Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a vibrant and delicious side dish to brighten up your meal, then this Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe is just what you need! This salad combines sweet corn, creamy dressing, and a hint of spice to create a dish that’s both satisfying and refreshing. It holds a special place in my heart because it’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a festive family gathering. Plus, it comes together in just about 25 minutes!

One of the best parts about this Mexican Street Corn Salad is how easy it is to make. You’ll be surprised at how quickly fresh ingredients transform into something so flavorful. It’s one of those recipes that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: In just 25 minutes, you can whip up this delightful salad.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and savory flavors.
• Versatile: Perfect as a side dish or even as a light lunch on its own.
• Make-ahead friendly: This salad tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a bit, making it great for meal prep.
• Budget-friendly: It uses simple ingredients that won’t break the bank.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe is made with simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Salad

• 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen, about 5–6 ears of corn)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta if you can’t find cotija)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

For the Dressing

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add some protein: Toss in black beans or grilled chicken for an extra boost.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
• Switch the cheese: Try using goat cheese or shredded cheddar if cotija isn’t available.
• Mix in veggies: Chopped bell peppers or red onions can add more color and crunch.

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe

Step 1: Char the Corn

Start by charring the corn to develop that deep, smoky flavor we all love. If you’re using fresh corn, carefully cut the kernels off the cob. A corn stripper tool can make this task much easier! If you’re using frozen corn, make sure it’s thawed and patted dry. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter before adding your corn.

Step 2: Cook Until Golden Brown

Add the corn to your heated skillet and let it cook for about 5–7 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally. The goal here is to get those kernels nicely browned and caramelized because this step adds incredible depth of flavor to your salad!

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

While your corn cools slightly, let’s whip up the dressing! In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt & pepper. Mixing these ingredients together creates a creamy base that’s bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Combine Everything Together

Once your corn has cooled just enough not to wilt everything else, add it into your dressing bowl. Stir until every kernel gets coated well with that delicious mixture. Then gently fold in crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro for added freshness.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Transfer your beautiful salad into a serving bowl. To finish it off, garnish with more cotija cheese and maybe an extra sprinkle of chili powder for color! Don’t forget that final squeeze of lime juice right before serving—it really brightens everything up!

And there you have it—a delightful Mexican Street Corn Salad that’s sure to impress! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe

Making this Mexican Street Corn Salad is a breeze, and with these pro tips, you’ll elevate your dish to perfection!

• Use fresh corn when possible: Fresh corn brings a sweetness and crunch that frozen corn just can’t replicate. If you can find it in season, go for those juicy ears of corn for the best flavor.
• Don’t skip the charring process: Charring the corn enhances its natural sweetness and adds a delightful smoky flavor that is essential for authentic street corn taste. Take your time to get that nice golden-brown color on the kernels.
• Adjust the spice level: Feel free to tweak the amount of chili powder or add some cayenne pepper according to your heat preference. This flexibility allows you to customize the salad to suit your family’s taste buds.
• Let it chill: For even more flavor, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows all the ingredients to meld together beautifully.
• Experiment with toppings: Try adding diced avocado or jalapeños for an extra layer of flavor and texture. These additions can make your salad even more exciting!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe

Serving this colorful and vibrant salad can be as fun as making it! Here are some ideas on how to present and enjoy this delicious dish.

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions: Sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for a fresh crunch and a hint of sharpness.
• Extra lime wedges: Serve alongside lime wedges for guests who want that extra zing of citrus just before digging in.
• Cotija cheese crumbles: A few additional crumbles of cotija cheese will enhance both presentation and flavor, making each bite irresistible.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables grilled to perfection pairs beautifully with the salad’s flavors, adding smokiness and char.
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the corn salad while keeping it healthy.
• Black Bean Tacos: Soft or crispy black bean tacos filled with fresh ingredients make a great main course option alongside this refreshing side.
• Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with cilantro and lime adds a zesty base that rounds out your meal perfectly.

Enjoy your culinary adventure with this Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe! It’s not only delicious but also a vibrant addition to any table.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe is not only delightful but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time to enjoy throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover salad in an airtight container.
• Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• If you anticipate leftovers, consider adding the cheese and cilantro just before serving to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftover corn, you can freeze it separately.
• Place cooked corn in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw and use in future salads or recipes as needed.

Reheating

• To reheat corn that has been frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
• Sauté in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through if desired.
• Note that the salad should be eaten cold for the best flavor experience!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe:

Can I use canned corn for this Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! While fresh or frozen corn gives the best flavor, canned corn can work in a pinch. Just be sure to drain and rinse it before using.

How long does this Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this salad will last up to 3 days in the fridge. Enjoy it as a quick side dish!

Can I make this salad without mayonnaise?

Yes! You can substitute additional sour cream or Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise for a lighter version while still keeping that creamy texture.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients used in this Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe are naturally gluten-free. Perfect for those with dietary restrictions!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe as much as I do! It’s not just a side dish; it’s a burst of summer flavors that brings friends and family together. Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue or enjoying it on your own, I encourage you to give it a try. Happy cooking!