Easy Mexican Coleslaw Recipe | foodiecrush.com (2024)

Heidi 42 Comments

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This super simple Mexican-flavored coleslaw is perfect for picnics, BBQs and potlucks because it’s mayo-free and takes just a few minutes to toss together.

There are some recipes I slave over. Working, reworking, and working them again to make them just perfect. That’s not this recipe.

Instead, this recipe came together the very first time I made it. It was perfect from the get-go, and I’m not the only one who said so. I made it up to serve for a family BBQ with my recipe for DELICIOUS Mexican-inspired pulled pork tacos I made with this salsa. This coleslaw won raves, proving it’s been tried, tested, and approved, so I KNOW it’s one you’ll have success with too.

What’s In Mexican Coleslaw

When you hear the words “Mexican food” you might conjure up images of becoming a fire-breathing dragon. This slaw is far from that. Rather than spicy with heat, it’s simply spiced with a dressing of classicMexican flavors.

Here’s what’s in this Mexican coleslaw:

Prepared coleslaw mix
Red onion
Cilantro
Canola oil
Lime juice
Honey
Garlic
Cumin
Oregano
Coriander
Dash of hot sauce
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

How to Make Mexican Coleslaw

Toss the salad components together. I use bagged coleslaw mix but you can certainly slice and dice the cabbage on your own. Slice the onion in slivers where it will mellow in flavor as it melds with the dressing.

Make the dressing. I use a glass jar with a fitted lid to shake the ingredients together. A slither of honey sweetens the dressing poured over the crunchy slaw with slivers of red onion and freshly chopped cilantro leaves.

Toss it all and let it sit. If cilantro is not your thing, you can always give good old flat-leaf parsley a go or leave it out altogether.

Recipe Ideasto Serve With YourColeslaw

You’ve made this yummy coleslaw, but now what to serve it with?

Quick and Easy Homemade Chile Verde Burritos
Blackened Fish Tacos with Creamy Avocado Sauce
The BEST Carnitas
Mango Margarita with Chile Salt and Lime
Refried Beans

If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating on this recipe below and leave a comment, take a photo andtag me on Instagram with #foodiecrusheats.

4.29 from 341 votes

Easy Mexican Coleslaw

This super simple, fresh tasting Mexican flavored coleslaw is perfect for picnics, BBQs and potlucks as it doesn't contain any mayo and takes just a few minutes to toss together.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Mexican

Keyword coleslaw

Prep Time 35 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 8

Calories 110kcal

Ingredients

1 14-ounce package prepared coleslaw mix
¼ small red onion , thinly sliced
¼ cup cilantro leaves , chopped
⅓ cup canola oil
2 limes , juiced (about ¼ cup)
3 cloves garlic , pressed
2 tablespoons honey
1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon ground coriander
6 dashes hot sauce
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

In a large bowl, toss the colelsaw mix with the sliced onion and chopped cilantro. In a small bowl or jar with a fitted lid, mix the canola oil, lime juice, garlic, honey, cumin, oregano, coriander, hot sauce, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper. Pour over the coleslaw mixture and toss. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. This recipe is best eaten day of, but can be refrigerated overnight.

Nutrition

More Coleslaw Recipes to Try

How to Make the Best Creamy Coleslaw
Easy Coleslaw Dressing
Sweet Vinegar Coleslaw (No Mayo)
Kale and Cabbage Coleslaw with Marcona Almonds
Celery Slaw With Apple and Blue Cheese

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Comments

Rate & Comment

Barbara Holmes
August 27, 2023 at 2:10 pm

Great recipe. I also added apple cider vinegar for more zing.
Reply
- Heidi
  August 28, 2023 at 1:54 pm
  
  Sounds delicious Barbara! Glad you enjoyed :)
  Reply
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Ginger
July 10, 2023 at 4:41 am

So easy and delicious! I’ve made this several times and tend to substitute so I don’t have to go to the grocery store. Scallions versus purple onion and I use my own small batch of green chili pepper sauce for the heat instead of hot sauce. Incredibly versatile and thanks so much.
Reply
- Heidi
  August 17, 2023 at 6:35 pm
  
  Happy to hear it!
  Reply
Madeline Hernandez
April 2, 2023 at 7:54 am

This recipe is delicious! I just made it and I can’t wait to put my fish tacos together with this coleslaw. I took a sneak taste and omg it’s so yummy! thank you for the recipe!
Reply
- Heidi
  August 17, 2023 at 6:35 pm
  
