Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw

Name: Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 3 ears of corn); 4 cups shredded green cabbage; 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version); 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice; 1 tsp smoked chili powder; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; Salt & pepper to taste

By Lina Baker

March 29, 2025

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There’s something magical about the combination of corn, creamy dressing, and zesty spices that just gets you every time. Picture this: a warm summer evening, the sun setting, and the tantalizing aroma of grilled corn wafting through the air. You take a bite of Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw, and suddenly, you’re doing a happy dance in your kitchen. Crunchy cabbage mingles with sweet corn, while lime juice and spices create a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible.

I still remember the first time I whipped up this dish for a family barbecue. My cousin took one bite and exclaimed, “This is what dreams are made of” From that moment on, it became my go-to recipe for any gathering. Whether it’s a summer cookout or Taco Tuesday at home, this Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw never fails to impress. Trust me your taste buds deserve this delightful experience.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw is incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weekdays or spontaneous gatherings
The flavor profile bursts with vibrant zest from lime and smoky hints from chili powder
Its colorful presentation adds visual appeal to any meal, making it perfect as a side dish or topping for tacos
Versatile enough to complement grilled meats or stand alone as a summer salad

I served this coleslaw at my last family reunion, and let me tell you, people were fighting over the last scoop

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Fresh Corn: Use sweet corn on the cob for best flavor grill or boil it before cutting off the kernels.
Cabbage: Green cabbage works great here shred it finely for optimal crunch.
Mayonnaise: Choose creamy mayonnaise to bind everything together beautifully Greek yogurt can be swapped for a lighter version.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds brightness bottled lime juice doesn’t quite cut it here.
Chili Powder: Opt for smoked chili powder for an extra depth of flavor adjust based on spice preference.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings freshness chop finely and add generously if you’re a fan.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate all flavors use sea salt for an extra touch.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Corn: Begin by grilling or boiling your fresh corn until tender. If grilling, look for nice char marks that enhance sweetness and flavor.

Prepare the Cabbage: While the corn cooks, shred your green cabbage into thin strips and place them in a large mixing bowl. This will form the crunchy base of your coleslaw.

Create the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. This dressing is where the magic happens

Combine Ingredients: Once your corn has cooled slightly (no one likes hot coleslaw), cut off the kernels and add them to the cabbage. Pour in your dressing next.

Toss It All Together: Gently mix all ingredients until evenly coated. Imagine how flavors will meld together as you stir don’t forget to taste test

Add Fresh Herbs: Finally, fold in chopped cilantro right before serving for an extra burst of freshness. Serve immediately or chill for about 30 minutes to let flavors develop even further.

Now you have the ultimate side dish that’s sure to steal the show at any gathering Enjoy every flavorful bite

You Must Know

This Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw brings vibrant flavors and textures to your table
The creamy dressing, crunchy corn, and zesty lime make every bite a fiesta
You can easily adjust the spice levels for those who prefer milder or bolder flavors

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To ensure maximum flavor, grill or roast the corn first before mixing it into the coleslaw. This step enhances the sweetness and gives it an irresistible smoky flavor.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter twist. Add some diced jalapeños if you’re feeling adventurous, or sprinkle in some crumbled feta for a tangy kick.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Avoid reheating it’s best enjoyed cold.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use fresh corn on the cob for the best flavor frozen corn lacks that sweet crunch
Don’t skip the lime juice it brightens up all the ingredients beautifully
When mixing, toss gently to keep the corn intact and crunchy

There’s nothing quite like watching friends devour this coleslaw at summer cookouts while I bask in their compliments about my culinary prowess.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use canned corn for this Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw?

Canned corn works, but fresh or grilled corn offers much better flavor and texture.

How spicy is this coleslaw?

The heat level is adjustable add jalapeños for extra spice or skip them entirely.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it a few hours before serving to enhance flavors, but keep it refrigerated.

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