The Zesty Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe You’ll Adore

Culinary magic happens when classic Mexican street corn salad meets fresh, vibrant ingredients that dance on your plate.

Summer barbecues demand something special and unexpected.

Kernels burst with smoky-sweet flavors, blending creamy textures and zesty spices.

Charred corn provides a delightful backdrop for tangy cotija cheese and bright cilantro.

Each forkful carries the spirit of street food traditions reimagined.

Crisp vegetables and bold seasonings make this dish impossible to resist.

Come hungry and leave inspired by this simple yet spectacular recipe.

What’s Inside the Mexican Street Corn Salad

• Corn Kernels: Fresh and sweet base of the salad.
• Cotija Cheese: Authentic Mexican cheese for creamy texture.
• Cilantro: Bright and fresh herb for authentic flavor.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Smooth and tangy binding ingredients.

• Jalapeño Pepper, Garlic, Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Lime Juice, Salt, Pepper: Spicy, zesty seasonings that add depth and complexity.
• Olive Oil: Helps blend and smooth out the ingredients.

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Salad Easily

Step 1: Char The Corn Kernels

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss corn kernels into the pan and cook while stirring occasionally.

Watch for light golden-brown spots and caramelization, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

The charring adds a smoky, robust flavor to the salad.

Step 2: Create The Flavor Base

• Charred corn kernels
• Olive oil
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Crumbled cotija cheese
• Fresh chopped cilantro
• Diced jalapeño pepper
• Minced garlic
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Fresh lime juice

Stir everything together until ingredients are evenly distributed and well combined.

Step 3: Season And Taste

Sample the salad and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Tweak flavors until the balance feels perfect and vibrant.

Step 4: Plate And Garnish

Transfer the salad to a serving dish.

Sprinkle additional cotija cheese on top.

Scatter fresh cilantro over the surface.

Place lime wedges around the edge for an extra zesty touch.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Dish out the Mexican Street Corn Salad immediately while it’s fresh and temperature is ideal.

Savor the explosion of flavors in every bite!

Tips for the Best Street Corn Salad Flavor

• Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan to get those delicious smoky, caramelized corn kernels without burning them.
• Adjust jalapeño quantity based on your spice tolerance – remove seeds for milder flavor or add more for extra kick.
• Swap cotija with feta or queso fresco if cotija isn't available, maintaining that creamy, tangy profile.
• Mix mayonnaise and sour cream for rich, creamy texture that complements the bright lime and smoky spices.
• Prepare salad a few hours ahead and refrigerate to let flavors meld, making it even more delicious when served chilled.

How to Keep Street Corn Salad Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and maintain freshness.
• Transfer salad to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 1 month, but note that texture might slightly change due to mayo and sour cream.
• Thaw refrigerated salad in the fridge overnight. Gently warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent separation. Add a splash of lime juice to refresh flavors.
• For best taste, enjoy chilled directly from the refrigerator. Stir well before serving and top with fresh cilantro or extra cotija cheese to revive presentation.

Tasty Sides for Street Corn Salad

• Boost Mexican Street Corn Salad Flavor Pairings
• Grill Spicy Grilled Chicken: Tender chicken with smoky chili rub perfectly complements the corn's zesty flavor profile, creating a balanced and exciting meal combination.
• Pair with Crisp Mexican Lager: Light, refreshing beer like Modelo Especial cuts through the creamy salad's richness, enhancing the overall taste experience with its clean finish.
• Serve Alongside Cilantro Lime Rice: Fragrant rice adds another layer of complementary Mexican-inspired flavors, providing a soft textural contrast to the charred corn's crunch.
• Add Fresh Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado's smooth texture balances the salad's tangy and spicy notes, introducing a cool, rich element that elevates the entire dish.

Flavor Twists for Mexican Street Corn Salad

• Vegan Street Corn Delight: Replace cotija cheese with nutritional yeast, use vegan mayonnaise and coconut yogurt instead of regular mayo and sour cream for a plant-based version.
• Grilled Veggie Fusion: Add roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and black beans to create a heartier salad with extra vegetable protein and texture.
• Low-Carb Mexican Salad: Swap corn kernels with cauliflower rice or diced cauliflower, maintaining the authentic Mexican street corn flavor profile while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Increase jalapeño quantity, add diced green chiles, and sprinkle cayenne pepper for extra heat-lovers seeking a more intense flavor experience.

FAQs

• Is cotija cheese necessary for this recipe?

Cotija cheese provides an authentic Mexican flavor, but you can substitute with feta or queso fresco if unavailable.

• How spicy will this salad be?

The jalapeño adds mild heat, but you can reduce or remove seeds to lower spiciness or add more for extra kick.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it 1-2 hours in advance, but add fresh cilantro and cheese right before serving to maintain best texture and flavor.

• What type of corn works best for this recipe?

Fresh corn kernels are ideal, but frozen or canned corn can work well if fresh is not accessible. Just ensure you char them properly for that authentic street corn taste.

Reasons to Enjoy Mexican Street Corn Salad

• Dive into a zesty Mexican street corn salad that captures the vibrant essence of traditional street food with its bold, smoky, and tangy profile.
• Elevate any gathering with this crowd-pleasing side dish that works beautifully at barbecues, potlucks, summer picnics, or as a delightful accompaniment to grilled meats and tacos.
• Easily adjust the heat level by controlling the amount of jalapeño, making it friendly for spice-lovers and those who prefer milder flavors.

Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Summer’s sizzling Mexican Street Corn Salad brings zesty charred corn, creamy cotija, and tangy lime together in a mouthwatering celebration of bold flavors. Fresh ingredients dance across your plate, delivering authentic Mexican street food magic in every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese)
• 1 jalapeño pepper (seeded and diced)

Creamy Components:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream

Seasoning and Herbs:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 lime (juiced)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Additional crumbled cotija cheese
• Chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Char corn kernels in a skillet over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until lightly golden and caramelized.
2. In a large mixing bowl, blend roasted corn with creamy elements like olive oil, mayonnaise, and sour cream, ensuring even coating.
3. Incorporate tangy and zesty ingredients including crumbled cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, diced jalapeño, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, and fresh lime juice.
4. Thoroughly mix all components until ingredients are uniformly distributed and flavors are well integrated.
5. Carefully adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, tasting to achieve balanced flavor profile.
6. Transfer the vibrant salad to a serving dish, creating an appealing presentation by sprinkling additional cotija cheese on top.
7. Garnish with extra chopped cilantro and optional lime wedges to enhance visual appeal and provide a bright, citrusy accent.
8. Serve immediately while corn remains warm and textures are crisp, allowing guests to experience the full depth of Mexican-inspired flavors.

Notes

• Char corn kernels carefully to enhance smoky flavor without burning, creating depth and complexity in the dish.
• Use fresh corn when possible for maximum sweetness and crisp texture, though frozen corn works well as a convenient alternative.
• Adjust spice levels by removing jalapeño seeds for milder version or adding extra chili powder for more heat.
• Make recipe dairy-free by substituting cotija with nutritional yeast and using vegan mayonnaise and sour cream alternatives.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg