Zesty Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw Recipe For Summer Cookouts

Summer gatherings buzz with excitement when mexican street corn coleslaw arrives on the table.

Crisp cabbage mingles with sweet corn kernels, creating a vibrant side dish that feels like a fiesta.

Zesty lime and creamy mayo blend into a tangy dressing that makes taste buds dance.

Charred corn adds smoky depth while fresh cilantro provides a bright, herbal note.

Crumbled cotija cheese sprinkled on top delivers a salty punch that elevates every bite.

Each forkful promises a delightful journey through bold, refreshing flavors that celebrate mexican street food inspiration.

Scoop this coleslaw onto your plate and let the flavor adventure begin!

Pairings with Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw

• Pair with Zesty Margaritas: Craft a tangy lime margarita that complements the spicy and creamy coleslaw, enhancing the Mexican street corn flavors with a refreshing alcoholic kick.
• Serve alongside Grilled Proteins: Match the coleslaw with smoky grilled chicken, pulled pork, or barbecue ribs to create a balanced meal where the cool, creamy slaw cuts through the rich meat.
• Combine with Crispy Tortilla Chips: Add some crunchy corn tortilla chips on the side to echo the corn theme and provide a textural contrast to the creamy coleslaw, creating a fun and interactive eating experience.

Storing Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw Correctly

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping the coleslaw crisp and flavorful.

Place a paper towel over the coleslaw before sealing the container to absorb excess moisture and maintain texture.

Warm gently in short 15-20 second intervals, stirring between each burst to distribute heat evenly and prevent separating.

Before serving leftovers, sprinkle additional Cotija cheese and fresh cilantro to revive the flavors and restore its vibrant appearance.

FAQs

• What gives this coleslaw its Mexican street corn flavor?

The combination of Cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, and cayenne pepper creates the signature tangy and spicy profile reminiscent of traditional Mexican street corn.

• Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this coleslaw up to a day in advance. Refrigerating helps the flavors meld together, making it even more delicious when served.

• Is this coleslaw spicy?

The spice level depends on the amount of cayenne pepper you add. For a mild version, use less or skip it entirely. For more heat, increase the cayenne to suit your taste.

Why Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw Is a Must

• Burst with Zesty Flavor: Packed with tangy lime, spicy chili powder, and creamy Cotija cheese, this coleslaw delivers a punch of Mexican-inspired taste that dances on your palate.
• Quick and Simple Prep: Combines basic ingredients in minutes, making it a breeze to assemble without complicated techniques or hard-to-find components.
• Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, picnics, or as a refreshing accompaniment to grilled meats, tacos, and summer meals.
• Crowd-Pleasing Crowd-Pleaser: Offers a unique twist on traditional coleslaw that appeals to both adults and kids, with its creamy texture and bold southwestern flavors.

Ingredients for Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw

• Coleslaw Mix: A crisp blend of shredded cabbage that provides a fresh and crunchy foundation for the salad.
• Corn Kernels: Sweet corn that adds a bright, summery flavor and texture to the coleslaw.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Rich and tangy ingredients that create a smooth, creamy base for the dressing.
• Cotija Cheese: A crumbly Mexican cheese that adds a salty and distinctive flavor to the coleslaw.

• Lime Juice, Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Pepper: A blend of spices and seasonings that provide a zesty, Mexican-inspired taste profile to the dish.
• Fresh Cilantro: A fragrant herb that adds a fresh, bright garnish to the finished coleslaw.

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw

Step 1: Prepare Fresh Veggies

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and empty the coleslaw mix into it. Add fresh corn kernels to the bowl, ensuring an even distribution of vegetables.

If using fresh corn, quickly char the kernels on a hot skillet for extra smoky flavor.

Step 2: Create Creamy Flavor Explosion

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Cotija cheese
• Lime juice
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined, creating a vibrant and tangy dressing.

Step 3: Combine and Coat

Pour the zesty dressing over the vegetable mixture. Use tongs or a large spoon to gently toss and coat every piece of coleslaw and corn with the creamy mixture.

Ensure each bite will be packed with bold, Mexican-inspired flavors.

Step 4: Chill and Enhance

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes.

This resting time allows the flavors to mingle and intensify. Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top for a bright, herbal finish.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from refrigerator and give a quick stir. Serve chilled as a side dish perfect for barbecues, picnics, or as a refreshing summer salad.

Tips for Spicy Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw

• Add extra Cotija cheese and a sprinkle of chili powder right before serving to enhance the Mexican street corn profile.
• Adjust cayenne pepper amount to match your spice tolerance, from a tiny pinch to a generous shake.
• Refrigerate for no more than 2 hours to maintain the crisp texture of the coleslaw and prevent soggy vegetables.
• Prepare the dressing and chopped vegetables separately, combining just before serving to preserve maximum freshness and crispness.
• Swap Cotija cheese and mayonnaise with vegan alternatives like cashew cream and plant-based mayo for a completely dairy-free version.

Variations on Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw

• Spicy Southwest Slaw: Add diced jalapeños and replace Cotija with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
• Greek Mediterranean Remix: Swap mayonnaise with tzatziki, use feta cheese, and add diced cucumber for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Tangy Apple Crunch Coleslaw: Incorporate diced green apples and replace lime juice with apple cider vinegar for a crisp, sweet-tart flavor profile.
• Herb Garden Fusion: Mix in fresh chopped herbs like dill, parsley, and chives to create a lighter, more herbaceous coleslaw variation.

Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Zesty Mexican street corn coleslaw brings summer’s boldest flavors to your picnic table. Crisp cabbage, charred corn, and tangy dressing create a refreshing side that will make your taste buds dance with delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Corn and Vegetables:

• 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 bag (16 ounces / 454 grams) coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots)

Dairy and Creamy Components:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta)

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Combine shredded cabbage and sweet corn kernels in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
2. Craft a creamy, zesty dressing by vigorously whisking together tangy mayonnaise, rich sour cream, crumbled Cotija cheese, bright lime juice, aromatic spices, and seasonings until smooth and well-integrated.
3. Gently drench the vegetable mixture with the prepared dressing, using a folding motion to guarantee comprehensive coating without crushing the delicate components.
4. Seal the bowl and transfer to the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and intensify.
5. Before presenting, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro across the surface for a vibrant, herbaceous finish that elevates the overall sensory experience.

Notes

• Swap Greek yogurt for mayo to lighten up the dressing and add protein while reducing calories.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper amount for mild or spicy preferences.
• Toast corn kernels briefly in a dry skillet for deeper, smokier flavor before mixing into coleslaw.
• Consider using plant-based cheese alternatives to make this recipe dairy-free and vegan-friendly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 190 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg