Mexican Cole Slaw
Mexican Cole Slaw is a vibrant, crunchy salad bursting with fresh cabbage, green peppers, pimentos, and crisp pickles. Dressed in a tangy vinegar and oil mixture, it offers a refreshing flavor perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish that complements Mexican-inspired meals. Serves 8 to 10.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine shredded cabbage, chopped green pepper, chopped pimentos, chopped celery, and chopped dill pickles in a large bowl.
- In a separate container, mix salt, pepper, vinegar, and oil together.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables.
- Toss lightly to combine thoroughly.
- Can be served on lettuce if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Mexican Cole Slaw, consider adding a teaspoon of cumin or a dash of hot sauce for some heat. If you don't have dill pickles, sweet pickles or even jalapeños can provide a unique twist. For a creamier texture, incorporate a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. This slaw pairs nicely with Mexican recipes like Steak Burritos or Meat-Less Tacos.
Serving Suggestions
This Mexican Cole Slaw can be served as a refreshing side dish or atop tacos for added crunch. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, particularly those seasoned with cumin and chili powder. Consider serving it alongside Jeff'S Salsa for a flavorful dip or as a topping on Hot Tamale Casserole. For a complete meal, round it out with Black Turtle Bean Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will develop even further as it sits, but the cabbage may become softer. If you prefer a crunchier texture, serve immediately after preparing. For reheating, it's best to enjoy it cold, but you can briefly toss it in a pan over low heat to warm it slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Cole Slaw contains roughly 163 calories, with 4g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (90% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1360mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this slaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the slaw a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain the crunchiness of the cabbage. Mix everything together just before serving to ensure the freshest taste.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! The recipe is already vegan-friendly as it relies on vegetables and oil for flavor. Just ensure that the vinegar you use is not derived from animal products. Enjoy it as part of your favorite vegan recipes or as a side dish.
What can I substitute for green pepper?
If you don't have green pepper, you can use chopped bell peppers of any color for a sweeter flavor. Alternatively, diced jalapeños or even shredded carrots could add a nice crunch and a hint of sweetness to the slaw.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).