Mexican Coleslaw
Published November 26, 2022 • Updated February 3, 2026
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Mexican Coleslaw is an easy, flavorful, keto-friendly side dish made with coleslaw mix, jalapenos, garlic, fresh lime juice, cumin, red onions, and cilantro. This Mexican cabbage slaw tastes delicious with your favorite main meals.
If you are looking for a keto side dish to pair with tacos or homemade enchiladas, this easy Mexican slaw is perfect.
This zesty take on traditional coleslaw uses fresh ingredients and is great with other keto Mexican recipes. For the best flavor, allow the dressing to sit for a few hours up to overnight to get the maximum jalapeno flavor. Control the spice level by taking out the jalapenos before serving or chopping them up and adding them in! Toss in shredded cabbage and your favorite salad fixing and this easy Mexican coleslaw is ready!
The tangy flavor of the dressing is the best part of this side dish recipe and makes the perfect burger or taco topping for summer cookouts or Taco Tuesdays.
What is Mexican coleslaw
- Avocado oil: This oil is a great addition to a healthy coleslaw and serves as the vessel for our coleslaw dressing.
- Jalapeño peppers: Use these whole peppers to infuse the oil to make a spicy cilantro lime dressing.
- Garlic, minced: Garlic is a classic addition to Mexican cole slaw.
- Lime zest and lime juice: Lime juice adds the necessary acid to break down the bag of coleslaw mix and infuse flavor.
- Cumin: This classic spice adds Mexican flavors to fresh coleslaw.
- Coleslaw mix: Buy a bag of this mix or a whole head of green cabbage or purple cabbage and shred it yourself.
- Red onion, thinly sliced: Red onions provide bold flavors to this delicious recipe.
- Cilantro: A little green touch of fresh cilantro right at the end elevates this perfect side dish.
How to make Mexican coleslaw
There are only a couple of quick steps to make this easy Mexican coleslaw recipe.- Combine the ingredients: Add avocado oil, jalapeno slices, garlic, lime zest, lime juice, ground cumin, and salt to a small bowl.
- Let sit: Cover and put the bowl in the fridge for 30 minutes up to overnight to allow time for flavor to combine.
- Toss with dressing: Remove the jalapenos and toss with the dressing.
- Serve: Add in the sliced red onions and cilantro and serve.
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Ingredients
¼ cup avocado oil -
½ whole jalapeno, sliced
-
1 garlic, minced
-
1 tablespoon lime zest
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2-3 tablespoons lime juice
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½ teaspoon ground cumin
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 (14 oz) bag coleslaw mix or 1 head cabbage, sliced
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¼ red onion, thinly sliced
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1 cup chopped cilantro
Step by Step Instructions
Step by Step Instructions
Preparing coleslaw dressing
Add avocado oil, jalapeno slices, garlic, lime zest & juice, ground cumin and salt to a small bowl. Stir and let sit for 30 minutes or overnight to allow time for flavor from jalapeno to infuse into the oil.
- ¼ cup avocado oil
- ½ whole jalapeno, sliced
- 1 garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 2-3 tablespoons lime juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
Assemble coleslaw
Before serving, remove jalapenos from the coleslaw dressing. Toss dressing with coleslaw, onion and cilantro in a large bowl.
- 1 (14 oz) bag coleslaw mix or 1 head cabbage, sliced
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup chopped cilantro
Nutrition disclaimer
The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.
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Get My Macros (Free) →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add mayonnaise to this coleslaw recipe?
This recipe uses a blend of lime juice, spices, and avocado oil, you can use mayo instead especially if you want a creamy salad dressing.
Do I need to remove the jalapenos before serving Mexican coleslaw?
If you like the extra spice in your coleslaw, you don't need to remove them. If you plan to do this, chop them up into smaller pieces, so you don't get a huge chunk of jalapeno.
How long should I let coleslaw sit before serving?
This salad is best when it's given time to rest. It should sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes up to overnight to get the full flavor impact.
