Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw
Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw is a vibrant, colorful dish that combines the sweetness of char-grilled corn with an array of fresh, crunchy vegetables and a creamy dressing. This recipe embodies the lively spirit of Mexican street food, bringing the flavors of the streets right to your home. Imagine biting into tender, juicy corn mixed with the crispness of cabbage, all coated in a tangy, zesty dressing that awakens your senses. A perfect side for summer barbecues, this dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also serves as a feast for the eyes. Why not bring a bit of fiesta to your table with this easy-to-follow, step-by-step recipe?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw is a breeze to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weekdays or family gatherings. The simplicity of the recipe, involving minimal yet flavorful ingredients, ensures that you can whip it up in no time. It’s a fantastic family-friendly option that pleases both kids and adults alike, soothing even the pickiest eaters with its delightful combination of textures and tastes. Whether served alongside grilled meats or as a standalone dish at your next BBQ or potluck, this coleslaw offers a delightful nod to traditional Mexican cuisine, marrying freshness with heartiness in every bite.
Ingredients for Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw
- 2 cups fresh corn, kernels removed
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
These ingredients are not only fresh and flavorful but also provide a colorful palette that enhances the visual appeal of your dish. The sweetness of the corn pairs beautifully with the crispness of the cabbage, while the lime juice and chili powder add a zesty kick that elevates the flavor profile, making it irresistible!
Step-by-Step Directions for Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw
Preheat the Grill: Begin by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, place the corn directly on the grill. Rotate the corn every few minutes until it becomes beautifully charred, which will take about 10-12 minutes. After grilling, let it cool, then carefully remove the kernels from the cob.
Prepare the Dressing: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), sour cream (if using), freshly squeezed lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the dressing is smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are well blended for maximum flavor.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the charred corn, shredded green and red cabbage, finely chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro. Pour the creamy dressing over the top of the salad mixture and gently toss everything together until well combined.
Season to Taste: After mixing, take a moment to taste your coleslaw. Adjust the seasoning as desired, adding more lime juice or chili powder to achieve your preferred flavor balance.
Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, chill the Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite a true delight.
Tips & Tricks
To ensure your Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw stands out, consider these handy tips from the kitchen:
- Grill Marks: For extra flavor, try to achieve those beautiful grill marks when charring the corn. The smokiness will enhance the overall taste of the coleslaw.
- Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to experiment with the dressing by adding minced garlic for an extra punch, or a touch of honey for added sweetness.
- Crunch Factor: Add some diced bell peppers or shredded carrots for an extra crunch and a splash of color.
- Make It Ahead: This dish can be prepared a day in advance, which allows the flavors to deepen. Just mix the dressing separately until serving.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw pairs beautifully with grilled meats, such as chicken, steak, or fish tacos. It can also complement spices and flavors of various delicacies, making it a versatile side dish. Consider serving it alongside smoky chipotle burgers for a fusion meal, or as part of a colorful taco bar at your next gathering. Garnish with additional cilantro or lime wedges for a finishing touch that enhances its vibrancy.
Nutritional Information
Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw offers a delightful mix of nutrients thanks to its fresh ingredients. Each serving provides essential vitamins from vegetables, healthy fats from the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, and a burst of flavor from the lime and spices. With approximately 150-200 calories per serving, this dish is a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies and delights without compromising your healthy eating goals.
Storing Tips & Variations for Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw
For optimal freshness, store any leftover Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will keep well for up to 3 days. If you’re looking to make it ahead, consider storing the dressing separately from the vegetables to maintain freshness. You can also freeze the corn before using it; just ensure that you let it thaw completely and drain any excess moisture before grilling.
Variations can be plentiful! From adding black beans for more protein to including diced avocados for creaminess, feel free to experiment and create your unique rendition of this classic dish.
Conclusion for Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw
With its vibrant colors, refreshing crunch, and zesty flavors, Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw is a dish you absolutely need to try. By incorporating simple, fresh ingredients and following this step-by-step guide, you’ll have a delicious and visually appealing side that will impress everyone at your table. Don’t wait—make this easy coleslaw today and experience the burst of flavor that captures the essence of summer and Mexican cuisine!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just ensure to thaw and drain before grilling for the best results.
2. Is it necessary to grill the corn?
Grilling adds a lovely smoky flavor, but you can also use fresh corn if preferred.
3. How long can I store the coleslaw?
It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
4. Can I make this vegan?
Yes! You can substitute mayonnaise with a vegan mayo or avocado for a creamy dressing.
5. What can I serve with coleslaw?
It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, tacos, or even as a topping for nachos!
Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw
A vibrant and refreshing coleslaw featuring char-grilled corn, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy dressing, perfect for summer barbecues.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh corn, kernels removed
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, and grill the corn for 10-12 minutes until charred, then cool and remove kernels.
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine charred corn, shredded cabbages, red onion, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over and toss until well combined.
- Adjust seasoning with more lime juice or chili powder, as desired.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, achieve grill marks on the corn, and consider adding garlic or honey to the dressing. This dish can be made a day in advance, and leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 175
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
