Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Coleslaw:

• 4 cups shredded cabbage (green or purple)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion

For the Mexican Street Corn Topping:

• 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Additional crumbled cotija cheese
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Coleslaw:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, chopped cilantro, and chopped red onion. Toss to combine and set aside.
2. Prepare the Mexican Street Corn Topping:
   • In a skillet over medium-high heat, add corn kernels and cook until lightly charred, stirring occasionally, about 5-7 minutes.
   • In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese), chili powder, smoked paprika, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
   • Add the charred corn kernels to the bowl with the dressing mixture. Stir until the corn is evenly coated with the dressing.
3. Combine and Serve:
   • Pour the Mexican street corn topping over the coleslaw mixture in the large mixing bowl. Toss until the coleslaw is evenly coated with the street corn topping.
   • Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.
4. Optional Garnish:
   • Garnish the Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw with additional crumbled cotija cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, and lime wedges before serving.
5. Serve:
   • Serve chilled and enjoy the flavorful and refreshing taste of this Mexican-inspired coleslaw!

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving:

• This Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw is best served chilled to enhance its refreshing flavors.
• Serve as a side dish alongside grilled meats such as chicken, steak, or fish for a complete meal.
• It also works well as a topping for tacos or as a filling for burritos, adding a unique twist to your favorite Mexican dishes.

Storage:

• Store any leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Due to the dairy components in the dressing (mayonnaise, sour cream or yogurt), it’s important to keep the coleslaw chilled to maintain its freshness.
• Before serving leftover coleslaw, give it a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and flavors.

Make-Ahead Tip:

• You can prepare the shredded cabbage, carrots, cilantro, and red onion ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator.
• Prepare the Mexican Street Corn topping separately and store it in the refrigerator as well.
• Combine everything together just before serving to maintain the crunchiness of the coleslaw and the freshness of the toppings.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw at its best, whether as a side dish, topping, or standalone salad.

Variations:

1. Spicy Variation:
   • Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Mexican Street Corn topping for an extra kick of heat.
2. Avocado Variation:
   • Incorporate diced avocado into the coleslaw mixture for a creamy texture and added richness. Adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Grilled Variation:
   • Instead of pan-searing, grill the corn on the cob until charred. Cut the kernels off the cob and proceed with the recipe as usual for a smokier flavor.
4. Vegetarian Variation:
   • Replace the cotija cheese with a vegetarian alternative or omit it altogether for a dairy-free option.
5. Protein Addition:
   • Toss in grilled shrimp, diced chicken, or black beans to turn this coleslaw into a hearty main dish salad.
6. Lime-Cilantro Dressing Variation:
   • Substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with a lime-cilantro vinaigrette made with olive oil, lime juice, minced cilantro, garlic, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the coleslaw mixture for a lighter, tangier alternative.
7. Asian Fusion Variation:
   • Swap out the Mexican-inspired spices for Asian flavors like soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of honey. Top with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish.
8. Tex-Mex Variation:
   • Mix in some diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and a dash of cumin to the coleslaw for a Tex-Mex twist. Serve with tortilla chips for added crunch.

Experiment with these variations to customize the Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw to your taste preferences and make it a versatile dish for any occasion.

FAQs :

1. Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix instead of shredding my own cabbage and carrots?
   • Yes, pre-shredded coleslaw mix can be used to save time. Ensure it includes cabbage and carrots for the base of the salad.
2. What can I substitute for cotija cheese if I can’t find it?
   • Feta cheese is a great substitute for cotija cheese in this recipe. It offers a similar salty and tangy flavor profile.
3. Is there a dairy-free alternative for the mayonnaise and sour cream/yogurt in the dressing?
   • You can use vegan mayonnaise and dairy-free yogurt or sour cream alternatives made from soy, almond, or coconut milk.
4. Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the components (coleslaw mix and corn topping) ahead of time and combine them just before serving to maintain freshness and crunchiness.
5. How can I adjust the spiciness level of the coleslaw?
   • Increase or decrease the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to adjust the spiciness according to your preference.
6. What is the best way to char the corn kernels?
   • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the corn kernels, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly charred. You can also grill the corn for a smokier flavor.
7. Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh or canned corn?
   • Yes, frozen corn can be used. Thaw it before cooking or add it directly to the skillet and cook until heated through and lightly charred.
8. How long will leftovers last in the refrigerator?
   • Leftover coleslaw can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Make sure to toss it before serving to redistribute the dressing.
9. What are some serving suggestions for this Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw?
   • Serve it as a side dish with grilled meats, as a topping for tacos or burgers, or enjoy it on its own as a refreshing salad.
10. Can I make this coleslaw vegan?
    • Yes, you can make it vegan by substituting the dairy components (mayonnaise, sour cream/yogurt) with vegan alternatives and omitting the cotija cheese or using a vegan cheese substitute.

These FAQs should help address common queries about making, serving, and customizing the Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw recipe to suit different dietary preferences and occasions.

Enjoy the refreshing and vibrant flavors of our Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw! With its perfect blend of crunchy vegetables, creamy dressing, and zesty Mexican-inspired toppings, this dish is sure to be a hit at your table. Whether served alongside grilled favorites or as a standout salad, this coleslaw brings a taste of fiesta to any occasion. Try it today and savor the deliciousness!