Mexican Street Corn Slaw brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican street food right to your kitchen. Imagine a dish that mixes smoky charred corn, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty dressing, all in one bowl—delicious, isn’t it? The combination of these tasty elements means that every bite bursts with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a summer barbecue, Taco Tuesday, or a cozy family dinner, this slaw adds a festive touch to any meal.
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What’s great about this Mexican Street Corn Slaw is that it’s so easy to whip up, yet it makes you feel special. You’ll want to share it with family and friends. Imagine their faces lighting up as they savor the sweetness of the corn, the crispiness of the cabbage, and the zing from the lime. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started on making this crowd-pleaser; I promise it’ll be worth it!
Why This Recipe Works
Mexican Street Corn Slaw captures the essence of vibrant Mexican street food. It marries smoky, creamy, and spicy elements into one delicious dish. The combination of charred corn, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty dressing enhances the natural flavors. All these elements together make it a perfect side dish for any occasion. You’ll notice how the smoky undertone of the corn pairs beautifully with the fresh crunch of cabbage and the bright zest from lime juice. It’s a taste explosion you won’t want to miss!
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Street Corn Slaw
This Mexican Street Corn Slaw is not just about flavor; it’s about creating memories. Each bite feels like a celebration! Whether it’s a summer BBQ with friends, Taco Tuesday at home, or a simple family dinner, this dish brings a festive twist to your table. The mixture of crunchy cabbage, sweet corn, and zesty lime will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make, which means more time for you to enjoy your meal and less time fussing in the kitchen.

Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 jalapeño (diced small)
- 4 cups red cabbage (shredded)
- 1 green bell pepper (julienned)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 6 green onions (sliced)
- ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
Gathering these ingredients is the first step towards making your fresh, crunchy slaw!
Prep the Corn and Dressing

Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn and diced jalapeños, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until they start to char slightly. This charring process is key; it enhances the sweetness of the corn and gives that smoky flavor that’s essential for this slaw. Stir occasionally, making sure not to let anything stick to the pan.
Mix the Dressing
While your corn is cooking, move on to making the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. This creamy dressing ties all the flavors together perfectly. The spices add a zesty kick that complements the sweet corn and crunchy veggies beautifully.
Assemble the Slaw
Once the corn and jalapeños are ready, grab a large bowl. Combine the charred corn and jalapeño mixture with the shredded red cabbage, julienned green bell pepper, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and crumbled feta cheese. Carefully pour the dressing over the mixture, then toss everything until it’s evenly coated. You want all those flavors to come together nicely!
Serving Suggestions
Now that your Mexican Street Corn Slaw is ready, it’s time to serve! This slaw pairs perfectly as a side for grilled meats, tacos, or even summer picnics. Enjoy it alongside BBQ chicken or fish, or serve it with your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes. Just picture a plate filled with juicy grilled meats with the slaw as the vibrant sidekick—it’s a match made in culinary heaven!
Tips for Success
To ensure your slaw turns out amazing:
– Fresh corn will provide the best flavor, but frozen corn works in a pinch.
– Adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño depending on your heat preference.
– Letting the slaw sit for a few minutes allows those flavors to meld beautifully, so if you can, give it a little time before serving!
Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are a few suggestions:
– Swap out feta for cotija cheese for a more authentic taste if you like.
– Experiment with different types of peppers, such as bell peppers or poblano, to add extra flavor.
– For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a delicious twist.
Storage Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is unlikely because it’s so good!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just a heads up: the slaw may lose some of its crunch after sitting, but it will still taste just as delicious.

FAQs
What type of corn should I use for Mexican Street Corn Slaw?
Fresh sweet corn is preferred for the best flavor. However, frozen corn works great if fresh isn’t available!
Can I make this slaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make the slaw a few hours ahead. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve for the flavors to blend nicely.
Is this slaw spicy?
The spice level depends on how much jalapeño you use, so feel free to adjust it according to your preference!
Can I use a different type of cabbage?
Absolutely! You can use green or Napa cabbage if you prefer.
How long will this slaw stay fresh?
For optimal freshness and crunch, it’s best to consume it within 3 days.
This Mexican Street Corn Slaw is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. With its vibrant flavors and delightful crunch, you’ll find yourself returning to this dish again and again. Whether you’re whipping it up for a gathering or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this slaw will impress. Get ready to savor every bite!
More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:
- Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
- Spicy Caribbean Pineapple or Mango Chutney
- Vegetarian Zucchini Lasagna Spirals
- Morel Mushroom Pasta
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
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Mexican Street Corn Slaw
This Mexican Street Corn Slaw combines smoky charred corn, crunchy veggies, and a zesty dressing. It’s simple to prepare, making it an ideal addition to BBQs or family dinners.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 jalapeño (diced small)
- 4 cups red cabbage (shredded)
- 1 green bell pepper (julienned)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 6 green onions (sliced)
- ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add corn and jalapeños, cooking for 5-7 minutes until charred.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine charred corn mixture with shredded red cabbage, green bell pepper, cilantro, green onions, and feta. Pour dressing over and toss to combine.
Notes
Fresh corn provides the best flavor, but frozen corn works well.
You can adjust the spice level according to your preference by modifying the amount of jalapeño.
Letting the slaw sit for a few moments allows flavors to blend nicely.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Calories: 289
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 420
- Fat: 23
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 18
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 15