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–+ servings
A bowl of creamy southwest chicken salad with black beans, corn, and crunchy coleslaw sits on a wooden board, surrounded by lime wedges, tortilla chips, cilantro, and utensils.

Tex-Mex Coleslaw (Easy, Zesty, Healthy!)

This Southwestern slaw brings smoky spice and a bright pop of lime to every crunchy bite.
Yield: 6 cups
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients
 

  • 1 (14 to 16-ounce) bag coleslaw mix (shredded carrots and cabbage)*,
  • ½ cup light mayonnaise or non-fat plain Greek yogurt, or a mix of both, see notes
  • 2 tbsp lime juice, start here; see below for adding more
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning blend, plus more to taste
  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 cup corn kernels, fresh, canned, or thawed frozen,
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • ½ cup sliced scallions or red onion
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (for heat), optional
Ingredient Details to Know
*Alternative: Use 6 cups finely shredded cabbage + 1 cup shredded carrots

Instructions
 

  • Make the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the mayo and/or Greek yogurt, lime juice, and taco seasoning until smooth and creamy.
  • Toss the slaw: Add the coleslaw mix (or homemade cabbage blend) into the bowl with seasoned mayo, and mix thoroughly. 
    At first, it may seem like there’s not enough dressing to coat everything—don’t worry! Just keep mixing and the cabbage will soften slightly as everything gets coated in the creamy, zesty dressing.
  • Adjust to taste: Taste the slaw and adjust as desired. If you love a bolder Tex-Mex flavor, sprinkle in extra taco seasoning (~1 tablespoon at a time). For more zing, add another squeeze of lime juice. Adjust gradually and taste as you go.
  • Fold in the veggie mix-ins: Add the corn, black beans, cilantro, scallions (or red onion), and optional jalapeño if using. These colorful additions bring extra crunch, texture, flavor and a boost of nutrition.
  • Chill and serve: Let the slaw rest for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

• Yogurt vs. Mayo: Nonfat Greek yogurt gives a lighter, tangier flavor with a protein boost, while light mayo offers classic creamy richness. You can also do half mayo + half yogurt for the best of both worlds.
• Taco Seasoning Tip: Taco seasoning packets vary a lot by brand in saltiness, spice level, and even volume. Some 1-ounce packets measure much more than expected, so it’s best to start with 2 tablespoons and then add more to taste after the slaw is fully mixed.
• Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. The slaw will soften slightly over time but stay flavorful.
• Serving Ideas: Add to tacos, wraps, burgers, grain bowls, or serve it as a tasty side at your next BBQ!
• Make it vegan: Use vegan mayo and confirm your taco seasoning is plant-based.
• Make it gluten-free: Most taco seasoning packets are gluten-free, but always check the label.
Author: Joy Bauer, MS, RDN, CDN
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition Information per serving

Serving Size: 1 cupCalories: 150Carbohydrates: 22gProtein: 4gTotal Fat: 5g— Unsaturated Fat: 4g— Saturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 430mgPotassium: 410mgFiber: 5gTotal Sugar: 6g— Natural Sugar: 6g— Added Sugar: 0gVitamin A: 3254IUVitamin C: 45mg
Nutrition information is calculated using a leading industry software. That being said, brands can vary, and there may be slight fluctuations in the numbers.