There’s something truly magical about the way a simple slaw can transform a meal. I first stumbled upon Mexican street slaw at a vibrant food truck parked on a busy city corner, its colorful display of fresh veggies catching my eye. With one bite, I was hooked.
The crisp, finely shredded cabbage, tossed in a tangy lime dressing and sprinkled with a hint of smoky cumin, was an explosion of flavors and textures. It wasn’t just a side dish; it was an experience. This slaw is a celebration of freshness, with bright notes of cilantro and a subtle kick from jalapeños that keep your taste buds dancing.
It’s the kind of dish that adds an extra layer of flavor to your favorite vegan burrito or chuck roast taco, bringing everything together in a harmonious blend of crunch and zest. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile—perfect as a topping, a side, or even on its own as a light, refreshing snack.
So, if you’re looking to elevate your next meal, give this Mexican street slaw a try. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your rotation.
Why I Love This Recipe?
- Easy to make, hard to forget: This slaw comes together in minutes, yet it packs a punch that stays with you long after the meal is over.
- Perfect for summer: It’s light, refreshing, and the perfect complement to all your warm-weather favorites.
- Customizable heat: Whether you like it mild or with a fiery kick, you can easily adjust the jalapeño to suit your taste.
- Versatility at its best: Use it as a topping for tacos, a side for grilled meats, or even as a stand-alone salad for a quick, healthy lunch.
Overview: How To Make Mexican Street Slaw?
Step 1: Char the Corn and Jalapeños
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn and jalapeños, cooking for 5-7 minutes until they start to char.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until well combined.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
In a large bowl, mix the slaw ingredients with the charred corn and jalapeños. Pour the dressing over the slaw, toss everything together, and serve.
Mexican Street Slaw
Equipment
- Mandoline Slicer
- Sharp Knife
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
Slaw
- 1 small diced jalapeno
- 4 shredded red cabbage
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ cup feta cheese
- 1 julienned, green bell pepper
- 6 sliced green onions
- 2 cups corn
Dressing
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp cumin
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
Instructions
- Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the corn and jalapeños, cooking until they start to char, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients.
- In a large bowl, combine all the slaw ingredients.
- Pour in the charred corn mixture and dressing, then toss everything together until well coated.
Notes
- The recipe time assumes you’re using pre-shredded cabbage. Store any leftovers in an airtight container, and they’ll keep in the fridge for 3-5 days.
- Thanks to the sturdy nature of cabbage, this salad stays crisp and can be enjoyed as leftovers without becoming soggy.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 224 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Vitamin A | 1155 IU |
| Vitamin C | 44.6 mg |
| Iron | 1.1 mg |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Calcium | 92 mg |
What To Serve With Mexican Street Slaw?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of cabbage?
Absolutely! You can use green cabbage, red cabbage, or a mix of both. Each type will bring a slightly different flavor and color to the slaw, but all will work well in this recipe.
What can I serve with Mexican street slaw?
Mexican street slaw pairs well with tacos, burritos, grilled meats, or even as a topping for burgers. It’s a versatile side that adds a fresh, zesty crunch to many dishes.
Is this slaw spicy?
The slaw has a mild kick from the jalapeños, but you can easily adjust the heat by using fewer jalapeños or removing the seeds. If you prefer no spice, you can omit the jalapeños altogether.
Can I make this slaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the slaw ahead of time. Just keep the dressing separate and toss it with the slaw ingredients right before serving to maintain the crispness.