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Mexican street slaw with cabbage, charred corn, cotija cheese and lime

Mexican Street Slaw Recipe! Easy, Creamy & Perfect for Tacos

A bold, creamy, tangy, and crunchy Mexican street slaw inspired by classic elote flavors. Perfect for tacos, BBQ, and summer cookouts.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
  • 2 cups red cabbage, finely shredded
  • cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
  • ½ cup cotija cheese or feta cheese, crumbled
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • ¼ tbsp black pepper

Equipment

  • 1 Large mixing bowl
  • 1 Small mixing bowl
  • 1 Whisk or spoon
  • 1 Sharp knife
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Measuring cups & spoons
  • 1 Skillet or grill pan (for charring corn, optional)
  • 1 Tongs or spatula

Method
 

  1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn in a single layer and cook 4–5 minutes until lightly charred. Let cool.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. In a large bowl, combine green cabbage, red cabbage, and corn kernels
  4. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture. Toss well until evenly coated.
  5. Add cotija cheese and cilantro. Mix gently to avoid crushing the cabbage.
  6. Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
  7. Add more lime juice or salt if needed before serving.

Notes

Tips

  • Fresh corn provides the best sweetness and texture
  • Thinly sliced cabbage absorbs dressing better
  • For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise
  • For dairy-free, use vegan mayo and dairy-free cheese
  • Add extra lime for a brighter flavor

Storage

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
  • For best texture, keep dressing separate if making ahead
  • Not suitable for freezing