Zesty Jalapeño Corn Coleslaw Recipe: A Spicy Fresh Twist

Summer barbecues spark to life with this zesty jalapeno corn coleslaw that blends creamy and spicy flavors into one irresistible side dish.

The crisp cabbage mingles beautifully with sweet corn kernels and fiery jalapeño peppers for a vibrant twist on classic coleslaw.

Crunchy and bold, this recipe delivers a punch of flavor that will steal the spotlight at any outdoor gathering.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of cool, creamy texture and spicy heat that keeps you coming back for more.

Tangy dressing coats fresh vegetables, creating a salad that’s both refreshing and exciting.

The combination of ingredients promises a crowd-pleasing experience that elevates your summer meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Dive into this colorful, southwestern-inspired side dish that’s sure to become your new favorite cookout companion.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 120 kcal

Servings: 9

Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw Ingredient List

• Cabbage: Crunchy foundation that provides a refreshing texture and subtle peppery undertone.
• Corn: Sweet kernels that add vibrant color and juicy bursts of freshness to the slaw.
• Green Onions: Sharp, mild onion flavor that brightens the overall taste profile.
• Jalapeno: Delivers a spicy kick and zesty heat that elevates the coleslaw's complexity.
• Cilantro: Herbaceous element that introduces a bright, citrusy note to the dish.

• Mayonnaise: Silky binding agent that creates a smooth, rich coating for the vegetables.
• Dijon Mustard: Tangy condiment that adds depth and a sophisticated flavor punch.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity and adds a subtle sweet counterpoint to the spicy ingredients.

• Lime Juice: Citrus accent that brings a vibrant, tart brightness to the slaw.
• Celery Seeds: Provides a subtle, earthy undertone with a hint of herbal complexity.
• Kosher Salt: Essential seasoning that amplifies and harmonizes all the ingredients' flavors.

Tools to Make Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining and tossing ingredients.
• Small mixing bowl: Ideal for whisking dressing components.
• Whisk: Essential for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Sharp knife: Needed for mincing jalapenos and chopping cilantro and green onions.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure sugar, salt, and celery seeds.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping vegetables.

Instructions for Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw

• Veggie Prep

Chop fresh cabbage into thin ribbons and slice bright corn kernels from the cob. Finely dice zesty jalapenos and bright green onions. Sprinkle chopped cilantro leaves throughout the colorful mixture.

• Creamy Dressing Blend

Craft a silky sauce by whisking tangy mayo with zingy lime juice. Add a touch of sweetness and a hint of mustard for depth. Sprinkle in delicate celery seeds and a pinch of salt to elevate the flavor profile.

• Mixing Magic

Pour the velvety dressing over the crisp vegetable medley. Toss gently, ensuring every morsel gets coated with the luscious mixture. Rotate the bowl to distribute the flavors evenly.

• Serving Suggestion

Let the slaw chill in the refrigerator to allow flavors to mingle and intensify. Serve cold as a refreshing side dish that brings a burst of summer to any meal. The bright colors and bold taste will make taste buds dance with excitement.

Tips for Zesty Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw

• Adjust the heat level by removing jalapeno seeds for a milder version or adding more for extra kick.
• Replace corn with grilled zucchini or diced bell peppers for a different vegetable crunch and flavor profile.
• Prepare the coleslaw up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flavors to meld and intensify in the refrigerator for even more delicious results.
• Enhance the slaw by mixing in shredded rotisserie chicken, diced grilled shrimp, or pulled pork for a heartier side dish or light meal.

How to Serve Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw

• Fiesta Plate Companion: Pair this zesty coleslaw with grilled meats like barbecue chicken, pulled pork, or spicy fish tacos for a vibrant side that adds crunch and flavor.
• Taco Night Star: Scoop this jalapeno corn coleslaw directly into street tacos or use as a fresh topping for nachos, bringing a cool, tangy twist to your Mexican-inspired meal.
• Picnic Perfect Dish: Pack this coleslaw in a sealed container for outdoor gatherings, potlucks, or summer barbecues where its bright ingredients will shine alongside burgers, sandwiches, and grilled proteins.
• Sandwich Sidekick: Serve as a refreshing accompaniment to pulled meat sandwiches, hot dogs, or as a vibrant filling inside wraps to add unexpected zest and texture.

Storage Guide for Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw

• Chilled Delight Storage: Refrigerate the coleslaw in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to blend and develop, creating an even more delicious side dish.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dressing and chopped vegetables separately, storing them in the refrigerator. Mix just before serving to maintain maximum crispness and prevent soggy textures.
• Portion Perfect Strategy: Create individual serving portions in small containers for quick grab-and-go lunches or picnic-ready meals. This approach keeps the slaw fresh and makes meal planning a breeze.
• Temperature Wisdom: Always serve the coleslaw chilled for the best taste and texture. Keep it refrigerated until the moment you're ready to enjoy its zesty, crisp flavors.

Spicy Corn Coleslaw

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4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Spicy jalapeño corn coleslaw brings zesty Mexican-inspired flavors to summer picnics and barbecues. Crisp cabbage, sweet corn, and sharp peppers create a refreshing side dish you’ll want to serve alongside grilled meats.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 cups (1.9 L) shredded napa or green cabbage
• 2 cups (473 mL) fresh corn kernels (3 ears)
• ¼ cup (59 mL) minced jalapeno (½ large)
• ½ cup (118 mL) finely chopped fresh cilantro (½ bunch)
• ¼ cup (59 mL) sliced green onions (2 green onions)
• ¾ cup (177 mL) mayonnaise
• 2 tbsps dijon mustard
• 2 tbsps fresh lime juice
• 3 tbsps sugar
• 1 tsp celery seeds
• ½ tsp kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Prep Base: Shred cabbage into a large mixing bowl, creating a crisp foundation for the vibrant slaw.
2. Add Texture: Combine sweet corn kernels, jalapenos, cilantro, and green onions, stirring to distribute ingredients evenly and create a colorful medley.
3. Craft Dressing: Whisk mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sugar, lime juice, celery seeds, and kosher salt in a separate bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
4. Combine and Dress: Pour dressing over vegetable mixture, gently folding to ensure complete and uniform coating of all ingredients.
5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld, or serve immediately for a fresh, zesty side dish with maximum crunch and vibrant flavor profile.

Notes

• Manage Spice Levels: Adjust jalapeno quantity based on personal heat tolerance, removing seeds for milder flavor or adding more for extra kick.
• Optimize Crunch: Shred cabbage just before serving to maintain maximum crispness and prevent wilting.
• Enhance Flavor Development: Let slaw rest for 30 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to meld and dressing to penetrate vegetables.
• Serve Smart: Best enjoyed fresh, but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; stir before serving to redistribute dressing and revive texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 140 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg