This Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad is a fun twist on a classic treat! It’s packed with sweet corn, creamy dressing, crumbled cheese, and a kick of lime. Yum!
Whenever I make this salad, it’s gone in a flash! I love to serve it at BBQs and parties. Just be ready for everyone to ask for the recipe—you might get famous for it! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn: Fresh corn is fantastic for this salad as it gives a sweet and crunchy texture. If you can’t get fresh corn, frozen corn works just as well! Just toast it up in a pan until it gets nice and slightly charred for flavor.
Cotija Cheese: Traditionally used in Mexican street corn, Cotija adds a salty bite. If you can’t find it, feta is a great substitute. You can also try queso fresco for a milder taste!
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: This creamy mix gives the salad its delicious texture. If you want a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead. It adds creaminess with fewer calories.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the dish. If you’re out of limes, lemon juice can work in a pinch, but it may taste a little different. I prefer squeezing the lime right before serving for the freshest flavor!
How Do You Grill Corn for Maximum Flavor?
Grilling corn is simple but needs attention to get it just right! Here’s how:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Place the corn directly on the grill grates. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning every couple of minutes.
- Look for a nice char on the kernels; this brings out a sweet and smoky flavor!
- Once done, let it cool slightly before cutting the kernels off.
- If you’re using frozen corn, just sauté it until it’s heated and slightly charred; no need to grill it!
These tips and techniques will help you make a vibrant and tasty Mexican street corn salad everyone will love! Enjoy!
Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 5 ears of corn) or frozen corn, thawed
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta as a substitute)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra smoky flavor)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time if you’re grilling the corn. If using frozen corn, it might be a bit quicker—around 10 minutes total. Just mix it all up and enjoy this delicious salad!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Corn:
Start by cooking the corn. If using fresh corn, grill the ears over medium-high heat. Make sure to turn them occasionally until they are nicely charred, which should take about 10 minutes. Once they cool down, cut the kernels off the cob. If using frozen corn, simply char it in a dry skillet over medium-high heat until it is slightly browned for maximum flavor.
2. Making the Dressing:
In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well until everything is combined into a creamy dressing.
3. Mixing the Salad:
Now, add your cooked corn kernels, crumbled Cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions into the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Tasting and Adjusting:
Give the salad a little taste. If it needs more flavor, sprinkle in some additional chili powder, lime juice, or salt and pepper to your liking. Feel free to adjust it to suit your taste!
5. Garnishing:
Before serving, add some extra sprinkles of Cotija cheese, a few cilantro leaves, and another light dusting of chili powder on top as a garnish for a lovely presentation!
6. Serving:
Serve your Mexican street corn salad chilled or at room temperature. Don’t forget to provide lime wedges on the side for that extra burst of freshness. Enjoy!
This Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad is sure to be a hit! Perfect for picnics, BBQs, and gatherings. Enjoy the taste of summer all year round!
FAQ for Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad
Can I Use Canned Corn Instead of Fresh or Frozen Corn?
Yes, you can use canned corn! Just make sure to drain and rinse it well to remove excess sodium. Canned corn won’t have the same charred flavor, but it’ll still work in this salad!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan versions, such as vegan mayo and almond or coconut yogurt. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor instead of Cotija cheese!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just note that the flavors will continue to meld, so it might taste even better the next day!
What Are Some Serving Suggestions?
This salad is incredibly versatile! Serve it as a side dish with grilled meats, alongside tacos, or even as a topping for nachos. For a light meal, add some black beans or grilled chicken to make it more filling!
