Irresistible Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw: A Zesty Summer Delight

Mexican street corn, a beloved culinary delight, inspires a vibrant and zesty coleslaw that captures the essence of street food magic.

This creamy and crunchy salad reimagines traditional coleslaw with bold Latin American flavors and textures.

Kernels of sweet corn dance alongside crisp cabbage, creating a harmonious blend of freshness and richness.

Tangy and spicy elements transform an ordinary side dish into an extraordinary celebration of taste and culture.

The combination of ingredients reflects the lively spirit of Mexican street cuisine, where every recipe tells a delicious narrative.

Creamy, smoky, and utterly irresistible, this coleslaw brings a fiesta of flavors to any gathering or meal.

Fun Ways To Change Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw Fiesta

• Vegan Fiesta Slaw: Replace Cotija cheese with nutritional yeast, use vegan mayonnaise, and swap sour cream with cashew cream for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Zesty Corn Slaw: Ensure all spices are certified gluten-free and verify mayonnaise brand does not contain gluten additives.
• Lighter Summer Slaw: Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise, reduce cheese quantity, and add extra lime juice for a fresher, lower-calorie option.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Increase cayenne pepper, add diced jalapeños, and sprinkle extra chili powder for heat lovers seeking a more intense flavor profile.

FAQs For Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw Fiesta

• What makes this coleslaw different from traditional coleslaw?

This recipe brings a Mexican street corn twist by adding corn kernels, Cotija cheese, and zesty spices like chili powder and cumin, transforming the classic coleslaw into a vibrant, flavor-packed side dish.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat level from chili powder and optional cayenne pepper. You can easily adjust the spiciness by reducing or omitting the cayenne, making it suitable for different heat tolerances.

• Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?

Absolutely! Preparing this coleslaw in advance allows the flavors to develop and meld together. It can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before serving, which actually enhances its taste.

• What can I do if I don't have Cotija cheese?

If Cotija cheese is unavailable, you can substitute it with feta cheese or queso fresco. These alternatives will provide a similar tangy and salty flavor profile to the coleslaw.

What Makes Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw Fiesta So Tasty

• Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up this vibrant coleslaw in just 15 minutes with minimal chopping, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Flavor Explosion: Packed with zesty Mexican-inspired seasonings like chili powder, lime juice, and Cotija cheese, this dish transforms traditional coleslaw into a mouthwatering side that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Equally amazing at summer barbecues, potlucks, or as a refreshing accompaniment to grilled meats, tacos, or sandwiches – this coleslaw adapts to any meal and impresses everyone from kids to food enthusiasts.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dish in advance and let it chill for enhanced flavor development, saving you time and reducing day-of cooking stress while ensuring a delicious, cohesive taste profile.

Things You Need For Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw Fiesta

• Coleslaw Mix, Corn Kernels: Fresh crisp veggies that form the core salad base, with coleslaw providing crunch and corn adding sweet summery flavor. Sweet corn works best when fresh or high-quality frozen.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream, Cotija Cheese: Creamy ingredients that create rich, tangy dressing. Mexican Cotija offers salty authentic flavor; can substitute with feta if unavailable.

• Lime Juice, Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Pepper: Spice mixture that delivers bold Mexican street corn profile. Fresh lime juice provides bright acidity. Adjust cayenne for desired heat level. Using fresh ground spices enhances overall flavor complexity.

• Fresh Cilantro: Bright herb that adds fresh finish and traditional Mexican garnish profile. Optional but recommended for authentic taste.

How To Make Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw Fiesta

Step 1: Combine Colorful Veggies

• Coleslaw mix
• Fresh corn kernels

Mix these vibrant ingredients until they’re well blended.

Step 2: Whip Up Zesty Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Crumbled Cotija cheese
• Fresh lime juice
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Garlic powder
• Cayenne pepper (optional for heat lovers)
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend until the dressing looks smooth and tantalizing.

