds a refreshing crunch and zesty flavor, making it perfect for various occasions.
On Tacos
- Add a generous scoop of coleslaw on top of your favorite tacos. It brings a delightful creaminess that complements the spiciness of the filling.
With Grilled Meats
- Serve this coleslaw alongside grilled chicken or beef. The cool, tangy flavors balance the smokiness of the meat perfectly.
As a Standalone Salad
- Enjoy the coleslaw on its own as a light lunch option. Its nutritious ingredients provide a filling yet healthy meal choice.
In Wraps
- Use the coleslaw as a filling in wraps. Pair it with grilled veggies or meats for a satisfying and portable meal.
At Barbecues
- This dish is an excellent addition to barbecue spreads. It’s easy to make in large batches and can be served chilled.
For Potlucks
- Bring this easy Mexican coleslaw to potlucks or gatherings. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and easy to transport.
How to Perfect Easy Mexican Coleslaw Recipe
To enhance your easy Mexican coleslaw, consider these tips for achieving the best flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs elevate the taste significantly, providing maximum flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust Spice Level – If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of jalapeno or remove seeds. For more spice, add extra jalapenos or some hot sauce.
- Chill Before Serving – Allowing the coleslaw to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
- Taste and Season – Always taste before serving. Adjust salt and pepper according to your preferences for optimal flavor.
- Experiment with Add-ins – Feel free to add other ingredients like diced avocados or shredded carrots for additional texture and nutrition.
- Make Ahead – This dish can be prepared a day ahead, making it great for meal prep or large gatherings.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Mexican Coleslaw Recipe
Pair your easy Mexican coleslaw with complementary side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some great options:
- Grilled Corn on the Cob – Charred corn adds sweetness and smokiness, making it a perfect match.
- Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice seasoned with spices provides a hearty base that balances the lightness of the slaw.
- Refried Beans – Creamy refried beans add richness and protein, rounding out your meal nicely.
- Guacamole – This creamy avocado dip pairs well with crunchy slaw, offering contrasting textures.
- Chips and Salsa – Crispy tortilla chips with zesty salsa bring additional crunch and flavor, ideal for snacking.
- Baked Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges seasoned with spices complement the freshness of coleslaw.
- Quesadillas – Cheese-filled quesadillas offer gooey goodness that goes well with tangy slaw.
- Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad adds sweetness and balances savory dishes perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the keys to making the best Easy Mexican Coleslaw Recipe is avoiding common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using stale ingredients: Freshness matters! Always check that your produce, especially the coleslaw mix and tomatoes, are fresh to enhance flavor.
- Overdressing the coleslaw: Too much dressing can make it soggy. Start with a little and add more if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Not letting it chill: Skipping refrigeration time can mute flavors. Allow at least 30 minutes in the fridge for the ingredients to meld.
- Ignoring seasoning: Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning! Add kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper according to your preference.
- Skipping customization: This recipe is versatile! Feel free to add other vegetables or proteins, such as shredded carrots or grilled chicken, for added texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep any leftovers separate from tacos or grilled meats to maintain texture.
Freezing Easy Mexican Coleslaw Recipe
- Freezing is not recommended due to the high water content of the vegetables. It may lead to a mushy texture upon thawing.
Reheating Easy Mexican Coleslaw Recipe
- Oven: Not ideal for coleslaw; best served cold.
- Microwave: If necessary, heat on a low setting for a few seconds, but this may alter texture.
- Stovetop: Skip reheating. Serve cold for optimal crunch and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mexican coleslaw?
Mexican coleslaw is a vibrant salad that combines traditional coleslaw ingredients with flavorful additions like jalapenos, black beans, and corn. It’s perfect as a side dish or topping for various Tex-Mex meals.
How do I make Mexican coleslaw?
To make an Easy Mexican Coleslaw Recipe, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and taco seasoning with chopped veggies like bell peppers, grape tomatoes, and jalapenos. Chill before serving for the best taste.
Can I customize this Easy Mexican Coleslaw Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add more vegetables such as shredded carrots or even fruits like mango for sweetness. Experiment with different seasonings based on your preferences.
How long can I store leftover coleslaw?
You can store leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be kept short-term.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Mexican Coleslaw Recipe is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavors that complement many dishes. Its versatility means you can easily customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences. Give it a try at your next meal; it’s sure to be a hit!
Easy Mexican Coleslaw Recipe
This Easy Mexican Coleslaw Recipe is a flavorful and colorful side dish that can elevate any meal. Packed with vibrant ingredients like tomatoes, black beans, and jalapenos, this coleslaw is not only delicious but visually appealing. Ideal for summer barbecues, taco nights, or potlucks, it pairs perfectly with grilled meats and adds a refreshing crunch to tacos. The creamy dressing combined with fresh veggies ensures every bite is satisfying and full of zest. With quick prep time and nutritious components, this coleslaw will become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
- Total Time: 34 minute
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 1 bag (16 oz) tri-color coleslaw mix
- 1 diced red bell pepper
- 1 ½ cup halved grape tomatoes
- 1 can (15.25 oz) black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 ½ cups grilled or blackened corn
- 1 minced jalapeno (seeded)
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 cup mayo
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayo, sour cream, lime juice, and taco seasoning until well blended.
- In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix with red bell pepper, grape tomatoes, black beans, corn, jalapeno, and cilantro.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are coated evenly.
- Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for optimal flavor. Adjust spice levels by varying jalapeno quantity or using hot sauce for added heat. Feel free to customize by adding other veggies like shredded carrots or diced avocado.
