The unmistakable scent of summer wafts through the air as I prep my outdoor grill, and that’s when it hits me: it’s the perfect moment for a refreshing side dish. Enter my Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw, a delightful twist on the traditional coleslaw that’s sure to impress at any picnic or gathering. This easy recipe not only bursts with a crunchy texture and a hint of spice from the pickled jalapeños, but it also marries sweet corn and creamy dressing in a way that makes it a true crowd-pleaser. With minimal prep and versatility in flavor, you can make this budget-friendly gem the star of your next barbecue. Are you ready to take your side dish game to the next level? Why is Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw a Must-Try? Crunchy, Flavorful Goodness: This coleslaw elevates your BBQ spread with its vibrant textures and flavors that sing summer. Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with grilled meats or use it as a zesty topping for tacos; it fits effortlessly into any meal. Easy Preparation: With just a few fresh ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up this dish in no time! Budget-Friendly Delight: Made with seasonal produce, this coleslaw offers an economical way to impress guests without breaking the bank. Just like my Sweet Corn Wontons or Jalapeno Popper Skillet, it’s a simple yet flavorful addition to your summer gatherings! Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw Ingredients • Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dish! For the Slaw Coleslaw Mix – 1 bag (14 oz / 400 g); the base providing crunch and texture. Corn Kernels – 1½ cups (250 g); fresh for the best sweetness, but canned or frozen will work too. Chopped Green Onions – ¼ cup (30 g); enhances flavor with a mild, fresh note. Chopped Pickled Jalapeños – ¼ cup (60 g); adjust the quantity for your desired spice level. Chopped Fresh Cilantro or Parsley – 1 tablespoon (optional); adds a fresh herb flavor to brighten the dish. For the Dressing Mayonnaise – ¼ cup (60 ml); provides a creamy binding for the ingredients. A dairy-free version is a great alternative! Apple Cider Vinegar – 1 tablespoon (15 ml); adds tanginess and brightness to the coleslaw. Kosher Salt – ½ teaspoon (2.5 g); essential for enhancing the overall flavor. Freshly Ground Black Pepper – ¼ teaspoon (1 g); provides a subtle heat that complements the dressing’s creaminess. With these ingredients, you’re all set to enjoy a refreshing and zesty Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw that celebrates the joy of homemade food! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw Step 1: Prepare the Vegetable Base In a large mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, corn kernels, chopped green onions, and pickled jalapeños. Use a spatula to gently fold the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed. The vibrant colors of the corn and jalapeños will start to shine through the green cabbage, creating a visually appealing base for your Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw. Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix until the dressing is creamy and smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. The tangy aroma of the vinegar will brighten the mixture, creating a flavorful dressing that will enhance your coleslaw perfectly. Step 3: Combine the Dressing and Vegetables Pour the creamy dressing over the vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss everything together until every piece of cabbage and corn is coated with the dressing. You’ll know it’s ready when the colors are vibrant, and the slaw looks creamy and inviting, inviting everyone to dig in. Step 4: Chill for Flavor Development Cover the coleslaw with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a coleslaw that bursts with flavor. As it chills, the ingredients will soften slightly, creating a refreshing, crunchy texture when served. Step 5: Serve and Enjoy After chilling, give the Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw a quick stir to ensure the creamy dressing is well distributed again. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve it alongside your favorite grilled meats or as a vibrant topping for tacos, making it a delightful addition to any summer gathering or barbecue. Expert Tips for Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw Freshness is Key: Use fresh corn kernels for the best flavor. If using canned or frozen, make sure to drain and dry them well to avoid sogginess. Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of pickled jalapeños based on your spice preference. Start with less if you’re unsure, as fresh jalapeños can be spicier. Chill Thoroughly: Allow the coleslaw to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This step enhances flavors and creates a more cohesive dish. Mix It Up: Feel free to add additional veggies like diced bell peppers or shredded carrots for extra flavor and texture in your Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw. Make Ahead Magic: Prepare the coleslaw a day in advance for the best flavor. Just give it a good stir before serving to re-integrate the dressing. Make Ahead Options These spicy Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw can be a lifesaver for busy home cooks! You can prep the coleslaw mix (cabbage, corn, green onions, and jalapeños) up to 24 hours in advance by combining them in an airtight container and refrigerating. The creamy dressing can also be made ahead and stored separately for up to 3 days. To maintain the crunch and flavor, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve; this prevents the veggies from wilting. When it’s time to enjoy, simply mix the dressing into the prepped slaw and chill for at least 30 minutes, ensuring a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that’s just as delicious as if made fresh! Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw Variations Customize your Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw to fit your flavor cravings and dietary needs—let your creativity shine! Fresh Jalapeños: Use fresh jalapeños instead of pickled for a spicier and more vibrant bite! Just slice them thinly and adjust the quantity to prefer a personal heat level. Greek Yogurt: Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy twist! The yogurt adds creaminess while cutting down on calories—perfect for a health-conscious option. Extra Crunch: Add diced bell peppers or shredded carrots for a sweet crunch! These additions not only bring color but also introduce new flavors that balance well with the jalapeño spice. Sweet Twist: Incorporate a touch of honey or agave syrup into the dressing for a hint of sweetness! It creates a delightful harmony with the tangy elements and elevates the overall flavor profile. Herb Infusion: Experiment by adding different herbs like dill or mint instead of cilantro. Each herb provides a unique twist that can alter the slaw’s flavor, making it fresh and exciting. Fruit Addition: Toss in diced fruits like mango or pineapple for a tropical twist! These fruits enhance the sweetness and pair beautifully with the jalapeños’ heat. Creamy Avocado: Fold in mashed avocado for an ultra-creamy version of your coleslaw! The avocado adds a rich texture and healthy fats while mellowing out the spice. Whether you enjoy it on the side with grilled meats or as a topping on tacos, this versatile coleslaw offers endless possibilities. For more delicious twists, consider trying my Street Corn Chicken or Salmon Potatoes Corn recipes for a scrumptious meal! Storage Tips for Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw Fridge: Store your Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh and flavorsome while ensuring the crunch remains intact. Make-Ahead: For optimal flavor, prepare the coleslaw a day ahead of serving. The flavors blend beautifully during chilling, making it a great option for gatherings! Freezer: While not ideal for freezing, you can store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. However, the texture may change upon thawing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. Reheating: If serving warm or as a side with grilled meats, give the coleslaw a quick stir before serving to revive the dressing and enjoy its delicious crunch! What to Serve with Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw A vibrant and zesty coleslaw deserves equally delicious companions to create a memorable meal. Grilled Chicken: Juicy, smoky grilled chicken perfectly complements the spicy, crunchy coleslaw and enhances its fresh flavors. BBQ Ribs: The rich, savory goodness of barbecue ribs pairs beautifully with the tangy slaw, cutting through the richness with every bite. Fish Tacos: Use the coleslaw as a crunchy topping for grilled fish tacos; the spice and sweetness elevate the flavors of the seafood. Corn on the Cob: Sweet, buttery corn on the cob echoes the corn kernels in the slaw, creating a cohesive and satisfying summer plate. Watermelon Salad: A refreshing watermelon salad provides a juicy contrast to the spicy coleslaw, balancing flavors and adding a hint of sweetness. Lemonade: Serve with a glass of refreshing lemonade to complement the heat of the jalapeños while keeping things light and fun. Chili Lime Shrimp: The bright, zesty flavors of chili lime shrimp work wonderfully with the zippy coleslaw, enhancing the overall dining experience. Dive into a summer feast by serving Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw alongside your favorite grilled foods and refreshing salads! Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw Recipe FAQs What type of corn is best for this recipe? Absolutely! Fresh corn kernels are the best choice for a vibrant flavor and satisfying crunch. If fresh isn’t available, you can certainly use canned or frozen corn, just be sure to drain and dry them well to prevent sogginess. How long can I store the Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw in the fridge? Your Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld! Can I freeze Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw? While it’s not ideal, you can store Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw in the freezer for up to 2 months. To freeze, place the slaw in a freeze-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. However, do keep in mind that the texture might change upon thawing, so it’ll be best to enjoy it fresh if you can. What if my coleslaw is too watery after mixing? Very! If your coleslaw turns out watery, it might be due to excess moisture from the vegetables. To remedy this, you can strain the coleslaw through a fine mesh sieve to remove excess liquid. Another tip is to use less mayonnaise next time and allow the chopped vegetables to sit with salt for a few minutes before mixing. This draws out extra moisture. Is this Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw suitable for gluten-free diets? Absolutely! This Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no gluten-containing ingredients. Just ensure that your mayonnaise is labeled gluten-free if that’s a consideration for you. Enjoy with peace of mind! Spicy Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw for Perfect Summer BBQs This Jalapeno Corn Coleslaw offers a spicy twist on a classic dish, perfect for summer BBQs. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsChill Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 8 servingsCourse: SaladsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Slaw1 bag Coleslaw Mix 14 oz / 400 g1.5 cups Corn Kernels fresh for best sweetness0.25 cups Chopped Green Onions0.25 cups Chopped Pickled Jalapeños adjust quantity for heat1 tablespoon Chopped Fresh Cilantro or Parsley optionalFor the Dressing0.25 cups Mayonnaise dairy-free version is a great alternative1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar0.5 teaspoon Kosher Salt0.25 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper Equipment Mixing BowlwhiskSpatula Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a large mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, corn kernels, chopped green onions, and pickled jalapeños. Gently fold the ingredients together until evenly distributed.In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until creamy and smooth.Pour the creamy dressing over the vegetable mixture and gently toss everything together until coated.Cover the coleslaw with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.Give the coleslaw a quick stir before serving. Serve it alongside grilled meats or as a topping for tacos. Nutrition Serving: 1cupCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 4mg NotesUse fresh corn for best flavor. Adjust pickled jalapeños based on your heat preference. Chill for enhanced flavors. Can add more veggies like bell peppers or carrots. Prepare a day in advance for optimal flavor. 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