Name: Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 cups shredded green cabbage; 2 cups shredded purple cabbage; 1 ½ cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed); ½ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup sour cream; ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; ¼ cup cotija cheese, crumbled; 1 jalapeño, finely diced (optional); 1 teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 clove garlic, minced; Juice of 1 lime; Salt and pepper to taste

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Looking for a fresh, vibrant, and zesty side dish that’s guaranteed to be a hit at your next BBQ or family gathering? This Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw brings all the smoky, tangy goodness of Mexican street corn and gives it a cool, crunchy coleslaw twist! With sweet corn, creamy dressing, and a pop of lime and chili, it’s a flavor explosion in every bite. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it for every occasion!

Why You’ll Love Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw

Flavor-Packed: The combination of sweet corn, tangy lime, and spicy chili powder gives this coleslaw a bold, irresistible flavor that stands out.
Creamy & Crunchy: It has the perfect balance of creamy dressing and crisp, fresh vegetables, creating a satisfying texture.
Perfect for Any Gathering: Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, potluck, or taco night, this slaw is the perfect side to complement any meal.
Quick & Easy: With minimal prep, you can whip up this dish in no time, making it a great go-to for last-minute meal planning.

Ingredients

Ready to make this fresh, vibrant slaw? Here’s what you’ll need:

Corn: Fresh or frozen, it’s the star of the dish! You can even grill the corn for that authentic street corn flavor.
Shredded Cabbage: The base of the slaw, giving it a crisp and crunchy texture.
Red Onion: Adds a bit of sharpness and color to the slaw.
Cilantro: For that fresh, herbaceous note that really ties everything together.
Mayo: Creamy and rich, this forms the base of the dressing.
Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and balances out the richness of the mayo.
Lime Juice: A splash of lime gives the coleslaw a fresh, citrusy kick.
Chili Powder: For that smoky, spicy street corn flavor.
Cotija Cheese: This salty, crumbly cheese adds an authentic Mexican flair.
Garlic Powder: For a subtle, savory background flavor.
Salt & Pepper: To taste.

(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s put together this flavor-packed slaw!

Prepare the Corn:

If you’re using fresh corn, grill it on medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning it occasionally, until the kernels are slightly charred. Once it’s cool enough to handle, cut the kernels off the cob. If you’re using frozen corn, just cook it according to the package instructions and let it cool.

Make the Dressing:

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You want it to be tangy, creamy, and just the right amount of spicy.

Assemble the Slaw:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grilled corn, red onion, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss everything together until evenly coated.

Top with Cotija:

Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese over the top of the slaw and give it one last gentle toss. The cheese adds the perfect salty finish to the dish.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw immediately, or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors marinate and the coleslaw cool. It’s ready to serve as a refreshing side or topping for tacos, grilled meats, or just to snack on!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 200 kcal (estimate)
Protein per serving: 4g (estimate)
Fat per serving: 14g (estimate)
Carbs per serving: 18g (estimate)
Fiber per serving: 4g (estimate)
Sugar per serving: 5g (estimate)

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on the ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes (for grilling the corn)
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw

This vibrant coleslaw is a perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas to serve it:

Tacos: Pile this slaw on top of your favorite tacos, especially fish or grilled chicken tacos, for a zesty crunch.
BBQ: Pair it with grilled meats like ribs, burgers, or sausages to balance the smoky flavors.
Sandwiches & Wraps: Use it as a topping for sandwiches or wraps for extra texture and flavor.
As a Side Dish: It’s light and refreshing, making it a great side dish for almost any meal.

Additional Tips

Grill the Corn: If you can, grill the corn for that authentic Mexican street corn taste. The charred flavor makes a big difference!
Make It Ahead: This slaw can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours, which makes it perfect for meal prep or parties.
Adjust the Heat: If you like your slaw spicier, feel free to add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Make It Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free sour cream and skip the cotija cheese for a dairy-free version.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use canned corn instead of fresh?
A1: Yes, you can! Just make sure to drain and rinse it before using it in the slaw.

Q2: Can I skip grilling the corn?
A2: Grilling gives the corn a smoky flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it and use fresh or frozen corn instead.

Q3: Can I make this slaw spicy?
A3: Absolutely! Add more chili powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or some diced jalapeños for extra heat.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftover slaw in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, so it’s even better the next day!

Q5: Can I make this slaw ahead of time?
A5: Yes, you can prepare this up to a day in advance. Just keep it in the fridge, and give it a quick toss before serving.

Q6: Can I use a different cheese instead of cotija?
A6: You can use feta or Parmesan if you prefer, though cotija adds that special Mexican touch.

Q7: Can I add other veggies?
A7: Sure! Shredded carrots, bell peppers, or even diced tomatoes would make great additions.

Q8: Can I serve this as a topping for grilled meats?
A8: Yes! It’s a perfect topping for grilled chicken, pork, or even steak. It adds freshness and a nice crunch.

Q9: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A9: Yes, this Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw is naturally gluten-free.

Q10: Can I make this slaw vegan?
A10: Yes, simply substitute the mayo and sour cream with vegan versions, and leave out the cotija cheese for a completely plant-based dish.

Conclusion

This Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw is the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, smoky, and tangy. It’s the ideal side dish for any meal that needs a little extra flavor and flair. Whether you’re serving it at a summer BBQ or as a refreshing topping for tacos, this slaw will quickly become a favorite. Give it a try, and enjoy the vibrant flavors!