  I’m glad you enjoyed Madeline!
  Reply
Pat
May 24, 2022 at 11:42 am

I took this to a family reunion and the guests raved about it. The second time I made it I blackened corn and rinsed black beans and added them. The dressing makes this salad so delicious!
Reply
Susan
May 23, 2022 at 6:11 pm

This recipe was good, however, I felt it lacked some ‘zing’. I added a bit of apple cider vinegar and it was the bit that was needed.
Reply
Shawn
June 1, 2021 at 2:18 pm

Wonderful! Added thinly sliced jalapenos too
Reply
- Heidi
  June 1, 2021 at 5:35 pm
  
  Awesome Shawn, and thanks for the jalapeno idea.
  Reply
Lance
May 30, 2021 at 6:06 am

Great tasting recipe.
Reply
Judy
May 2, 2021 at 6:26 pm

Everyone who’s eaten this coleslaw at our table is nuts about it. Some are just grateful to have a good slaw without a ton of mayo. But almost everyone asks for the recipe, because of its huge umami.
Reply
Adrienne
January 25, 2021 at 10:49 am

Delish! I added diced canned jalapenos and green onion instead of red (didn’t want to make an extra trip to the store for red….) thanks!
Reply
Tricia
June 4, 2020 at 4:40 am

This looks delicious! I will most definitely be using the cumin when I make mine
Reply
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
May 3, 2020 at 9:26 am

Yes!
Reply
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Martin
April 27, 2020 at 3:13 pm

Great recipe.
I just added a few more ingredients.
2 fresh jalapenos and green onions.
Reply
- Ashley @ Foodie Crush
  May 18, 2020 at 8:02 am
  
  Thanks for sharing!
  Reply
Andrew
January 6, 2020 at 5:03 pm

My wife fell in love with this. We smoked a pork butt last night and it was an amazing topper for the leftover pork tacos we made today. Perfect!
Reply
- Ashley @ Foodie Crush
  January 7, 2020 at 11:45 am
  
  I am so glad! That sounds delish!
  Reply
Ash
November 4, 2019 at 2:36 pm

Such a great recipe, my boyfriend made it for me and now I’m hooked! He added some corn and it was a great addition :)
Reply
- Ashley @ Foodie Crush
  November 6, 2019 at 7:48 am
  
  YUM!
  Reply
Sarah
October 3, 2019 at 8:37 am

Been making this for over a year now! Love love love it! My husband really likes coleslaw and I’m not a huge fan unless it’s with NC style pork bbq ;) this is great though! So full of flavor and is a great alternative to lettuce salad for a side dish to those spicy mexican dishes to cool the mouth off! :D
I thinly slice at least 1/2 a cabbage and skip the carrots. Use olive oil. Add extra garlic because we are garlic junkies and it adds a little more bite.
Thanks so much for this recipe! It gets the honor of being printed and added to my real cookbook! <3
Reply
Elaine
June 26, 2019 at 4:47 pm

I’d like to make this, but I don’t keep honey in the house and don’t want to buy a jar of it just for this one recipe. Is there a substitution for the honey? I don’t keep any kind of syrup around either, but I’m wondering if I could substitute some amount of white sugar or coconut sugar?
Reply
Camy
March 10, 2019 at 7:07 pm

I made this tonight to go with carinitas. It was fabulous!
Reply
- Ashley @ Foodie Crush
  March 13, 2019 at 7:57 am
  
  Delicous!!
  Reply
Rachel
February 24, 2019 at 6:30 am

I made this as a side for a taco party I had last night. Everyone loved it and it was so easy! Thank you. I’ll be making it a lot more!
Reply
Tabitha Dente
February 3, 2019 at 10:38 am

It sounds good, LOVE cole slaw, always on the lookout for new ways to make it, looking forward to trying it, but I’m not sure 1/3 CUP of oil is any better than 2 tablespoons of a high-quality, gourmet avocado mayo (or even less, depend on how creamy you prefer it). And one suggestion of OJ in place of the honey sounds like a GREAT idea for those of us looking to limit sugar.
Reply
Diann
January 8, 2019 at 3:34 pm

My Grand daughter in law is Mexican she has taught me to make Mexican food and she does use cumin!! As for your Mexican coleslaw recipe I tried it when I made enchiladas it’s really good and tonight I’m serving it with my chili.
Reply
- Ashley @ Foodie Crush
  January 9, 2019 at 2:28 pm
  
  That is so interesting! Thanks for sharing, Diann!
  Reply
Tiffany
January 1, 2019 at 5:24 pm

I LOVE this slaw!!! I’ve been looking for the perfect topping for pulled pork tacos and this is IT! It’s perfection just the way it is!! I didn’t have coriander so I didn’t add it and I didn’t add the hot sauce because I didn’t think the kids would like the spice. This recipe is a keeper for me!
Reply
Debra
July 5, 2018 at 3:56 pm

I have made a similar recipe. I use olive oil, Add 2 cup thinly julienned jicama and 1/8 cup OJ instead of the honey, thinly sliced seeds removed jalapeno (less if you don’t want the spice) instead of the hot sauce. I thinly slice one whole cabbage but usually buy the pre-shredded carrots. Mine makes more and we love having the leftovers!
I believe this recipe is better the next day!
Reply
Michelle
July 1, 2018 at 3:11 pm

This is amazing! I’ve made it countless times, always a hit! I use it on fish tacos, pulled pork, leftovers as a salad topper – it’s incredible!!!
Reply
Sarah
February 16, 2018 at 12:37 pm

I just made this and it’s delicious!!! Absolutely love it – thanks for sharing a great recipe!
Reply
Sue
August 27, 2017 at 7:23 pm

Great recipe, just what I needed for my tacos tonight! I added sliced fresh jalapenos which gave it a little heat. Will definitely be making this again!
Reply
jessica
July 16, 2017 at 10:39 am

just made this recipe with my mom as we are wanting something new! we love it, and so does my dad! Very fresh and has great flavor. also very easy!
Reply
Laurie
July 11, 2017 at 3:59 pm

This was great on my fish tacos tonight! Thank you.
Reply
Danielle
March 17, 2017 at 9:59 pm

Loved this recipe. It saved me in the last minute to put my pork tacos over the top. Please keep posting your great recipes.
Reply
Kris O.
September 2, 2016 at 1:44 pm

Donna Nordin has a very similar recipe in her cookbook based on dishes served at her now-closed Café Terra Cotta in Tucson. Hers includes avocado and jicama. I arrange avocado to the top just before serving but don’t mix it in – that way, any leftover slaw won’t turn brown or mushy. Looking forward to trying yours!
Reply
Chefette
August 31, 2016 at 7:33 pm

What a refreshing alternative to the usual creamy-sweet slaw – and it really does have possibilities! Although it may not be an *authentic* Mexican recipe, it sure will play nice with all those hot & spicy platos mexicanos just the same. ;-) I’m not a big fan of cumin so I would reduce it to maybe 1/2 tsp (especially when using ground coriander) and double the oregano, but that’s my own preference.
And since when is a shortcut (ahem, pre-sliced cabbage/slaw) grounds for verbal lynching from the likes of a Jose Nobody? All those high-ranking chefs have prep cooks to do all the dirty work in their kitchens – I hardly think they’re chopping, slicing, shredding, and measuring all the ingredients themselves. Right?!
Thanks for slaving in the kitchen, Heidi.
Reply
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet
August 31, 2016 at 10:29 am

We are huge fans of coleslaw! This Mexican version sounds so good – I need to make it soon!
Reply
Nicole ~ Cooking for Keeps
August 31, 2016 at 9:28 am

My husband is a huge coleslaw enthusiast, me? Not so much. I just don’t love the typical coleslaw drenched in creamy dressing. This however, this I would love. Light dressing, bright flavors, and super unique. Definitely giving this a go next time he request coleslaw.
Reply
Shirley
August 31, 2016 at 6:45 am

Question: Should 1/4 TBSP chopped cilantro read 1/4 CUP??
Reply

Easy Mexican Coleslaw Recipe | foodiecrush.com (2024)

FAQs

What is Mexican coleslaw made of? ›

How to Make Mexican Coleslaw. First, stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and taco seasoning in a small bowl. Next, add the coleslaw, red pepper, grape tomatoes, black beans, corn, jalapeno, and cilantro in a large bowl. Gently stir in the mayonnaise mixture.

Learn More ›

Why do Mexican restaurants serve coleslaw? ›

No matter how you make it, coleslaw makes a flavorful raw side dish for tacos and many other Mexican favorites, like tostadas, enchiladas, and fajitas. In fact, many street taco vendors in Mexico will often offer a topping called repollo, which is a simple mix of chopped cabbage and lime juice.

