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# 🌽 Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw – A Bold & Zesty Side Dish Everyone Will Love!
If you’re searching for a salad that brings serious flavor, texture, and color to the table, look no further than this **Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw**. Inspired by the classic **Elote** (Mexican street corn), this slaw takes all the beloved flavors — smoky grilled corn, creamy dressing, tangy lime, salty cheese, and a hint of spice — and tosses them with crisp cabbage and carrots for the ultimate fusion of crunch and creaminess.
Perfect as a **barbecue side dish**, **potluck favorite**, or a topping for tacos, pulled pork sandwiches, or grilled chicken, this coleslaw is anything but ordinary.
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## 🌟 Why You’ll Love This Coleslaw
* ✅ **Flavor Explosion** – Sweet corn, creamy mayo, smoky chili powder, tangy lime, and salty cheese all in one bite.
* ✅ **Texture Heaven** – Crunchy cabbage and carrots meet soft cheese and creamy dressing.
* ✅ **Great for Summer** – Fresh, bright, and perfect for outdoor gatherings.
* ✅ **Easy to Make** – Comes together in under 20 minutes.
* ✅ **Customizable Heat** – Dial the spice up or down depending on your taste.
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## 🛒 Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this zesty, creamy coleslaw:
* **2 cups grilled corn** (fresh off the cob or thawed frozen)
*Grill it for that smoky, caramelized flavor — or char it in a skillet for a shortcut.*
* **3 cups shredded green cabbage**
*You can also use a coleslaw mix to save time.*
* **1 cup shredded carrots**
*Adds sweetness and color.*
* **½ cup finely chopped red onion**
*Gives a sharp bite and color contrast.*
* **½ cup crumbled Cotija cheese** (or feta)
*Salty and crumbly — a must-have for the Elote vibe.*
* **¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro**
*Fresh and herby. Skip if you’re not a fan.*
* **1 jalapeño, diced**
*For just the right amount of heat — remove the seeds for a milder version.*
### Dressing Ingredients:
* **½ cup mayonnaise**
*The creamy base of the dressing.*
* **2 tablespoons sour cream**
*Adds tang and richness.*
* **1 tablespoon honey**
*Balances the spice and acidity with sweetness.*
* **1 tablespoon fresh lime juice**
*Brightens the whole dish.*
* **1 teaspoon chili powder**
*Adds smokiness and depth.*
Optional: a pinch of smoked paprika or Tajín seasoning for an extra kick!
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## 👩🍳 How to Make Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw
### Step 1: Grill or Prepare the Corn
If using fresh corn, grill it until slightly charred, then slice the kernels off the cob. If using frozen corn, thaw and dry it, then lightly toast it in a skillet until golden brown.
> 🔥 *Tip: Want a shortcut? Use canned corn, but give it a quick toss in a dry skillet for extra flavor.*
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### Step 2: Mix the Veggies
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
* Shredded cabbage
* Shredded carrots
* Red onion
* Grilled corn
* Jalapeño
* Cilantro
* Half of the Cotija or feta cheese
Toss until evenly mixed.
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### Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together:
* Mayonnaise
* Sour cream
* Honey
* Lime juice
* Chili powder
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed — more lime juice for tang, more honey for sweetness, or more chili powder for spice.
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### Step 4: Combine and Chill
Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mix and toss until fully coated. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and garnish with extra cilantro or a dusting of chili powder.
Refrigerate for **15–30 minutes** to let the flavors meld (optional, but recommended).
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## 🍽️ How to Serve It
This coleslaw pairs well with:
* Tacos (especially fish or shrimp tacos)
* Grilled chicken, ribs, or steak
* Pulled pork sandwiches
* Burgers or sliders
* As a standalone summer side dish
It’s perfect for **backyard BBQs**, **cookouts**, **potlucks**, and even **meal prep**.
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## 🔁 Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for **up to 3 days**. The texture is best the day it’s made, but the flavor continues to develop overnight.
> 🥬 *Note: The cabbage may release some moisture over time. Give it a quick toss before serving again.*
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## ✨ Variations and Substitutions
* **Spicier:** Add hot sauce or chopped serrano peppers.
* **Dairy-Free:** Use a vegan mayo and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
* **No Cilantro?** Use parsley or skip it entirely.
* **Protein Add-In:** Stir in cooked shrimp or shredded chicken for a full meal.
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## ❤️ Final Thoughts
**Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw** is the perfect fusion of creamy, crunchy, spicy, and tangy. It brings together all the flavors of your favorite street food in a refreshing new way. Easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress, it’s one of those dishes that’ll become a regular at your gatherings — and probably requested every time.
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**Did you make this recipe?**
Let me know how it turned out in the comments or tag your creations online! 🌽💚
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