If you’re looking for the ultimate summer side dish—one that’s bright, crunchy, creamy, and just a little bit spicy—look no further than this Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw.
Inspired by the classic flavors of elote (Mexican street corn), this slaw combines sweet corn, shredded cabbage, tangy lime, and a creamy chili-lime dressing that’s completely irresistible.
Whether you’re headed to a cookout, taco night, picnic, or simply craving something new to spice up your plate, this dish delivers massive flavor with minimal effort.
🥄 Why You’ll Love This Coleslaw
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Vibrant flavor: Creamy, tangy, spicy, and just a little sweet.
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Crunch + creaminess: The perfect texture combo.
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Simple ingredients: No hard-to-find items or cooking required.
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Quick & easy: Ready in 15 minutes.
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Perfect for summer: Cool, refreshing, and made for warm-weather meals.
📝 Ingredients (6 Servings)
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3 cups coleslaw mix (or shredded green & purple cabbage with carrots)
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1½ cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
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¼ cup mayonnaise
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¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
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2 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime)
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½ tsp chili powder
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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¼ tsp garlic powder
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¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
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⅓ cup chopped cilantro (plus more for garnish)
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¼ cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
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Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat
⏱ Prep Time
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 15 minutes
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Yield: 6 servings
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (or yogurt), lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Mix the Slaw
In a large mixing bowl, add the coleslaw mix, corn, chopped cilantro, and crumbled cheese.
Step 3: Combine
Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld (optional but recommended).
Garnish with extra cilantro and a sprinkle of chili powder or cotija before serving.
🌞 Why It’s Perfect for Summer
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Cool & crisp: No cooking required!
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Taco night upgrade: Swap out boring lettuce for this flavorful slaw.
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Backyard BBQ favorite: Great with grilled meats, burgers, and pulled pork.
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Easy to make ahead: Tastes even better after a chill in the fridge.
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Crowd-pleasing: Both kids and adults love the flavor-packed crunch.
💡 Tips & Variations
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Roast the corn: For extra elote-style flavor, char the corn in a skillet or on the grill.
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Make it vegan: Use plant-based mayo and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
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Add protein: Mix in black beans, shredded chicken, or grilled shrimp.
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Make it a main: Serve over greens or wrap it in tortillas for a quick lunch.
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Add heat: Sprinkle in diced jalapeño or a drizzle of chipotle hot sauce.
🧊 Storage & Meal Prep
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Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Make ahead: Mix the dressing and veggies separately and combine just before serving for max crunch.
Perfect for prepping before a BBQ, taco bar, or picnic.
🌮 Cotija vs. Feta
Cotija cheese is traditional in elote—it’s salty, crumbly, and pairs perfectly with creamy, lime-spiked sauces. If you can’t find it, feta is a great stand-in that adds a similar briny pop.
Other tasty topping ideas:
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Tajín or chili-lime seasoning
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Crushed tortilla chips
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Diced avocado
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Green onions
🔁 More Summer Sides You’ll Love
🗣️ Show Off Your Coleslaw Fiesta!
Did you make this Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw?
Tag @sarahsseasonaltreats and use #CornColeslawFiesta on Instagram. I’d love to see your colorful bowls and creative pairings—especially with tacos, sliders, or burgers!