Keep Reading ›

How do you reduce the bitterness in coleslaw? ›

For every 2 cups of sliced cabbage, mix it with about a teaspoon of salt. Kenji Lopez- Alt also found it was beneficial to add a teaspoon of sugar too. Both salt and sugar promote osmosis, which draws out any water from the cabbage. And the sugar can balance out some of the bitterness in the cabbage.

Learn More ›

How do you keep coleslaw from getting runny? ›

Salting the cabbage should be step one of any coleslaw recipe. With the shredded cabbage in a colander, mix in a tablespoon of salt per head of cabbage till it's evenly distributed. The salt will draw out excess water from cabbage while helping preserve the crispiness.

Discover More ›

Why is KFC coleslaw so good? ›

Fresh ingredients are key to a good slaw, and KFC does alright for a fast food restaurant. You won't find any wilted cabbage pieces, and the carrots are nice and hard as well. What's more, KFC finely dices everything so you don't have to chew that much, and all the flavors and textures blend perfectly.

Tell Me More ›

What is the dressing made of in coleslaw? ›

What Is Coleslaw Dressing Made Of? This creamy, mayo-based dressing uses ingredients you likely have on hand: sugar, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, pepper, and of course, mayonnaise. The resulting dressing is just the right balance of sweet, tangy, creamy, and peppery!

What can I add to store-bought coleslaw to make it taste better? ›

<br/><br/>Adding horse radish or onion or celery seeds or bacon bits or some other tasty flavors to make it your own is a really good idea.

Learn More ›

How to tone down vinegar taste in coleslaw? ›

- Add some sugar or honey to the dish. Sugar and honey can counteract the sourness of vinegar and add some sweetness to the dish. You can start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste.

Read The Full Story ›

What spice takes away bitterness? ›

Spices mask bitter flavors, so don't be shy. Add some spicy peppers or powders to your cooking, or sprinkle some onto your dishes for a little bit of extra heat. Black pepper in particular has compounds that counteract bitterness. Some other great spices include cayenne, red pepper, paprika, and chili powder.

See Details ›

Why do you put salt on cabbage for coleslaw? ›

Salting the cabbage, carrot, and onion purges excess moisture that would otherwise turn the slaw into a soupy mess. Including sugar (another osmosis-inducing ingredient) balances the flavor. Limiting the purge to five minutes keeps the cabbage crunchy.

Explore More ›

Why do you soak cabbage before cooking? ›

Crisp it up: Shredded cabbage stays perky if it's soaked in cold water. This also helps cut the pungent edge. Drain well before combining with other ingredients.

Tell Me More ›

How long will homemade coleslaw last? ›

How Long Does Coleslaw Last? Assuming that you're storing your coleslaw in the refrigerator — and haven't taken it out for a stretch of time and put it back in — coleslaw can safely last up to five days. However, it's important to remember that this is the maximum amount of time it should be kept.

Explore More ›

What is Mexican salad made of? ›

This Mexican Salad recipe is bursting smokey grilled sweet corn, crunchy red bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, hearty black beans, salty pepitas, creamy avocados, fresh romaine lettuce, kicking Pepper Jack cheese and crispy tortilla strips.

See Details ›

What is traditional coleslaw made of? ›

What is traditional coleslaw made of? Traditional coleslaw is little more than shredded cabbage and a creamy dressing. This recipe adds a bit more flavor with shredded carrots and onion. The creamy dressing is made with mayonnaise, sugar, cider vinegar, salt, and pepper, for a just right tangy-sweet flavor.

What is Mexican mayo made of? ›

The key ingredients in Mexican mayo include egg yolks, oil, lime juice, mustard, and sometimes a hint of chili powder or other spices. These ingredients give Mexican mayo its unique flavor profile and distinguish it from traditional mayonnaise.

Know More ›

What is the difference Cole slaw and slaw? ›

The real difference is that the raw, chopped vegetables in coleslaw are primarily cabbage: Napa, red, savoy, or bok choy. Slaw without the cole can feature any crunchy veggie in place of cabbage, including chopped or shredded broccoli, carrots, snow peas, jicama, and more.

Learn More Now ›

Easy Mexican Coleslaw Recipe | foodiecrush.com (2024)

What’s In Mexican Coleslaw

How to Make Mexican Coleslaw

Recipe Ideasto Serve With YourColeslaw

Easy Mexican Coleslaw

Ingredients

Instructions

Nutrition

More Coleslaw Recipes to Try

More recipes you’ll love!

“What should I make for dinner?”

Reader Interactions

Comments

Rate & Comment

FAQs

What is Mexican coleslaw made of? ›

Why do you soak cabbage before cooking? ›

References