Mexican street corn salad is a vibrant dish that combines the rich flavors of grilled corn with creamy dressing and zesty lime. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a side for your next barbecue, this salad offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Its colorful presentation makes it not just delicious but also visually appealing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This Mexican street corn salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a quick option for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of smoky charred corn, spicy jalapeño, and tangy lime juice creates an explosion of flavor in every bite.
- Versatile Side Dish: Whether paired with grilled meats or served at a potluck, this salad complements various dishes and occasions seamlessly.
- Fresh Ingredients: Made with wholesome ingredients like fresh corn and cilantro, this salad is not only tasty but also nutritious.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spice level or add different toppings based on your preferences.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools can make cooking easier and more enjoyable. Below are some essential items you’ll need to prepare Mexican street corn salad.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill or skillet
- Sharp knife
- Large bowl
- Mixing spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill or skillet: Necessary for achieving that perfect char on the corn, enhancing its flavor.
- Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts when removing kernels from the cobs, making prep quicker and safer.
- Large bowl: Provides ample space for mixing all ingredients uniformly without spilling.
Ingredients
Mexican street corn salad has the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, tangy and creamy flavors. It’s light, colorful, and ideal for summer grilling.
For the Salad
- 4 ears fresh sweet corn, husks removed (about 4-5 cups of corn)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta), plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Mexican Street Corn Salad
Step 1: Grill the Corn
Brush the corn with olive oil. Grill over medium-high heat, turning occasionally until lightly charred on all sides. Let cool slightly before cutting the kernels off the cobs into a large bowl.
Step 2: Prepare Alternative Corn Option
Alternatively, you can cut the kernels off the cobs beforehand or use frozen/canned corn (thawed and drained). Pan-fry in a large skillet over medium-high heat until lightly charred. Let it cool slightly before transferring to a large bowl.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add the diced red onion, jalapeño pepper, minced garlic, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and cilantro to the bowl with corn. Toss until everything is evenly combined and well coated.
Step 4: Adjust Seasonings and Serve
Taste your salad and adjust seasonings if needed. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with additional cotija cheese, a sprinkle of chili powder, and extra fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Salad
Mexican street corn salad is a vibrant dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or simply enjoying a casual meal, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
As a Standalone Dish
- Serve it chilled for a refreshing summer treat. This salad shines as a light meal on its own.
With Grilled Proteins
- Pair with grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp. The smoky flavors of the salad complement perfectly with the charred taste of grilled meats.
In Tacos
- Use as a taco filling. Scoop the salad into soft tortillas for a delightful twist on traditional tacos.
As a Dip
- Enjoy it with tortilla chips. The creamy texture makes it an excellent dip for crunchy snacks.
On Top of Nachos
- Layer over nachos. Drizzle cheese sauce and add this salad for an extra zing to your nacho platter.
How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Salad
To ensure your Mexican street corn salad is always a hit, consider these helpful tips for perfection.
- Choose fresh corn: Fresh, sweet corn enhances the flavor significantly compared to frozen or canned options.
- Grill for smokiness: Grilling the corn adds a wonderful smoky flavor that elevates the dish.
- Adjust spiciness: Modify the amount of jalapeño based on your heat preference. More jalapeño means more spice!
- Use quality cheese: Crumbled cotija cheese provides authentic flavor; however, feta is a tasty substitute if needed.
- Mix well: Ensure all ingredients are evenly combined for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Serve immediately: While it can be made ahead, serving fresh ensures optimal taste and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Salad
This colorful salad pairs beautifully with various side dishes that can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to serve alongside your Mexican street corn salad.
- Black Bean Salsa: A refreshing combination of black beans, tomatoes, and cilantro that adds protein and fiber.
- Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip that complements the flavors of the salad while providing healthy fats.
- Grilled Veggies: Seasonal vegetables tossed in olive oil and grilled until tender—perfect for adding more color to your plate.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with lime juice and cilantro; it balances well with the spicy notes of the salad.
- Chips and Salsa: Classic tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for a crunchy side option.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato salsa that adds brightness and acidity to balance the creaminess of the corn salad.
- Quesadillas: Cheese-filled tortillas grilled until crispy; they’re great for dipping into the salad or enjoying alongside it.
- Corn Tortillas: Warm tortillas serve as an excellent accompaniment for scooping up this delicious salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Mexican Street Corn Salad can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some tips to ensure you get it right.
- Skipping the grilling: Grilling the corn adds a smoky flavor that enhances the salad. Avoid using only raw corn; instead, grill or pan-fry it for the best taste.
- Not seasoning enough: Seasoning is key to a delicious salad. Make sure to taste your mixture and adjust spices like chili powder and lime juice to suit your preference.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients make a big difference. Don’t skimp on fresh corn, cilantro, or cotija cheese for optimal flavor.
- Overmixing the salad: It’s easy to overmix and mush the corn and other ingredients. Toss gently to keep the salad light and fresh.
- Serving too cold: This salad is best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly warm. Avoid serving it right out of the fridge for optimal flavor.
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Containers: Use an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Freezing Mexican Street Corn Salad
- Duration: This salad is best eaten fresh but can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Containers: Use freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion.
Reheating Mexican Street Corn Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), spread the salad on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat in 30-second increments until warm.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, stir gently until warmed through, being careful not to overcook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Mexican Street Corn Salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a few hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
What can I substitute for cotija cheese?
Feta cheese works well as a substitute if you can’t find cotija. It provides a similar creamy texture and salty flavor.
How can I customize my Mexican Street Corn Salad?
You can add avocado, black beans, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition. Adjust spices based on your heat preference as well.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! This Mexican Street Corn Salad is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
Mexican Street Corn Salad is not only vibrant and tasty but also versatile enough to complement various dishes. Its smoky, spicy flavors make it a perfect side for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients like avocado or beans to suit your taste!
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Mexican Street Corn Salad is a delightful and vibrant dish that captures the essence of summer with its combination of grilled corn, creamy dressing, and zesty lime. This salad is not only quick to prepare—taking just 15 minutes—but also packed with flavors that burst in every bite. With smoky charred corn, spicy jalapeño, and fresh cilantro, it serves as an ideal side for barbecues or summer gatherings. Its colorful presentation makes it a feast for the eyes, while its versatility allows it to shine as a standalone dish or a complement to grilled meats.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Ingredients
- 4 ears fresh sweet corn
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 jalapeño pepper
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Instructions
- Grill the corn brushed with olive oil over medium-high heat until lightly charred on all sides. Let cool before cutting off the kernels into a large bowl.
- In the bowl, mix in diced red onion, jalapeño, minced garlic, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and cilantro.
- Toss everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Serve warm or at room temperature garnished with additional cotija cheese and cilantro.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg