Easy Mexican Coleslaw Recipe - Spicy coleslaw with a tasty twist, you'll love this easy salad! It's the perfect tasty side dish or
Love this salad? Be sure to try my Mom's recipe for Deviled Egg Potato Salad next - hands down the BEST! A must-make for every cookout!!
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❤️ Why you'll love this recipe
I love this because it's crisp and crunchy and filled with fresh ingredients. It's a nice change from the traditional recipe. You'll love this creamy coleslaw, it's one of the best side dishes for a hot summer's day and it's delicious!
There's no heavy coleslaw dressing; it has a mayo-free salad dressing that is perfect for cookouts, topping your taco on Taco Tuesdays. Great at a BBQs, and for summer picnics.
Ingredients/variations
You're really going to love this great recipe. It all comes together with a light, delicious mayonnaise-free slaw recipe! Here are the slaw ingredients. You'll find the exact measurements below on the recipe card.
- raw cabbage - I use a bag of coleslaw mix or shredded green cabbage with some purple cabbage - so pretty!
- black beans - make your own with this copycat Chipotle Black Bean Recipe!
- fresh cilantro
- tomato
- frozen corn (I use the grilled frozen corn- so good!)
- red onion
- jalapeño
- limes
- honey
- rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- extra-virgin olive oil
- ground cumin
- kosher salt
- black pepper
Add chunks of creamy avocado, delicious! If you want to add even more crunch? Add some toasted pepitas!
Instructions
This is a photo overview of the instructions. For the complete written directions for the cabbage slaw, just scroll down to the recipe card.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls, measuring spoons, a cutting board and a good sharp knife.
FAQ's
Absolutely, this is a great make-ahead side dish! This keeps in the fridge 2-3 three days and keeps getting better!
You bet! You know I'm just lazy right? Pre-sliced cabbage just eliminates a step.
Top Tip
This cabbage slaw is terrific as a sald, but I often use as a topping on fish tacos or chicken tacos for Taco Tuesday!!
- Watch for the date when you pick up the coleslaw mix, make sure it's fresh!
- If you're shredding your own cabbage with a food processor, I've found a fine shred is best for this slaw.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers and store in an airtight container. It will last for 3-4 days.
Related recipes
I'm a big fan of easy delicious side and salad - here are more from the blog I think you should try next time!
- Mexican Fruit Salad - this is another mayo-free, light delicious salad - perfect for cookouts and pool parties!
- This yummy Watermelon Quinoa Salad has great crunch, it's sweet and salty - super yummy!
- Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad is a great side salad or a great light lunch!
Serving with
You can serve the Mexican cole slaw with your favorite Mexican food, it's a great side for your Cinco de Mayo party, alongside a big bowl of Posole!
Next time serve the crunchy cabbage with your barbecue. It's perfect for summer cookouts! Some of my favorite meal pairings are:
- Barbecued Pork Ribs - fall off the bone, tender and delicious!
- Korean BBQ Chicken Recipe - loads of big flavor, combine perfectly!
- Fish Tacos - top off the tacos with this salad, YUM!!
- Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs - what a great meal!!
Mexican Coleslaw Recipe
Ingredients
- 14 ounce coleslaw mix or a head of cabbage if you prefer to use fresh cabbage
- 15 ounce black beans 1 can - well rinsed and drained
- 1 tomato seeded and diced
- 1 red onion small - minced
- 1 cup frozen grilled corn*
- 1 jalapenos seeded and minced
- ½ cup cilantro minced
- Salad Dressing
- ½ cup lime juice you'll need 3-4 limes, juiced
- 2 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Rinse the black beans and drain well.
- Seed and dice the tomato, mince the onion, cilantro and jalapeños. Add the slaw mix and all of the ivegetables and black beans to a large bowl.
- Whisk together ingredients for the salad dressing and pour over the slaw, tossing gently to combine.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
- Serve and enjoy!
Debi says
I made this as a side dish for taco night. It was a big hit! In fact, some of us put it in the tacos too! Easy to make and delicious!
Bowl Me Over says
I've used it to top fish tacos - it's just so yummy, thanks Debi!
Lori Vachon says
I love the honey and lime combination in this salad. I can't wait to make this for Taco Tuesday and serve alongside some baked chicken tacos.
Bowl Me Over says
Perfect combination, enjoy Lori!
Michaela Kenkel says
Whipped this up yesterday and we loved it! Such a fun and clever twist on coleslaw!!
Bowl Me Over says
I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe Michaela, we loved it too!
Amy Nash says
Oh wow this was good! I make an Asian slaw that my family loves so I was excited to see this Mexican version. It was so easy and the flavors were amazing! I'm going to make this again soon!
Erin Parker says
This coleslaw sounds utterly delightful! We're big fans of coleslaw without the mayo, so this will go over splendidly in our house!
Now to figure out what to pair with this goodness, and we'll be set for dinner!
Jennifer A Stewart says
I love the beans added in and it's my new go-to for Meatless Monday which is quickly becoming Mexican Monday!
michele says
The slaw with the beans are a perfect match! Filling and light all in the same bite! I loved the refreshing dressing too.... Definitely keeping this for a bbq coming up!-- If I can wait that long to make it again!
Bowl Me Over says
It's fabulous, perfect for your BBQ - enjoy!
Julie Menghini says
What a delicious beautiful salad! I've given up using mayo because John doesn't like it so will be making this one!
Bowl Me Over says
You'll love it Julie, enjoy!!
Brandi says
This is THE PERFECT coleslaw recipe for our next BBQ!!!
Bowl Me Over says
Most definitely! Enjoy Brandi!!
Angela says
Such a great idea! Love the flavors and bright colors in this coleslaw!! What a great side for taco night! Thanks!
Bowl Me Over says
Taco night or ribs on the grill, I'm telling you this is a winner!!
Lisa Hitzeman says
I'm so glad you chose this recipe to make! It's one of my family's favorites. I make it a lot in the summer and it's always a hit!
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you Lisa! It was no easy task choosing a recipe, let me tell you! Your blog is beautiful and recipes are delish!!!