Creamy Mexican Coleslaw: The Zesty, Spicy Side Dish for Tacos & BBQ

There’s nothing quite like the refreshing crunch of a perfect coleslaw, especially when it’s infused with vibrant Mexican flavors. This Creamy Mexican Coleslaw recipe elevates the classic side dish with a zesty lime and cilantro dressing, plus an exciting kick from fresh jalapeño. It’s an incredibly versatile dish that’s ideal for summertime gatherings, a fantastic topping for your favorite tacos and burgers, or simply a delightful side to any meal.

Why This Mexican Coleslaw Recipe Works

This isn’t just another coleslaw recipe; it’s a game-changer for your meal planning and culinary adventures. Here’s why this Mexican Coleslaw will become a staple in your kitchen:

• Perfect Pairing: Its tangy, slightly spicy, and creamy profile makes it an ideal accompaniment for a wide range of dishes, especially spicy grilled foods, rich barbecue, and anything with a Tex-Mex twist. Think grilled chicken, pulled pork, or your favorite fish tacos!
• Effortless Preparation: With a minimal list of just six core ingredients (plus salt and pepper), this recipe is remarkably simple to assemble. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to achieve fantastic results.
• Speedy Assembly: From start to finish, the crunchy vegetable base and the simple, flavorful dressing can be tossed together in mere minutes. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights or when you need a last-minute side dish.
• Excellent for Meal Prep: You can prepare this coleslaw a day in advance, making it a convenient option for entertaining or meal prepping. In fact, resting in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld and deepen, enhancing the overall taste.
• Great Shelf Life: Stored properly in an airtight container, this coleslaw will last for several days in the fridge, making it a fantastic grab-and-go side throughout the week.
• Customizable Flavors: Easily adjust the spice level, add extra vegetables, or swap out ingredients to perfectly match your preferences.

Essential Ingredients for Your Mexican Coleslaw

Creating this flavorful Mexican coleslaw requires a few simple, fresh ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering that signature zesty, creamy, and slightly spicy taste. For the full, detailed recipe card with exact measurements, please scroll to the bottom of this post.

• Shredded Cabbage: The backbone of any good coleslaw! Green cabbage is typically recommended for its crisp texture and mild flavor, which allows the dressing to shine. However, feel free to use a vibrant mix of green and red cabbage for added color and a slightly different crunch. While Savoy and Napa cabbages can be used, they tend to yield a less crunchy but more tender coleslaw. For convenience, pre-shredded cabbage mixes available at most grocery stores work wonderfully.
• Shredded Carrots: These bright orange strands not only provide a lovely pop of color but also contribute additional sweetness and a satisfying crunch. Like cabbage, pre-shredded carrots are a great time-saver.
• Fresh Cilantro: This herb is non-negotiable for authentic Mexican flavor. Finely chopped cilantro infuses the dressing with a bold, fresh, and slightly citrusy aroma that is distinctively Latin American. If you’re one of the few who finds cilantro tastes like soap, parsley or a mix of parsley and mint can offer a fresh, green alternative, though the flavor profile will differ.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy foundation of our dressing. Good quality mayonnaise provides the rich, smooth texture that binds all the ingredients together. For those seeking a vegan option, an egg-free vegan mayonnaise (like Veganaise) works perfectly without compromising on creaminess. You can also experiment with a blend of mayo and sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter dressing.
• Fresh Lime Juice: This is where the “zing” comes from! Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential for that bright, acidic, and incredibly fresh citrus kick. Bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch, but fresh provides a much more vibrant and nuanced flavor.
• Jalapeño: The source of our “little kick.” Finely chopped jalapeño adds a pleasant, subtle warmth that perfectly balances the creamy and zesty notes. For a milder flavor, remove the seeds and white membrane before chopping, as these parts contain most of the capsaicin (the heat compound). For extra heat, leave some seeds in!
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors. Always season to taste, adjusting as needed after the coleslaw has had a chance to meld.

How To Make Mexican Coleslaw: A Simple Guide

Preparing this vibrant Mexican coleslaw is incredibly straightforward, requiring just a few steps to achieve a dish bursting with flavor.

1. Prepare the Creamy Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or stir these ingredients vigorously until the dressing is completely smooth and all components are well integrated. This ensures a consistent flavor profile throughout your coleslaw. Taste the dressing and adjust salt and pepper if necessary – a good dressing is key to a great coleslaw!
2. Combine and Toss: Add the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, finely chopped cilantro, and the minced jalapeño (if using) to the bowl with the prepared dressing. Using a large spoon or clean hands, gently toss all the ingredients together. Ensure that every piece of cabbage and carrot is evenly coated with the creamy, zesty dressing. Continue tossing until everything is thoroughly mixed.
3. Season and Chill: Once everything is well combined, taste the coleslaw again. At this point, you might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a squeeze more lime juice to achieve your desired flavor balance. For optimal taste and crunch, cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least one hour before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to marry beautifully and enhances the crispness of the vegetables.

Expert Recipe Tips for the Best Mexican Coleslaw

To ensure your Mexican Coleslaw is always at its best, consider these helpful tips:

• Efficient Shredding: For perfectly shredded cabbage and carrots, a food processor with a shredding attachment is a true time-saver. If you don’t have one, a box grater or a mandoline slicer will also do the trick, just be sure to use a guard for safety with the mandoline.
• Time-Saving Shortcut: Don’t have time to shred fresh vegetables? A single bag of pre-packaged coleslaw mix (typically containing shredded cabbage and carrots) is an excellent alternative. Just be sure to check the weight to match the recipe’s recommended cabbage/carrot quantity.
• Flavor Development is Key: While this coleslaw can be served immediately, its flavors truly deepen and meld after chilling in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Ideally, make it a few hours or even a day in advance for the most robust taste.
• Serving Safely Outdoors: Since this recipe uses mayonnaise, which contains eggs, it’s crucial to keep the coleslaw chilled if serving outdoors. Place the serving bowl over a larger bowl of ice, or keep it in a cooler until ready to eat, to prevent spoilage and maintain food safety.
• Washing Cabbage Easily: To thoroughly wash your cabbage, cut it into quarters first. This allows you to rinse between the leaves more effectively, ensuring all dirt or impurities are removed before shredding.
• Preventing Watery Coleslaw: Cabbage can release water, especially when dressed. To minimize this, you can lightly salt the shredded cabbage and let it sit for 15-30 minutes, then squeeze out any excess water before adding the dressing. This step is optional but can help maintain crunchiness if making ahead.
• Adjusting Consistency: If your coleslaw feels a little dry after chilling, you can always stir in an extra tablespoon or two of mayonnaise or lime juice just before serving to achieve the perfect creamy consistency.

Customization and Variations

One of the best aspects of this Mexican coleslaw recipe is its flexibility. You can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Do I Have To Use Jalapeño?

Absolutely not! The jalapeño is there to provide a “little kick,” adding an interesting layer of flavor. If you prefer a completely mild coleslaw, simply omit it. For a very subtle hint of warmth without much spice, you can use less jalapeño or remove all the seeds and white membrane, which contain most of the heat. Alternatively, for a milder, slightly sweet flavor and a vibrant green color, you can substitute the jalapeño with finely diced green bell pepper or a very mild poblano pepper.

Can I Make Mexican Coleslaw Without Mayo?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of traditional mayonnaise or have dietary restrictions, there are excellent alternatives. For a healthier or tangier version, you can substitute plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened and thick for best results) for some or all of the mayonnaise. This will result in a lighter, more refreshing dressing. For a completely vegan and dairy-free coleslaw, use a high-quality vegan mayonnaise; many brands offer excellent egg and dairy-free options that mimic the taste and texture of regular mayo.

Further Customization Ideas:

• Add More Veggies: Incorporate finely diced red onion for a sharper bite, corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained) for sweetness, or black beans (rinsed and drained) for added protein and texture.
• Extra Crunch: Toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or sunflower seeds can add an extra layer of crunch and nutty flavor.
• Cheese Please: A sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese or shredded Monterey Jack cheese would be a delicious addition, especially if serving with tacos.
• Smoky Flavor: A pinch of smoked paprika or a tiny dash of chipotle powder can introduce a lovely smoky depth to the dressing.
• Sweetness Boost: If your lime juice is particularly tart or you prefer a slightly sweeter profile, a tiny pinch of sugar or a touch of honey can balance the flavors.

How To Serve Your Mexican Coleslaw

This tangy, spicy, and creamy Mexican coleslaw is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide array of dishes. It’s a fantastic side, but it also shines as a vibrant topping that adds crunch, freshness, and flavor complexity.

Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy this delicious slaw:

• As a Taco Topping: This coleslaw is absolutely essential for almost any taco. Its creaminess and zest cut through rich fillings, while the crunch provides a delightful textural contrast. Try it with:
  • Easy Fish Tacos: Light and flaky cod tacos benefit immensely from the bright flavors of this slaw, creating a perfect balance.
  • Skirt Steak Street Tacos: The tender grilled steak in a charred corn tortilla is elevated by the cool, zesty slaw, especially when drizzled with an extra cilantro-lime sauce.
  • Baja Shrimp Tacos: Shrimp tossed in a chipotle-lime sauce finds its perfect partner in this refreshing coleslaw, adding a layer of creamy, tangy deliciousness.
  • Potato Tacos: A surprising but delightful combination, the creamy coleslaw adds a much-needed fresh element to hearty potato tacos.
• On Burgers and Sandwiches: Move over, traditional coleslaw! This Mexican version adds an exciting twist to your favorite handhelds.
  • Buffalo Chicken Burger: The cool, creamy, and zesty slaw is a fantastic counterpoint to the bold and spicy flavors of a buffalo chicken burger.
  • Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwiches: The richness of pulled pork is perfectly balanced by the crisp, tangy, and slightly spicy coleslaw. It’s a match made in barbecue heaven!
  • BBQ Pulled Pork Hot Dogs: Transform a classic hot dog into a substantial, flavor-packed meal by topping it with BBQ pulled pork and a generous spoonful of this Mexican coleslaw.
• As a Side Dish: Serve it alongside grilled meats, poultry, or any Mexican-inspired entrée. It’s particularly good with Chili Lime Grilled Chicken Drumsticks or grilled fish.
• With Grilled Veggies: A scoop of this coleslaw brightens up a plate of smoky grilled corn on the cob or charred bell peppers.

How To Store Mexican Coleslaw

Proper storage is key to keeping your Mexican Coleslaw fresh and delicious.

• Room Temperature: Due to the mayonnaise content, which contains eggs, Mexican coleslaw should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If you’re serving it at an outdoor gathering, it’s highly recommended to place the serving bowl over a larger bowl filled with ice to maintain a safe temperature.
• Refrigerate: For longer storage, transfer any leftover Mexican Coleslaw to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Keep in mind that while the flavors will continue to develop, the cabbage and carrots may lose some of their crispness the longer they sit. For best texture, consume within 2-3 days.
• Freezing: Coleslaw, especially mayonnaise-based versions, does not freeze well. The mayonnaise will separate, and the vegetables will become watery and mushy upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh and not frozen.

More Easy Mexican-Inspired Recipes

If you love the flavors of this Mexican Coleslaw, you’ll surely enjoy these other easy and delicious Mexican recipes:

• Cheese Quesadilla: A simple, cheesy classic perfect for a quick meal or snack.
• Pico de Gallo: Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, this salsa is a must-try.
• Flautas: Crispy rolled tacos, often filled with meat or potatoes, and fried to golden perfection.
• Air Fryer Tacos: A healthier and incredibly convenient way to enjoy crispy tacos.
• Wet Burrito: A hearty burrito smothered in sauce and cheese, baked until bubbly.
• Meximelt: A Taco Bell-inspired delight, featuring seasoned beef, melted cheese, and pico de gallo in a soft tortilla.

Mexican Coleslaw Recipe

Creamy coleslaw with a lime and cilantro dressing, plus just a little kick from the jalapeño. Make for a great side dish, topping for burgers or perfect on tacos!

Author: Erin Sellin

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Servings: 4

Average rating: 4.84 from 6 votes

Ingredients

• 4-5 cups shredded cabbage
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots (find shredded carrots here)
• 1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped (fresh cilantro)
• 1/4 cup mayo (Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise)
• 2 Tablespoons lime juice (ReaLime 100% Lime Juice)
• 1/2 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (fresh jalapeños)
• Salt and pepper to taste (Morton Iodized Salt & Pepper)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir or whisk until smooth and well combined.
2. Add the shredded cabbage, carrots, cilantro, and finely chopped jalapeño. Toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
4. Store the coleslaw in the fridge until you’re ready to serve for best flavor and crunch.

Notes

You can use 1 bag of pre-packaged coleslaw mix (typically 14-16 oz) in place of freshly shredded cabbage and carrots for convenience.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

• Calories: 274kcal
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 6mg
• Sodium: 231mg
• Fiber: 15g
• Sugar: 22g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

• Course: Side Dish Recipes
• Cuisine: American (with Mexican flair)

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