Step 3: Coat and Toss

Pour the bold dressing over the veggie mixture.

Use a large spoon or spatula to thoroughly coat every single morsel.

Ensure each kernel and cabbage strand gets a generous splash of flavor.

Step 4: Chill and Elevate

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap.

Slide into the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes.

This resting time allows the flavors to dance and mingle.

Just before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top for a bright, herbal finish.

Serve cold and enjoy your Mexican street corn coleslaw fiesta!

Helpful Pointers For Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw Fiesta

• Customize Corn Selection: Use fresh, grilled, or roasted corn for deeper flavor intensity, enhancing the street corn authenticity of the coleslaw.
• Adjust Spice Level: Modify cayenne pepper quantity based on personal heat tolerance, ensuring a personalized kick without overwhelming the dish.
• Cheese Flexibility: Substitute Cotija with feta or queso fresco if unavailable, maintaining the tangy Mediterranean-Mexican fusion profile.
• Boost Vegetable Crunch: Add diced red bell peppers or jalapeños for extra texture and vibrant color, elevating the coleslaw's visual appeal.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the coleslaw a day in advance to allow flavors to develop fully, creating a more harmonious and delicious side dish.

How To Store And Serve Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw Fiesta

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the coleslaw chilled to maintain its crisp texture and fresh flavor.
• Drain Excess Liquid: Before storing, gently drain any excess liquid that might have accumulated to prevent soggy coleslaw.
• Reheating: Enjoy this dish cold or at room temperature. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the vegetables watery and lose their crunch.
• Quick Refresh: Stir the coleslaw and add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice before serving to revive the flavors.

Best Matches With Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw Fiesta

• Grill Alongside Spicy Proteins: Pair this zesty coleslaw with grilled chicken marinated in chipotle sauce or spicy skirt steak to create a flavor-packed meal that highlights the coleslaw's tangy and creamy profile.
• Match with Crisp Refreshing Drinks: Serve alongside an ice-cold Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or a bright, citrusy margarita that complements the lime and chili notes in the dish, cutting through the creamy dressing.
• Create Taco Night Magic: Use this coleslaw as a vibrant side or topping for street tacos filled with carnitas, al pastor, or grilled fish, adding a crunchy texture and bold Mexican-inspired flavor to your entire meal.
• Enhance with Fresh Garnishes: Sprinkle extra Cotija cheese, chopped green onions, or crushed tortilla chips on top to provide additional crunch and elevate the coleslaw's authentic street food character.

Zesty Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spicy Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw brings summer’s zesty spirit onto your plate with a creamy, tangy twist. Crisp cabbage and charred corn dance together, creating a slaw packed with bold flavors you’ll crave at every summer gathering.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

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

Dairy and Creamy Components:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta)

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Shred the cabbage blend and slice fresh corn kernels into a spacious mixing vessel, creating a vibrant base for the zesty salad.
2. Craft a creamy, tangy dressing by whisking together smooth mayonnaise, rich Cotija cheese, and velvety sour cream with bright lime juice and a symphony of spices including chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne for subtle heat.
3. Drizzle the luxurious dressing over the vegetable mixture, using deliberate folding motions to ensure each strand and kernel is generously coated with the robust flavor profile.
4. Allow the coleslaw to rest in the refrigerator, letting the ingredients harmonize and intensify their collective taste for approximately half an hour.
5. Just before presenting the dish, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro across the top, adding a burst of herbal brightness and visual appeal that elevates the entire preparation.

Notes

• Swap out mayo for Greek yogurt to create a lighter, protein-packed version that keeps the creamy texture but reduces calories.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper, making it mild for kids or extra spicy for chili lovers.
• Add grilled chicken or black beans to transform this side dish into a complete meal with extra protein and nutritional value.
• Toast corn kernels beforehand for deeper, smoky flavor that mimics authentic Mexican

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Side Dish
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg