Growing up in a Mexican-American household, the aroma of my abuela’s homemade Mexican coleslaw recipe was a fixture in our kitchen. The vibrant colors, the tangy dressing, and the satisfying crunch of the cabbage always made my mouth water. As a child, I’d eagerly await the moment when she’d call me over to the counter, hand me a spoon, and let me take the first bite. That memory has stayed with me all these years, and it’s the reason why this Mexican coleslaw recipe has become a go-to dish in my own home.
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Why This Mexican Coleslaw Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
What sets this Mexican coleslaw recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s not your ordinary coleslaw – the addition of Mexican-inspired ingredients like jalapeños, cilantro, and a zesty lime dressing takes it to a whole new level. The result is a refreshing, craveable slaw that pairs beautifully with everything from grilled meats to tacos and enchiladas.
The Secret Behind Perfect Mexican Coleslaw Recipe
The secret to this Mexican coleslaw recipe is all in the technique. Instead of simply shredding the cabbage, I like to finely chop it into thin, delicate strips. This ensures that each bite is packed with flavor and the perfect amount of crunch. Additionally, I like to let the slaw sit for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and the dressing to fully coat the vegetables.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Shredded green cabbage: The base of the slaw, providing that satisfying crunch.
– Shredded red cabbage: Adding a pop of color and extra texture.
– Carrots: Grated carrots lend a touch of sweetness and vibrant hue.
– Jalapeño: Finely diced for a subtle kick of heat.
– Cilantro: Fresh, fragrant cilantro is a must for authentic Mexican flavor.
– Lime juice: The tangy, citrusy dressing is the perfect complement to the vegetables.
– Mayonnaise: Creamy mayonnaise helps bind the slaw together.
– Apple cider vinegar: A splash of vinegar adds a touch of acidity to balance the flavors.
– Sugar: Just a pinch of sugar helps to round out the dressing.
– Salt and pepper: To season the slaw to perfection.
Step-by-Step Mexican Coleslaw Recipe Instructions
Preparing Your Mexican Coleslaw Recipe
This Mexican coleslaw recipe is incredibly easy to make and comes together in just 15 minutes. You’ll need a sharp knife, a large mixing bowl, and a few simple kitchen tools to get started.
1- Start by finely shredding the green and red cabbage. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to achieve thin, delicate strips.
2- Grate the carrots using a box grater or the shredding attachment of a food processor.
3- Finely dice the jalapeño, removing the seeds and membranes if you prefer a milder slaw.
4- Roughly chop the fresh cilantro leaves, stems and all.
5- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, jalapeño, and cilantro.
6- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to coat everything evenly.
Pro Tips for Success
One of the keys to a great Mexican coleslaw recipe is letting the slaw sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the dressing to fully incorporate. Avoid the temptation to dig in right away!
Another pro tip is to use a combination of green and red cabbage. The contrasting colors not only make the slaw more visually appealing, but the different textures also add depth and interest to each bite.
Serving and Storing Your Mexican Coleslaw Recipe
Perfect Pairings for Mexican Coleslaw Recipe
This Mexican coleslaw recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes. Serve it alongside grilled or roasted meats, tacos, enchiladas, or burrito bowls for a refreshing contrast to the bold Mexican flavors. It also makes a great topping for fish or shrimp tacos. For a lighter meal, enjoy the slaw on its own or with a side of warm tortillas.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The great thing about this Mexican coleslaw recipe is that it can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve the longer it sits, so it’s a perfect make-ahead option for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
When ready to serve, give the slaw a quick toss to redistribute the dressing. If it seems a bit dry, you can add a tablespoon or two of extra mayonnaise or lime juice to moisten it up.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Mexican Coleslaw Recipe
Creative Mexican Coleslaw Recipe Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this Mexican coleslaw recipe. Try adding diced mango or pineapple for a sweet-and-tangy twist. Swap out the jalapeño for serrano peppers for an extra kick of heat. You can also experiment with different citrus juices, like orange or grapefruit, in the dressing.
Making Mexican Coleslaw Recipe Diet-Friendly
To make this Mexican coleslaw recipe healthier, you can use Greek yogurt in place of the mayonnaise. This cuts down on the fat and calories while still keeping the slaw creamy and flavorful. For a vegan or dairy-free version, simply omit the mayonnaise and use a plant-based alternative like cashew cream or tahini dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use pre-shredded cabbage instead of shredding it myself?
A: Absolutely! Using pre-shredded cabbage is a great time-saving shortcut. Just be sure to give it a rough chop to achieve those thin, delicate strips.
Q: How long does this Mexican coleslaw recipe last in the fridge?
A: This slaw will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get better the longer it sits, so it’s a great make-ahead option.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to the slaw?
A: Definitely! Feel free to mix in diced bell peppers, thinly sliced radishes, or even shredded Brussels sprouts for extra crunch and color.
Q: How much does this recipe make?
A: This Mexican coleslaw recipe yields about 6 cups of slaw, which is enough to serve 6-8 people as a side dish.
Q: My slaw turned out watery. What did I do wrong?
A: If your slaw is watery, it’s likely that you didn’t let it sit long enough before serving. The key is to let the slaw rest for at least 30 minutes, which allows the dressing to fully absorb into the vegetables.
Mexican Coleslaw Recipe
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 6
Description
Grandma’s traditional Mexican coleslaw is a quick, easy, and flavor-packed side dish that pairs perfectly with tacos, burgers, and all your summer favorites. This crunchy, tangy slaw is made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy, zesty dressing for a delightful balance of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
– 4 cups shredded green cabbage
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons sour cream
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 teaspoon white vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. – In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrots.
2. – In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, vinegar, sugar, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. – Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots, and toss to coat evenly.
4. – Stir in the chopped cilantro.
5. – Chill the coleslaw for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
– For a creamier slaw, add an extra tablespoon or two of mayonnaise.
– Top with diced avocado, toasted pepitas, or crumbled cotija cheese for extra flavor and texture.
– This coleslaw can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
Conclusion
This Mexican coleslaw recipe is a true flavor sensation that will have your taste buds dancing. With its vibrant colors, tangy dressing, and satisfying crunch, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any Mexican-inspired meal. Give it a try, and I guarantee it will become a new staple in your recipe rotation. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out in the comments below!
