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Home » Recipes » Cinco de Mayo Recipes

Simple Mexican Coleslaw Recipe

Published: May 26, 2024 · Modified: Apr 7, 2025 by Debra Clark · 19 Comments

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Easy Mexican Coleslaw Recipe - Spicy coleslaw with a tasty twist, you'll love this easy salad! It's the perfect tasty side dish or add some crunch to your favorite tacos, yum!! This mayo-free slaw will be a new favorite!

Crunchy Mexican style coleslaw in a large white bowl.

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!!

Jump to:
  • ❤️ Why you'll love this recipe  
  • Ingredients/variations
  • Instructions
  • Equipment
  • FAQ's
  • Top Tip
  • Storage
  • Related recipes
  • Serving with
  • Mexican Coleslaw Recipe

❤️ 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.

All of the ingredients to make the salad recipe, with print overlay for clarification.

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

All of the ingredients to make the salad, with print overlay for clarification.
Mexican Cabbage Salad

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

Can Mexican slaw be made ahead?

Absolutely, this is a great make-ahead side dish! This keeps in the fridge 2-3 three days and keeps getting better!

Can I use whole cabbage instead of package mix?

You bet! You know I'm just lazy right? Pre-sliced cabbage just eliminates a step.

Crunchy Mexican coleslaw piled on a plate with a fork.
The yummy dressing on this slaw is tart, sweet and delicious!

Top Tip

This cabbage slaw is terrific as a sald, but I often use as a topping on fish 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.

Crunchy coleslaw on a plate with a fork on the side to eat the coleslaw with.

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!!
Crunchy Mexican Coleslaw Recipe piled high on a plate.
5 from 12 votes

Mexican Coleslaw Recipe

Mayo-free Spicy, crunchy coleslaw with a tasty twist on the traditional slaw recipe. It's a simple recipe and the perfect tasty side dish or add some crunch to your favorite tacos, yum!!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe SaveSaved!
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Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time0 minutes mins
Refrigerate 30 minutes before serving.30 minutes mins
Total Time45 minutes mins
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 81kcal
Author: Deb Clark
Cost: $8

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!

Notes

* Substitute with regular frozen corn or grilled fresh corn if you can't find the frozen. 

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    Nutrition

    Calories: 81kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 197mg | Potassium: 106mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 296IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg

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    About Debra Clark

    Hey I'm Deb Clark, and I'm the owner of Bowl Me Over! We live in the sleepy little town of Scappoose, Oregon. And I admit it... I love food! Join me in this foodie journey (even if you've never cooked before!) I will help you learn to be confident in the kitchen! Want to learn more? Let's stay connected, you can email me at debra@bowl-me-over.com and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

    Comments

      5 from 12 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Debi says

      October 11, 2020 at 12:11 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        October 11, 2020 at 3:58 pm

        I've used it to top fish tacos - it's just so yummy, thanks Debi!

        Reply
    2. Lori Vachon says

      July 26, 2019 at 11:38 am

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        July 28, 2019 at 8:46 am

        Perfect combination, enjoy Lori!

        Reply
    3. Michaela Kenkel says

      July 22, 2019 at 8:53 pm

      5 stars
      Whipped this up yesterday and we loved it! Such a fun and clever twist on coleslaw!!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        July 23, 2019 at 11:16 am

        I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe Michaela, we loved it too!

        Reply
    4. Amy Nash says

      July 22, 2019 at 6:00 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    5. Erin Parker says

      July 22, 2019 at 12:40 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    6. Jennifer A Stewart says

      July 22, 2019 at 12:00 pm

      5 stars
      I love the beans added in and it's my new go-to for Meatless Monday which is quickly becoming Mexican Monday!

      Reply
    7. michele says

      July 21, 2019 at 9:51 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        July 22, 2019 at 7:04 am

        It's fabulous, perfect for your BBQ - enjoy!

        Reply
    8. Julie Menghini says

      July 21, 2019 at 7:41 pm

      5 stars
      What a delicious beautiful salad! I've given up using mayo because John doesn't like it so will be making this one!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        July 22, 2019 at 7:04 am

        You'll love it Julie, enjoy!!

        Reply
    9. Brandi says

      July 20, 2019 at 6:50 pm

      5 stars
      This is THE PERFECT coleslaw recipe for our next BBQ!!!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        July 22, 2019 at 7:07 am

        Most definitely! Enjoy Brandi!!

        Reply
    10. Angela says

      July 19, 2019 at 11:31 am

      5 stars
      Such a great idea! Love the flavors and bright colors in this coleslaw!! What a great side for taco night! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        July 22, 2019 at 7:08 am

        Taco night or ribs on the grill, I'm telling you this is a winner!!

        Reply
    11. Lisa Hitzeman says

      July 19, 2019 at 7:05 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        July 22, 2019 at 7:09 am

        Thank you Lisa! It was no easy task choosing a recipe, let me tell you! Your blog is beautiful and recipes are delish!!!

        Reply
    Blogger Deb Clark smiling at camera holding a plate filled with a casserole.
    Welcome to Bowl Me Over!

    Hey I'm Deb Clark! I'm the owner of Bowl Me Over. We live in a sleepy little town just north of Portland in the beautiful Pacific Northwest... (read more)

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