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Easy Mexican Coleslaw

This Easy Mexican Coleslaw is an easy slaw recipe that is perfect for rice bowls, tacos, enchiladas and more. This coleslaw mixes cabbage, corn, black beans, tomatoes, jalapeños and citrus dressing. You will love this light coleslaw recipe! 

Easy Mexican Coleslaw in a white bowl

I love slaw recipes and will often make them as part of meal-prepping each week. This Easy Mexican Coleslaw is one of my favorites.

Some that are on our rotation are this Crunchy Kale Slaw, Broccoli Slaw Recipe, Healthy Coleslaw and Easy Mango Cabbage Coleslaw.

Coleslaw is healthy, simple to make and a great addition to so many meals from tacos, to enchiladas, to rice bowls. 

If I am making a Mexican meal I will often make today’s Easy Mexican Coleslaw along with this Easy Curtido Recipe and Quick Pickled Red Onions.

Today’s Mexican Slaw is one I love making in the summer months. It is a nice way to use up any garden vegetables you have like tomatoes, jalapeños and cabbage. 

The citrus dressing uses mayonnaise but you can sub in Greek yogurt for a healthier dressing.  Another option is to skip the mayonnaise and add olive oil to make an oil based dressing instead. 

Easy Mexican Coleslaw with lime slices.

Why You Will Love this Mexican Style Coleslaw:

  • Easy to Make: This slaw is so easy to make and comes together in under 20 minutes. If you prep your ingredients ahead of time you can have it on the table even quicker. 
  • Simple, Healthy Ingredients: I love the fresh, simple ingredients that this recipe uses. In the summer months it is a great way to use up garden tomatoes, jalapeños and cabbage. 
  • Various Ways to Use This Slaw: This Mexican style coleslaw is so versatile and can be used in rice bowls, tacos, on the side of grilled steak or chicken or alongside enchiladas. It makes the perfect side dish.
  • Great for Meal Prep: Sometimes I will meal-prep this coleslaw on the weekend and have it throughout the week to add to our meals. I would suggest if you do this to leave the dressing off until you are ready to serve it. 

If you like coleslaw recipes you also might like this Easy Caribbean Coleslaw Recipe or this Jalapeño Coleslaw Recipe.

Easy Mexican Coleslaw ingredients.

Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • Coleslaw Mix: You can use a regular coleslaw mix with red cabbage or a broccoli slaw mix. If you can find a bagged slaw mix that cuts down on prep time otherwise use a food processor or grated to shred the cabbage. You also could use green cabbage or purple cabbage in place of red cabbage.
  • Bell Peppers: I like to use a mix of red bell pepper and green bell peppers but any color works great. 
  • Corn: I like to use leftover grilled corn but feel free to use canned, frozen or fresh corn. If you use frozen just make sure you thaw it before adding it to the salad. 
  • Cherry Tomatoes: I will often use garden cherry tomatoes but any tomatoes you have on hand work nicely in this.
  • Beans: Black beans are my go-to in this slaw. You can leave beans out if you don’t like them added in or use white beans, chickpeas or red beans if you want.
  • Jalapeño: I added diced jalapeño for added heat but you can leave that out.
  • Herbs: Fresh cilantro adds a nice fresh flavor to the slaw. You can also use parsley if you prefer.
  • Green Onion: The green onions also adds flavor to the slaw. I try to chop up the white and green parts when possible so I don’t waste any of the green onion.
  • Mayonnaise: The mayo is the base of the dressing. You could sub in Greek yogurt or sour cream if you want something healthier or even do half and half.
  • Lime Juice: The lime juice adds a zesty citrus flavor and brightens the dressing.
  • Spices: The spices add warmth and flavor to the dressing. I used chili powder, garlic powder and cumin.
Easy Mexican Coleslaw with cilantro.

Expert Tip: I suggest tossing the shredded cabbage with a little salt and let it sit for 20–30 minutes. This helps draw out moisture and keeps the slaw crisp. Rinse the salt off and pat dry before mixing with other ingredients.

How to Make this Slaw

Step 1: Combine the Slaw Ingredients: Start by combining the coleslaw mix, red pepper, corn, tomatoes, black beans, jalapeño, cilantro and green onion in a large bowl.

