Have you ever attended a summer cookout or backyard barbeque and felt like something was missing? That’s right, we’re talking about the classic coleslaw! While we still love the traditional version, why not switch things up this summer and try our Southwestern spin on this beloved dish? Trust us, it will take your taste buds on a flavor-packed journey!
Let’s start by acknowledging that making coleslaw from scratch can be quite time-consuming. That’s why we opted for pre-shredded coleslaw mix – because who has time for all that chopping? We then added a delightful combination of cherry tomatoes, corn, bell peppers, and cheddar cheese to give it a Southwestern flair. But here’s where things get really exciting – instead of regular mayonnaise, we used ranch dressing infused with lime juice and zest, cumin, and chili powder. These simple additions elevate the flavor and make this coleslaw truly unforgettable!
When all the ingredients come together, it’s like magic on your plate. Unlike some coleslaws that can be bland and lackluster, our Southwestern version steals the show every time. Whenever we bring it to parties, it’s devoured within minutes – people can’t get enough of the unique twist on this classic dish. And the best part? It’s quick, delicious, and surprisingly healthy too!
Southwest Coleslaw Recipe
Serves 4-6 | Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups coleslaw mix
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup mixed bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Fresh cilantro (optional), finely chopped, for garnish
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Preparation:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, lime juice, zest, chili powder, and cumin until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the coleslaw mix in a large bowl and top it with cherry tomatoes, corn, bell peppers, and cheddar cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the coleslaw and veggies and toss everything together until well combined.
- If desired, top with fresh cilantro.
- Let the coleslaw chill for 15-20 minutes before serving.
Enjoy this delightful Southwestern Coleslaw recipe adapted from Hot Eats and Cool Reads. It’s the perfect side dish to bring to any gathering, and we guarantee it will make you the star of the party!
