Dinner

Easy Mexican Coleslaw Recipe

Name: Easy Mexican Coleslaw Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 cup mayo; ⅔ cup sour cream; 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 2 tablespoons taco seasoning; 16 ounce bag tri-color coleslaw mix; 1 diced red bell pepper; 1½ cup grape tomatoes, halved; 1 (15.25 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1½ cups grilled or blackened corn; 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced; ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro; Kosher salt, to taste; Fresh ground black pepper, to taste

BySana Jeannette November 19, 2025November 19, 2025

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Introduction

This easy Mexican coleslaw is a vibrant, flavorful side dish perfect for summer cookouts or any meal that needs a fresh kick. Creamy, tangy, and packed with colorful veggies, it brings a festive touch to your table in just a few simple steps.

A close-up view of a colorful salad in a white bowl on a white marbled surface, showing a mix of shredded light cream cabbage, black beans, bright yellow corn kernels, and diced red bell peppers. There are thin strips of purple cabbage scattered throughout, and small green herbs sprinkled on top. Two lime wedges rest on the edges of the salad, adding a fresh, bright green contrast. The salad has a light creamy dressing coating the ingredients, giving a slightly shiny texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup mayo
⅔ cup sour cream

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons taco seasoning

16 ounce bag tri-color coleslaw mix
1 diced red bell pepper

1½ cup grape tomatoes, halved
1 (15.25 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1½ cups grilled or blackened corn

1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, stir together the mayo, sour cream, lime juice, and taco seasoning until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: In a large serving bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, diced red bell pepper, halved grape tomatoes, black beans, corn, minced jalapeno, and chopped cilantro.
Step 3: Gently fold the mayo and sour cream mixture into the vegetable mixture until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Season the coleslaw with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, add chopped red onions or jicama.

Use grilled corn for a smoky flavor or canned corn if fresh isn’t available.
Adjust the heat by adding more jalapeno or substituting it with a milder pepper.
Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing option.

Storage

Store the coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving again. This coleslaw is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated and eaten cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up view of a white bowl filled with a colorful salad made of multiple layers. The top layer includes shredded white cabbage and red cabbage, giving a mix of pale and purple colors with a slightly rough texture. Mixed in are bright yellow corn kernels and whole black beans creating a scattered pattern. There are also small diced red bell peppers adding vibrant spots of red. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled on top in small pieces, enhancing the freshness look. Two lime wedges with a bright green color rest on the right side inside the bowl, adding a fresh citrus touch. A metal spoon is partially visible, placed inside the bowl on the right. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, adding subtle texture in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?

Yes, making it at least 30 minutes ahead enhances the flavors. You can prepare it up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated.

Is this recipe dairy-free or suitable for vegans?

This recipe contains mayo and sour cream, which are dairy-based. To make it vegan, you can substitute with vegan mayo and a plant-based sour cream alternative.