Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw

Ah, the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn! If you’ve ever had elote at a food truck or street stand, you know how irresistible it can be—sweet, savory, and full of smoky, zesty goodness. Well, get ready for a fresh, creamy twist with this Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw! Imagine all the deliciousness of elote, but in a crunchy, creamy slaw form that’s perfect for BBQs, taco nights, or even a simple side to your weeknight dinner.

Trust me when I say, this is one of those dishes that will steal the spotlight at any table. The charred sweetness of the corn pairs so beautifully with the tangy lime, creamy mayo, and a touch of heat. And the best part? It’s super easy to make, with just a few ingredients that come together in no time. So, grab your apron, and let’s get this delicious dish on the table!

Why You’ll Love Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw

This recipe is one of those crowd-pleasers that’ll have your family and friends asking for seconds—and the recipe! Here’s why:

• Versatile: Whether you’re serving it as a side for grilled meats, tacos, or a fun twist on your usual salad, this slaw is incredibly adaptable. Plus, it’s just as good served fresh as it is leftover the next day!
• Budget-Friendly: You don’t need to break the bank for this tasty treat! With basic ingredients like corn, cabbage, and mayo, it’s an affordable yet flavor-packed dish.
• Quick and Easy: There’s no complicated technique here. Simply toss everything together, and you’re done! It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without a ton of effort.
• Customizable: Want a bit more spice? Add extra chili powder or some diced jalapeños. Prefer it on the milder side? Just hold back on the heat. It’s totally up to you.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Who doesn’t love corn and creamy slaw? This one’s a guaranteed hit at family gatherings, BBQs, or even a potluck. Everyone will be reaching for seconds!

Ingredients in Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw

Here’s the magic of this slaw—it’s packed with flavor, but made with a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Let’s break it down:

• Corn: The star of the show! You’ll use grilled or roasted corn for that smoky, charred flavor that brings a true street food vibe to this slaw.
• Cabbage: Crunchy and fresh, cabbage adds the perfect texture to balance the creaminess of the dressing.
• Mayonnaise: This creamy base brings everything together and provides that rich mouthfeel you crave.
• Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice adds a burst of citrusy zing that really brightens up the whole dish.
• Cotija Cheese: Crumbled cotija gives a salty, creamy bite that’s classic in Mexican street corn. If you can’t find it, feta is a great substitute.
• Chili Powder: For a subtle smokiness and just the right amount of spice, chili powder is essential.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a burst of freshness and color to this dish, tying everything together beautifully.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course. These help to enhance the flavors and bring everything to life.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this creamy, tangy masterpiece:

Step 1: Grill or Roast the Corn

Start by grilling or roasting the corn until it’s nicely charred. The smoky flavor from grilling gives this dish a depth that takes it from simple to spectacular. Once the corn is cooked, let it cool slightly before cutting off the kernels.

Step 2: Prepare the Veggies

While the corn is cooling, finely chop the cabbage and cilantro. Toss them in a large bowl, ready for the next step.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste it and adjust the seasonings if needed. This creamy dressing is the key to bringing all those bold flavors together.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Once your corn has cooled and you’ve made the dressing, add the corn to the cabbage mixture, then pour the dressing over it. Give everything a good toss to make sure all the ingredients are well-coated.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese over the top, then garnish with a little extra cilantro for color and flavor. If you like a bit of heat, you can also add a few dashes of hot sauce or finely chopped jalapeños.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve this slaw chilled, or at room temperature—it’s delicious either way. Pair it with your favorite grilled meats, tacos, or just enjoy it as a standalone side dish.

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw

This Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes. Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

• Tacos: Whether you’re making fish tacos, chicken tacos, or beef tacos, this slaw is the perfect, crunchy topping.
• Grilled Meats: Serve it alongside grilled steak, chicken, or pork for a refreshing contrast to smoky, savory flavors.
• BBQ: Think pulled pork or ribs—this slaw is a natural match with smoky BBQ dishes.
• As a Light Meal: Sometimes, it’s so good you might just want to eat it all on its own! Add some avocado and a squeeze of extra lime for a refreshing and filling dish.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to make this recipe even better:

• Prep Ahead: You can make the slaw a day in advance and let it chill in the fridge. This gives the flavors time to meld together, making it even tastier.
• Spice It Up: For an extra kick, try adding a bit of diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
• Dietary Adjustments: If you’re looking to make it lighter, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a healthier twist. For a dairy-free version, swap out the cotija cheese for a plant-based cheese or skip it entirely.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for meal prep or as a leftover snack.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?

A1: Absolutely! If fresh corn isn’t available, frozen corn works just fine. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and allow it to cool before using it in the slaw.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A2: Yes, it’s a great make-ahead recipe! Prepare the slaw and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight. The flavors will only improve!

Q3: How do I store leftovers?

A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?

A4: While this dish is best served fresh, you can freeze the corn and cabbage mixture separately. However, the creamy dressing may not freeze well and could change the texture once thawed.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?

A5: If you have leftovers, just enjoy them chilled! This slaw is designed to be served cold, so reheating isn’t necessary.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?

A6: Yes! This recipe is super easy to scale up for larger gatherings or to have extra leftovers.

Q7: What’s the best way to serve this at a party?

A7: Serve it in a big bowl with some fun serving spoons or tongs. A garnish of extra lime wedges or cilantro on the side can make it look even more festive!

Q8: Can I make this vegan?

A8: Absolutely! Use a dairy-free mayo and skip the cotija cheese, or use a plant-based cheese alternative.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a new, exciting side dish that’s packed with flavor and sure to impress, this Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw is it. With its smoky corn, creamy dressing, and fresh lime, it’s a little taste of Mexico that’s bound to become a favorite in your home. So, go ahead—give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears from the table!

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