All of your favourite Mexican flavours mixed into a healthier and lighter coleslaw. Add it to tacos, burgers, salads and sandwiches. This Mexican Coleslaw a side dish you need to try.
When you think of coleslaw, I am sure you have the traditional, mayo laden, version in your mind that you will see at every BBQ this summer. Well, this is not that. It is better. It is Mexican coleslaw.
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Just because this coleslaw is Mexican inspired, doesn’t mean it should only go with Mexican dishes. I have mixed this into a chicken salad, as well as put on top of a burger (Mexican Bean Burgers coming soon) and it is delicious every way, but I am particularly partial to having it on tacos.
Although I like regular coleslaw, I find the mayonnaise way too overpowering and I just end up feeling a bit queasy after. I prefer coleslaw that has a vinegar base and a little bit of creaminess, rather than just all creamy as I think it allows for the other flavours to come through. With a Mexican flavoured coleslaw, it is all about allowing the flavours to shine.
There really isn’t a whole lot of effort that needs to go in to this recipe, as it’s one of those “chop everything up and throw it in to a bowl and mix” kind of things. Aren’t they the best recipes? If you want something easy to take to a party to add to the buffet table, or a side to take to a BBQ, this is perfect. We had made this for so many different people and everyone loves it and I always wish I had made more.
I am sorry for the lack of Mexican recipes recently, I really am. It’s not because we haven’t been eating Mexican food, quite the opposite in fact, it’s because we have been so eager to eat the delicious Mexican food that we have cooked, that the thought of setting up a photo shoot to be able to blog about it just hasn’t seemed appealing on an empty stomach.
But, we have a lot of great Mexican recipes coming up on the blog this year.
Our Mexican coleslaw has plenty of crunch from the cabbage, carrots and spring onions and then loads of zesty flavour from the lime and a little kick from the chilli and paprika. Make a batch today and enjoy finding lots of different ways to use it.

- 2 Carrots, peeled
- 400 g White cabbage
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 4 Spring onions (scallions), finely sliced
- 2 tbsp Cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 2 tbsp Fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
- 1 Red chilli, Finely sliced
- 1 Clove of garlic, crushed
- A pinch of salt and pepper
- 1 Lime, juice only
- 2 tbsp Greek yoghurt
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Shred the carrot and white cabbage and put in a large bowl.
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Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. Leave for 30 minutes before serving. Mix once again before serving.
Why not try out some other Mexican recipes? This Mexican Coleslaw would go great with our Chipotle Pork Chilli, Bean Burritos, Crab and Avocado Tacos or much more…
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Claire | Sprinkles and Sprouts says
I am a sucker for anything that has lime and coriander in it!!!!!!
I know exactly what you mean about regular coleslaw!!! I have only in the last 10 years started even eating mayonnaise and I still find some dishes to be just too mayonnaisy.
This sounds like the perfect slaw…..I am thinking grilled chicken, this and a soft flour tortilla….yum!
Kristi says
This looks delicious and love your ideas of putting in tacos or on a burger. Looking forward to the burger recipe to put the two together.
Deanna says
Ole! I love the spice in this, it like cool meets spice! I love coleslaws and the variations of them. YUM!
Alyssa says
I hate mayo in coleslaw too! And it always seems too sweet. I think I’d be a big fan of this spicy, yogurt based slaw.
Sonal says
This is just fabulous. I love Mexican flavors and this is right on the buck. Will be trying out soon.
Lizzie says
Yum, this looks perfect for summer tacos. We love mexican food. Yogurt and vinegar sounds like a really interesting dressing too.
Steph says
That looks like a little bit too much chilli for me, but I love the sound of all the other flavours. Coleslaw usually has too meh mayo for me too, so I like the idea of using yoghurt instead.
Cara says
We had this as a side dish to homemade pizza last night and it went down very well with our guests. I directed them to your website for the recipe. It was so easy and I have half a cabbage left, so I’m going to make it again tomorrow.
Chris says
Mexican coleslaw, what an awesome combo!! Thanks so much for sharing!
