Mexican Coleslaw Tomato Corn

Featured in: Fresh and filling salads

This vibrant Mexican coleslaw combines crisp tri-color cabbage with sweet grilled corn, juicy grape tomatoes, black beans, and fresh jalapeno, all tossed in a creamy lime and taco-spiced mayo sour cream dressing. Finished with a handful of cilantro, it's the perfect side for tacos, burgers, or barbecue. Easy to prepare, refreshing, and full of bold flavors, this cabbage salad offers a zesty contrast to rich mains and brings a taste of the Southwest to your table.

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Updated on Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:02:52 GMT
A bowl filled with a delicious Mexican coleslaw, including tomatoes, corn, and limes. Pin it
A bowl filled with a delicious Mexican coleslaw, including tomatoes, corn, and limes. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Mexican coleslaw is my trusted go-to salad for adding color and a bold punch of flavor to a meal. When you want something that brings together creamy richness, crisp veggies, and spicy zest without much fuss, this salad fits the bill beautifully. Whenever we fire up the grill or pile up tacos for dinner, I find myself tossing this together—it disappears faster than anything else on the table.

The first time I made this for a family barbecue, I barely got a spoonful myself before it was gone. That big bowl was scraped clean in no time and now everyone begs me to bring it to gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Mayonnaise: gives the base a creamy rich texture look for real egg mayo with a fresh date
  • Sour cream: adds tang and thickens the dressing choose full fat for best flavor
  • Fresh lime juice: wakes up the flavors and prevents the salad from tasting heavy pick a lime that is heavy for its size
  • Taco seasoning: brings the classic Mexican flavor try homemade or a low sodium store version
  • Tri color coleslaw mix: makes prep easy with vibrant green red and white cabbage already shredded grab a bag with bright crisp shreds
  • Red pepper: adds sweetness and crunch find one that feels firm and glossy
  • Grape tomatoes: offer juicy pops and sunny color they should look plump and tight skinned
  • Black beans: lend protein and earthiness rinse and drain well for the best texture
  • Grilled or blackened corn: brings a hint of smoke and sweetness canned works in a pinch but char fresh corn if you can
  • Jalapeno: gives the salad a little heat choose a glossy deep green pepper for more spice leave the seeds out if milder is preferred
  • Chopped fresh cilantro: offers a signature herbal lift go for bright green bunches without mushy stems
  • Kosher salt and black pepper: finish the salad with seasoning use coarse salt for better taste and fresh cracked pepper if possible

Instructions

Mix the Dressing:
In a small bowl combine mayonnaise sour cream fresh lime juice and taco seasoning Stir with a whisk or fork until the mixture is silky and uniform Taste and adjust the lime or seasoning if you want it tangier or spicier
Prepare the Veggies:
In a large mixing bowl add the tri color coleslaw mix diced red pepper halved grape tomatoes drained black beans grilled or blackened corn finely minced jalapeno and chopped cilantro Gently toss the vegetables together so each bite has a little of everything
Dress and Combine:
Spoon the creamy mayo and sour cream dressing over the vegetable mix Use a spatula to fold the dressing in trying not to crush the vegetables Stir just until everything is nicely coated and the colors are even
Season and Chill:
Sprinkle in kosher salt and black pepper tasting as you go to avoid over seasoning Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a tight lid and place in the refrigerator for at least thirty minutes This lets all the flavors meld into one bright zesty salad
A large salad with a variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, corn, and cucumbers, is served on a plate. Pin it
A large salad with a variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, corn, and cucumbers, is served on a plate. | myhomemaderecipe.com

I never get tired of tasting the bright squeeze of lime in every bite The grilled corn makes it impossible to stop snacking on this salad Once my niece helped dice the tomatoes and now it is her ‘specialty’ dish at family dinners

Storage Tips

Mexican coleslaw keeps its crunch for up to three days when chilled in an airtight container If the salad gets watery just give it a quick toss before serving For longer freshness store the dressing and veggies separately and combine before guests arrive

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of tri color mix any shredded cabbage or broccoli slaw will make a good base Greek yogurt works as a lighter swap for sour cream Feel free to leave out jalapeno or swap it for milder poblano pepper If you prefer a vegan version use plant based mayo and sour cream

Serving Suggestions

Spoon this coleslaw onto chicken tacos fish tacos or flank steak for a burst of color and creamy crunch It is also the perfect topper for burrito bowls or inside wraps Try loading it up next to grilled sausages or even a veggie burger

Cultural and Historical Context

Cabbage salads pop up throughout Mexican and Tex Mex cooking often as a bright topping for tacos or tostadas The addition of beans and roasted corn along with creamy dressing gives this version a more American flair but it draws inspiration from the street food stands and family picnics of Mexico

A white bowl filled with a salad containing tomatoes, corn, and jalapenos. Pin it
A white bowl filled with a salad containing tomatoes, corn, and jalapenos. | myhomemaderecipe.com

This vibrant salad is sure to become a favorite at every cookout or taco night. With easy prep and bold flavor, it is perfect for any crowd.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How spicy is this Mexican coleslaw?

The jalapeno adds a gentle kick, but you can adjust or omit it for your preferred spice level.

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to blend flavors; it's best within one day for crunch.

→ What can I serve with this coleslaw?

It's delicious alongside tacos, burgers, grilled chicken, steak, or as a topping for burrito bowls.

→ Can I substitute the mayo or sour cream?

Greek yogurt works as a lighter alternative, or use dairy-free versions if needed for dietary needs.

→ Is this salad vegetarian?

Yes, it is vegetarian-friendly and packed with veggies and beans for a satisfying bite.

Mexican Coleslaw Tomato Corn

Cabbage salad with corn, tomatoes, creamy lime dressing, and jalapeno delivers zesty Southwestern flavor.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Susan

Category: Salads

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 8 Servings (One large salad bowl)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Dressing

01 240 ml mayonnaise
02 160 ml sour cream
03 45 ml freshly squeezed lime juice
04 30 ml taco seasoning

→ Salad Base

05 450 g tri-color coleslaw mix
06 1 red bell pepper, diced
07 225 g grape tomatoes, halved
08 1 can (430 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
09 240 g grilled or blackened corn kernels
10 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely minced
11 15 g chopped fresh cilantro
12 Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and taco seasoning in a small bowl until fully blended.

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, toss tri-color coleslaw mix, diced red bell pepper, halved grape tomatoes, drained black beans, grilled corn, minced jalapeño, and chopped cilantro until evenly distributed.

Step 03

Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and gently fold until all components are thoroughly coated.

Step 04

Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to develop and meld flavors before serving.

Notes

  1. For the best flavor and texture, chill the salad for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the ingredients to absorb the dressing.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small whisking bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs and milk products; potential allergen for individuals sensitive to dairy or egg.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 230
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 22 g
  • Protein: 5 g