Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw! It’s like a party in your mouth with every crunchy, spicy bite. I’ve always loved coleslaw, but adding jalapeno and corn takes it to a whole new level. It’s not just your average side dish; it’s a flavor explosion that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or stands alone as a refreshing snack on a hot day. Whenever I make it, I can’t help but smile thinking about those summer BBQs with family and friends, where this slaw always steals the show. The combination of creamy dressing, fresh veggies, and that kick from the jalapenos is simply irresistible. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients List
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded (I like to use a sharp knife or a mandoline for nice, even pieces!)
- 1 cup carrots, grated (Freshly grated adds a lovely sweetness; pre-packaged can work in a pinch!)
- 1 cup corn, canned or fresh (If you’re using fresh corn, just cut it off the cob for that sweet crunch!)
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced (Feel free to adjust based on your spice preference—more for heat, less for a milder taste!)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (This is the base for our creamy dressing—don’t skimp on quality!)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (Adds a tangy kick that balances the creaminess perfectly!)
- 1 tablespoon honey (Just a hint of sweetness to round out the flavors—trust me, it makes a difference!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (A little seasoning goes a long way, so taste as you go!)
How to Prepare Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw
Step 1: Mix the Vegetables
First things first, grab a large mixing bowl and toss in those vibrant veggies! Combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, corn, and diced jalapeno. I like to use my hands to mix everything together gently—this way, you get a good feel for the textures and make sure everything is evenly distributed. Don’t rush this step; a well-mixed veggie base is key to a delicious coleslaw!
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a separate bowl, it’s time to whip up the dressing! Start with the mayonnaise as your base, and then add in the apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. I usually whisk it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. You want that perfect balance of tangy and sweet, so taste as you go. If it feels a bit too thick, you can always add a splash more vinegar or a tiny bit of water to loosen it up a bit!
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Now comes the magic! Pour that delicious dressing over your mixed vegetables and get ready to toss. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently fold everything together until every bit of cabbage and corn is coated in that creamy goodness. This step is crucial because it allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully. Trust me, you’ll want every bite to be bursting with that zesty dressing!
Step 4: Refrigerate
Once you’ve got everything mixed and tossed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the coleslaw to an airtight container. Now, here’s the hard part—let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This rest time is essential! It allows all those flavors to deepen and develop, making every bite even more scrumptious. When you’re ready to dig in, you’ll be rewarded with a refreshing, crunchy, and slightly spicy slaw that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
- Healthy ingredients that are fresh and vibrant, making it a guilt-free side dish.
- A unique flavor profile with the perfect balance of creaminess, crunch, and spice.
- Versatile enough to serve with grilled meats, tacos, or even on its own as a light meal!
- It can be made a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Tips for Success
To make your Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw truly shine, here are a few tips I’ve picked up along the way! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the amount of jalapeno based on your spice tolerance. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick! Also, making this coleslaw a day in advance is a game changer. It gives the flavors time to marry, resulting in a more delicious dish. When it comes to serving, I love placing it in a beautiful bowl and garnishing with a sprinkle of cilantro or a few extra jalapeno slices for that pop of color. And remember, this slaw is fantastic as a topping for tacos or as a refreshing side with grilled dishes. Enjoy experimenting!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for my Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw. Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately 150 calories, 10g of fat, 2g of protein, and 15g of carbohydrates. You’ll also find 4g of sugar and 3g of fiber in there! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But trust me, they’re totally worth it for this delicious slaw!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen corn?
Absolutely! Frozen corn works just fine in this Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before mixing it in. You’ll still get that sweet crunch!
How long will leftovers last?
If you have any leftovers (which I doubt because it’s so good!), they’ll keep in the fridge for about 3 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain that fresh taste!
Can I make this coleslaw a day ahead?
Yes! In fact, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving!
Is this coleslaw spicy?
It has a nice kick from the jalapeno, but you can easily adjust the spice level by using less or omitting the jalapeno altogether. It’s all about what you enjoy!
What can I serve this coleslaw with?
This Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw is super versatile! It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, tacos, or even as a topping for sandwiches. It’s a refreshing addition to any meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw fresh and tasty, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last for about 3 days, but trust me, it’ll probably be gone before then! If you need to reheat it, I recommend enjoying it cold for the best flavor and crunch. However, if you really want to warm it up, just give it a quick toss in a skillet over low heat, but be careful not to overcook it—nobody wants soggy slaw! Enjoy your delicious creation!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
For tips on the health benefits of cabbage, visit Healthline.
To learn more about the versatility of jalapenos, see this article on The Spruce Eats.