Mexican Street Corn Salad: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with flavor and is oh-so-easy to whip up, you’re in for a treat with this Mexican Street Corn Salad: A Delicious & Easy Recipe. This salad is a delightful blend of grilled corn, creamy dressing, and zesty spices. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want something fresh and exciting on the table. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy fresh corn in all its glory!

What I love most about this recipe is how it brings everyone together. Whether you’re having friends over for a casual BBQ or just need a vibrant side dish to brighten up your dinner plate, this salad fits the bill perfectly. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 40 minutes! Perfect for those busy days when you need something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: With its creamy dressing and sweet corn, even picky eaters will love this dish. It’s a hit with kids and adults alike!
• Versatile Side Dish: Pair it with grilled meats or serve it alongside other summer favorites. It complements almost any meal beautifully.
• Make-Ahead Goodness: You can prepare the dressing and grill the corn ahead of time, making assembly a breeze when it’s time to serve.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using simple, wholesome ingredients means you can feel good about what you’re serving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Mexican Street Corn Salad features simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. Gather these goodies to create a bowl of deliciousness!

• 6 ears of fresh corn, husks and silk removed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and minced (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: Hot sauce, to taste

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add more veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra color and crunch!
• Swap the cheese: If cotija isn’t available, feta cheese works well as a substitute while still giving that creamy goodness.
• Make it spicy: For those who like heat, add some diced serrano peppers or sprinkle cayenne pepper into the dressing.
• Try different herbs: Fresh parsley or green onions can be great alternatives to cilantro if you’re looking for something different.

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Salad: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Step 1: Grill the Corn

Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Brush each ear of corn with olive oil before placing them on the grill. Grill for about 15-20 minutes, turning frequently until the kernels are slightly charred and tender. This step adds that lovely smoky flavor essential for truly authentic street corn—yum!

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

While the corn is grilling, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, minced jalapeños, lime juice, chili powder, and smoked paprika in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The combination of creamy and tangy flavors creates that signature dressing we all love!

Step 3: Cut the Corn Kernels

Once your corn has cooled slightly after grilling, stand an ear upright on a cutting board. Carefully slice down along the sides of the cob to remove the kernels in strips. Repeat this process for all ears of corn—you’ll want every last bit of that deliciousness!

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine those beautiful grilled corn kernels with your prepared dressing. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated. Take a moment here to taste—this is where you can adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Spoon your salad into a serving bowl or individual bowls for sharing (or not!). Top off with additional crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro for an extra pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately so everyone can enjoy it at its freshest!

Pro Tips for Making Mexican Street Corn Salad: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Creating a vibrant and flavorful Mexican Street Corn Salad is a breeze with a few handy tips!

• Use Fresh Corn: Fresh corn will give your salad the sweetest, most delicious flavor. Look for corn that has bright green husks and plump kernels for the best results.

• Don’t Skip the Grill Marks: Grilling the corn until it’s slightly charred not only enhances its sweetness but also adds a smoky depth of flavor that makes this salad truly stand out.

• Adjust Spice Levels: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with just one jalapeño and taste as you go. You can always add more spice, but it’s hard to take it away once it’s in!

• Make Ahead for Flavor: Allowing the salad to sit for about 30 minutes before serving lets all the flavors meld beautifully. Just be sure to give it a gentle toss before serving!

• Experiment with Cheese: While cotija cheese is traditional, feel free to try other cheeses like feta or even a dairy-free alternative if you want to mix things up while keeping it delicious.

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Salad: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Serving your Mexican Street Corn Salad can be just as fun as making it! Whether it’s for a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, here are some ideas on how to present this vibrant dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh Lime Wedges: Adding lime wedges not only looks beautiful but allows guests to squeeze extra lime juice over their servings for an extra zesty kick.
• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle some finely chopped green onions on top for added color and a mild onion flavor that complements the corn perfectly.
• Crushed Tortilla Chips: For an added crunch, sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips or serve them on the side. They provide a delightful texture contrast!

Side Dishes

• Grilled Veggies: Grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus are perfect companions. Their smoky flavor pairs wonderfully with the sweet corn salad.
• Black Bean Tacos: These hearty tacos filled with seasoned black beans can turn your meal into a feast! They’re filling and add protein to your spread.
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumber and tomatoes makes for a refreshing side dish that balances well with the creamy corn salad.
• Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with spices and herbs brings comfort to your meal, making it even more enjoyable alongside your vibrant salad.

Now you’re all set to enjoy this delightful dish! Whether served at a summer barbecue or as part of a weeknight dinner, this Mexican Street Corn Salad is sure to impress everyone at your table. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Mexican Street Corn Salad is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store leftovers and keep the flavors fresh.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the salad to cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.
• Consume within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

• This salad is not recommended for freezing due to the mayonnaise and sour cream, which may separate upon thawing. Stick to refrigeration for optimal taste.

Reheating

• If you prefer your salad warm, gently heat it in a microwave-safe dish for about 30 seconds, stirring occasionally to avoid overheating.
• Alternatively, you can serve it at room temperature or chilled, which is how it’s traditionally enjoyed!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Mexican Street Corn Salad:

Can I make Mexican Street Corn Salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will still taste delicious when you’re ready to serve.

What can I substitute for cotija cheese in this recipe?

If you can’t find cotija cheese, crumbled feta or queso fresco are great alternatives that will still provide a creamy texture and tangy flavor.

How spicy is Mexican Street Corn Salad?

The spiciness of this salad largely depends on how many jalapeños you add. You can adjust the heat level by using just one jalapeño or leaving them out completely if you’re sensitive to spice.

Can I make this Mexican Street Corn Salad vegan?

Absolutely! Use vegan mayonnaise and plant-based sour cream as substitutes. You can also omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative for a fully vegan dish.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Mexican Street Corn Salad brings a burst of flavor and joy to your table! It’s not just easy to make; it’s also vibrant and delicious, perfect for gatherings or a simple family meal. Enjoy creating this delightful dish, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences! Happy cooking!