Rebecca | Let's Eat Cake says
This crunchy Mexican-inspired coleslaw looks like a coleslaw I would actually enjoy! Can’t wait to try it!
Jaime says
I love the combination of spices in this! Sounds great
Allison - Celebrating Sweets says
I can think of so many tasty uses for this. I love all things spicy, so this sounds great!
Sharon says
Crunchy coleslaw with Mexican flavors is just what taco night has been missing!
Diana says
Mexican coleslaw sounds like a really good idea. A great twist on the classic coleslaw!
Natasha Mairs says
This colesaw looks really nice and I know my husband would love this too. The spicy the better he would say
Northern Crumble says
A spicy twist on a traditional coleslaw. I can imagine this with some fiery chicken and wedges would go down a treat
Melanie Edjourian says
I love Mexican coleslaw it’s so tasty and you can always tweek the recipe if you like 😉
Life as Mum says
I think I will be making this soon! Looks and sounds really tasty – my kind of food
Sally Akins says
This coleslaw looks amazing, and I totally agree with you about not liking it to be too creamy.
Kacie says
I love Mexican food and jalapenos add a nice kick to most dishes; I bet I’d love this spicy coleslaw!
Kira says
I do love anything that’s Mexican, reminds me of my holidays!
Tandy | Lavender and Lime says
I could easily eat a bowl of this sans the chilli as I cannot handle the heat
Nayna Kanabar says
The mexican slaw looks so colourful and taxty.
Anna @AnnaTheApple says
I hate coleslaw because I hate mayonnaise, but this sounds delicious!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
This is such a pretty dish, Dannii! And I normally don’t say that about coleslaw lol. But I love the flavors in here. This just screams summer!
Claudia | Gourmet Project says
lovely & spicy, my style :-). coleslaw night tbd soooon!
safira says
So fun and vibrant and delicious looking
Amanda | Chew Town says
I’m not usually a fan of coleslaw… and its usually because I really don’t like Mayo. But, this version I could definitely get behind! Bookmarking now.
Helen @ family-friends-food says
Oooh this sounds good! I love coleslaw and I agree that you need to dilute the mayo with something a bit sharper. I bet my chilli-loving OH would love this salad too 🙂
Meeta says
Always love a good fiery coleslaw. A awesome light recipe! I too prefer using yogurt instead of mayo!
Kari @ bite-sized thoughts says
I love variations on traditional coleslaw, in part because I don’t like the traditional type at all (I don’t like mayonnaise!). This Mexican version sounds perfect for lots of summer dishes!
Elsa Eats says
This recipe looks gorgeous! There is a time and place for mayonnaise heavy coleslaw, but I do find myself leaning to less creamy when I’m on the healthier side of eating. You can also make asian style coleslaws too which has a similar base to this one 😀
Just Jo says
I love coleslaw and all things spicy so this is a definite try for me. I would happily munch down a full bowl of this perhaps with some lime and garlic griddled chicken on the side mmm 😀
Sus // roughmeasures.com says
Ooohh spicy coleslaw! I am loving this. Chilli’s in everything is my motto, going to try this at our BBQ next week.
Elizabeth says
A gorgeous sounding recipe.
Latoya says
I absolutely love this twist on coleslaw as we are Mexican lovers in my house. I like the sound of your Mexican pasta salad too. X
Luisa says
How many portions would you get out of this?
Stephanie says
This would make a lovely salad base to have with some grilled chicken. In fact, I think I might have that for my dinner tonight.
Carolyn says
This is definitely being done for our next taco night. Thanks danni!
Beth @ Twinderelmo says
This look so vibrant and colourful I bet I could tempt the kids with it as they love bright foods as they look so appealing. Look forward to more Mexican themed recipes soon x
Jessica @ Jessica in the Kitchen says
Totally loving the greek yogurt in this cole slaw Dannii!! I love lightened up versions of food – all the enjoyment, none of the guilt.
Amanda Mason says
I’m with you on the vinegar based coleslaw! So much better than mayo based! Cant wait to try this!
Megan Marlowe says
This looks absolutely fabulous and I cannot wait to make it next time it’s taco night in my house!
Mama Harris says
I love to add pickled slaw to tacos, this looks so delicious for that!
Lilinha says
This mexican coleslaw sounds delicious, perfect in a picnic or BBQ! 🙂
http://lilinhaangel.com/
Liz Mays says
Ooh, I wonder if the guys would want to try this. It looks really good and it would be a nice change of pace.
Harriet from Toby & Roo says
Ohhh this just looks so very delectable! I LOVE coleslaw and I’m a fan of mexican food so this is perfect!
Karyn Ryan says
I love that you used yogurt and the whole slaw looks so tasty and fresh
Rhian Westbury says
I don’t think I could deal with that many chilli’s in my coleslaw but it does look lovely and colourful x
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
SIGN ME UP. You know i love everything about this!
Becky says
What a great idea to use yoghurt instead of mayo. I wouldn’t like the spices, but the rest sounds good xx
Gail Wyloa says
I hate shop bought coleslaw, it just tastes so bitter and way too much mayonnaise.
Sharon says
I love how colourful this is and I would happily eat chillies like this. I would have to leave out the cumin though.
Sam | North East Family Fun says
I think homemade slaw tastes SO much better than shop bought. I bet this is lovely with tacos 😀
Ana De- Jesus says
I also feel a little off if I eat too much coleslaw as well so this Mexican version’s spice will be sure to offset that. Plus how colourful does it look?
Aish Padihari says
Love mexican food. I’ll try this coleslaw recipe. Looks great
Annemarie @ justalittlebitofbacon says
That looks like a great, spicy coleslaw! And not too heavy from mayo like many recipes, which I do appreciate. 🙂
LaaLaa says
I like when foods colourful makes me want to eat it more, this is appealing to the eye and and I could imagine the taste buds too! x
anna nuttall says
Yum i have saved this as I think it be perfect next time I make fajita. Very nice. xx
Raia says
I’m just getting into coleslaws, so I’m definitely going to be keeping this in mind. It sounds delicious! 😉 I love that you used yogurt in the dressing. 🙂
Emily | Rainbow Delicious says
This is a deliciously vibrant coleslaw recipe!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
So crunchy and I see lots of chilli peppers there…
Tara says
Wow, this looks like a real interesting recipe! Very yummy
Tara xo
Karayn says
I much prefer coleslaw with Greek yoghurt rather than Mayo, but never had it with Mexican flavours.
Hayley says
I love this idea. I don’t really like overly creamy coleslaw and I love anything with spice, so this sounds perfect. I might make it with some fajitas.
joanna says
I’ve been meaning to make my own coleslaw but have yet to have get round to doing it. I love the sound of this one it looks bright and coloful.
Vicky says
I love Mexican inspired food and this coleslaw recipe looks so delicious.
StressedMum says
I love coleslaw, I do like the traditional but I am very fussy over it, I also love trying variations of it, this sounds really nice and I will be trying this x
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes says
I much prefer using Greek yoghurt instead of mayonnaise in my homemade coleslaw too. Really like the Mexican twist.
Helen @ family-friends-food says
That looks fab! What a brilliant way to brighten up an otherwise standard side-dish.
Sian OBrien says
Yum just made this, can’t wait to taste it at the dinner I’m bringing it to tomorrow night
linsy patel says
love to grab this bowl. surely going to try this.
Hillary says
That looks so lovely and fresh. I love coleslaw, but have never thought to add some Mexican flavours to it. Thanks for the great recipe!
Emma says
I just made this Dannii and it is incredible. I can’t wait to put it on tacos tonight.
Rebecca says
this looks really yummy and super healthy! Going to try this one out!
Vivienne says
Delicious Danni! Made this and had it with slow cooked roast lamb. Lovely. You are such an inspiration to me. I love your website and your recipies.
Lisa says
What is the serving size for your calorie guide?
Claire says
I am making your enchiladas tonight, so I am going to make this with it too. Thank you for the recipe 🙂