Get ready for some bright, Latin-inspired flavors in this creamy Mexican coleslaw fiesta. Leafy green and purple cabbage is chopped and tossed with sweet carrots, crunchy red bell peppers and lots of herbaceous cilantro.
Then we mix up a marvelous creamy dressing with lime juice, savory cumin, garlic, and spices. The crisp slaw is then coated in cool, spiced creaminess. The blend of fresh veggies with Southwest flavors is a totally irresistible combination.
It adds vibrant flavor and texture whether served as a side, piled onto tacos or tucked into tortas. This Latin-leaning slaw is a surefire way to take any meal to new lengths of Mexican deliciousness. ¡Olé!
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: 6 servings
- Serving Size: About 1/2 cup per serving
Nutritional Profile (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 16g
- Carbs: 9g
- Protein: 2g
As a side salad, this coleslaw provides a good serving of vegetables along with a great source of fiber. The dressing does make it higher in overall fat, so be mindful of portion sizes. Paired with lean protein and grains, it can lend lots of flavor and nutrition to a balanced plate.
Ingredients
- Green cabbage, thinly sliced: 500 grams (17.6 oz / about 1/2 head)
- Carrot, grated: 100 grams (3.5 oz / 1 medium)
- Red bell pepper, thinly sliced: 150 grams (5.3 oz / 1 medium)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped: 20 grams (0.7 oz / 1/2 cup)
- For the Creamy Dressing:
- Mayonnaise: 120 ml (4 fl oz / 1/2 cup) [115 grams / 4 ounces]
- Sour cream: 60 ml (2 fl oz / 1/4 cup) [57 grams / 2 ounces]
- Lime juice: 30 ml (1 fl oz / 2 tablespoons) [28.5 grams / 1 ounce]
- Garlic powder: 2 grams (0.07 oz / 1/2 teaspoon)
- Ground cumin: 2 grams (0.07 oz / 1/2 teaspoon)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method of Preparation
- Combine Vegetables: In a large bowl, mix together cabbage, carrot, red bell pepper, and cilantro.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Dress the Coleslaw: Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss until well coated.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Crunch Factor: Add chopped jalapeños or red onion for extra crunch and flavor.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare this coleslaw a day ahead; it gets better as it sits.
- Dressing Variations: For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use pre-packaged coleslaw mix? Yes, for convenience, a pre-packaged mix works well.
- How long can this coleslaw be stored? It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Is this coleslaw vegetarian? Yes, the recipe is vegetarian. For a vegan version, use vegan mayonnaise and sour cream.
- Can I add protein to this coleslaw? Yes, grilled chicken or shrimp make great additions.