Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw - A Fiesta of Flavors in Every Bite

This fresh and vibrant coleslaw combines all the incredible flavors of Mexican street corn into a quick and easy side dish. Each crunchy, tangy bite explodes with the irresistible tastes of grilled corn, zesty lime, creamy cotija cheese, and a hint of spice. Loaded with crisp veggies, toasted pepitas, and cilantro, this bright salad really shines alongside all your favorite south-of-the-border mains. Ready to spice up your side dishes? Grab your tortilla chips and let’s make some fiesta-worthy Mexican street corn coleslaw!

The Origins of Mexican Street Corn

Mexican street corn, also known as elote, has its origins in Mexican street food culture. Vendors would grill or boil corn, then toss it with mayonnaise, lime, chili powder, cotija cheese, and cilantro to create a quick, flavor-packed snack. This popular street food eventually made its way north of the border, inspiring creative twists like this amazing coleslaw.

Benefits of Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw

This festive coleslaw does more than deliver big, bold Mexican flavors. It also provides key nutritional benefits:

Vitamins & Minerals

Packed with vitamin C, folate, potassium, and fiber thanks to fresh veggies.

Phytonutrients

Cabbage contains health-promoting phytonutrients like anthocyanins and glucosinolates.

Lean Protein

Chicken provides filling protein to help keep you fueled.

Healthy Fats

Corn, cheese, lime, and cilantro offer a dose of heart-healthy fats.

Probiotics

Yogurt contains gut-friendly probiotics to support digestion.

Choosing Ingredients for Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw

With so many flavors and textures, choosing the right ingredients is key. Here’s what you’ll need:

The Veggies

Finely shredded green and/or red cabbage provide the crunchy base. For extra color and crunch, add shredded carrots.

The Corn

No elote-inspired dish is complete without corn! Use a combination of grilled corn kernels cut from the cob and frozen or canned corn.

The Toppings

Make it authentic with crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, toasted pepitas, sliced radishes, and halved cherry tomatoes.

The Dressing

For creaminess, combine Greek yogurt with lime juice, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne. Olive oil emulsifies.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps:

Prep the Veggies

Shred cabbage and carrots, drain corn, and chop fresh toppings.

Make the Dressing

Whisk yogurt, seasonings, lime juice, and olive oil in a small bowl.

Toss the Coleslaw

In a large bowl, toss the shredded veggies with the corn, chicken, and dressing until evenly coated.

Add the Toppings

Just before serving, gently stir in half of the cotija, cilantro, pepitas, radishes, and tomatoes.

Adjust Seasoning

Taste and add more lime, salt, or chili powder if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This colorful coleslaw is a fantastic accompaniment for:

Tacos

Piled high on fish, carnitas, or chicken tacos for some crunch.

Fajitas

Served alongside sizzling steak or chicken fajitas.

Burritos

Stuffed into a giant burrito along with rice, beans, and protein.

Enchiladas

Used as a fresh topping for chicken, cheese, or veggie enchiladas.

Nachos

Sprinkled over a loaded nacho platter for extra flavor and texture.

Customize It!

Tailor this crowd-pleasing coleslaw to your tastes with mix-ins like:

Proteins

- Shredded chicken, pork, or beef

- Crumbled chorizo or bacon

- Black beans or chickpeas

Veggies

- Diced jicama, bell pepper, or mango

- Sliced jalapeño for heat

- Shredded Brussels sprouts for crunch

Cheeses

- Queso fresco or feta crumbles

- Shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack

Crunch

- Toasted almonds or cashews

- Crushed tortilla chips

- Chili-dusted pumpkin seeds

Storage and Leftovers

Follow these tips for savoring every last bite:

Fridge Life

Store coleslaw in an airtight container for 3-5 days.

Freezing

Freeze dressing and coleslaw separately for up to 3 months.

Revive Leftovers

Drizzle leftover coleslaw with extra dressing to moisten and perk up flavors.

Conclusion

With its lively balance of sweet corn, creamy dressing, tangy lime, crispy cabbage, and Mexican spice, this street corn-inspired coleslaw is sure to be a new favorite side. Easy to whip up and loaded with fresh flavors, serve it alongside tacos, fajitas, nachos, and more for a fun fiesta twist. Make it your own with mix-ins to complement your meal. With endless variations, vibrant colors, and bold south-of-the-border tastes, this coleslaw really brings the party to any plate!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen corn instead of grilled corn?

Yes, you can use all frozen corn if you don't have access to fresh grilled corn.

2. How long will the coleslaw last in the fridge?

It will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

3. What’s the best way to grill corn for this recipe?

Grill shucked corn over medium heat, turning occasionally, until kernels are lightly charred, about 10-15 minutes.

4. Can I adjust the spice level?

Absolutely! Add more or less chili powder, cayenne, or sliced jalapeños to your desired spice preference.

5. What protein options go well with this coleslaw?

Shredded chicken, pork carnitas, chorizo, bacon, black beans, and chickpeas all pair deliciously.