Easy Mexican Coleslaw ingredients in a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Make the Dressing: Next in a small dish combine the mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, garlic powder, sugar, cumin, chili powder and salt. 

Easy Mexican Coleslaw dressing in a slaw.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing in the Slaw: Pour the sauce over the mexican cabbage slaw and toss to combine. Coleslaw tastes better when the flavors meld. Put the slaw in an airtight container and let it chill in the fridge for at least 1–2 hours before serving. Serve the slaw with lime wedges.

Easy Mexican Coleslaw with dressing in a clear bowl.

Ways to Modify this Mexican Coleslaw

  • Beans: I like black beans in this slaw recipe but you could use white beans, kidney beans or pinto beans instead. 
  • Vegetables: You can add a variety of other vegetables. Try poblanos, radish, celery, carrots, cucumbers or other hot peppers. 
  • Cheese: You could add cheese to this like pepper jack or cheddar cheese. Another option is cotija cheese. 
  • Dressing: I added a homemade dressing to the slaw but you can also use your favorite store-bought dressing. You also can  use Greek yogurt in place of the mayonnaise to make it healthier. 
  • Spices: You can mix up the spices you use and try things like Mexican oregano, cayenne red pepper, paprika or Italian seasoning. You also could use taco seasoning to spice up this slaw.

Recipe FAQ

How do I ensure the cabbage is shredded correctly?

Slice the cabbage thinly and evenly to ensure a consistent texture. Use a sharp knife, mandoline, or food processor for fine shredding. Grate or julienne carrots for a complementary size and texture.

How can I ensure the cabbage doesn’t get soggy or release too much water?

I suggest tossing the shredded cabbage with a little salt and let it sit for 20–30 minutes. This helps draw out moisture and keeps the slaw crisp. Rinse the salt off and pat dry before mixing with other ingredients.

How do I get the flavors to meld into the slaw?

Let this easy mexican coleslaw recipe chill in the fridge for at least 1–2 hours before serving. This helps the flavors infuse into the cabbage.

Can I make the slaw ahead of time?

Coleslaw can be prepared a day in advance. However, keep dressing and cabbage separate until closer to serving to maintain crispness.

Easy Mexican Coleslaw spoon of the slaw.

Ways to Use This Coleslaw

Other Salad Recipes You Might Like:

Easy Mexican Coleslaw 1200 x 1200

Easy Mexican Coleslaw

This Easy Mexican Coleslaw is an easy slaw recipe that is perfect for rice bowls, tacos, enchiladas and more. This coleslaw mixes cabbage, corn, black beans, tomatoes, jalapeños and citrus dressing. You will love this light coleslaw recipe! 
4.38 from 16 votes
Print Pin
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: coleslaw, dinner, healthy, lunch, Mexican, salad, side dish
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6
6
Author: Julia

Ingredients

  • 14 ounce shredded coleslaw mix
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup grilled corn, {or use canned corn if you want}
  • 1/2 cup quartered cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 jalapeño, diced and seeded {optional for heat}
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise, {you could sub in Greek yogurt for healthier version}
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  • TIP: I suggest tossing the shredded cabbage with a little salt and let it sit for 20–30 minutes. This helps draw out moisture and keeps the slaw crisp. Rinse the salt off and pat dry before mixing with other ingredients.
  • Combine the coleslaw mix, red pepper, corn, tomatoes, black beans, jalapeño, cilantro and onion in a large bowl.
  • In a mason jar or small bowl combine the mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, sugar, cumin, chili powder and salt.
  • Pour the dressing over the coleslaw and toss to combine.
  • Coleslaw tastes better when the flavors meld. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 1–2 hours before serving.
  • Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • Tips: You can make this with shredded chicken if you want.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Comments are temporarily closed while we perform maintenance on the website.

4.38 from 16 votes (16 ratings without comment)

Lisa Randel

Wednesday 12th of July 2023

Why isn’t the nutrition information included?

Julia

Thursday 13th of July 2023

It takes a lot for me to implement that into all of my recipes and I haven't done it yet. I am hoping to soon. Sorry.

Kelly

Friday 23rd of June 2023

Turned out excellent! Full of fresh flavors, I will definitely be making this one again.

Julia

Saturday 24th of June 2023

I am so glad you liked it!

Comments are closed.