Name: Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sour cream; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; juice of 1 lime; 1/3 cup cotija cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; salt and pepper to taste; optional diced jalapeño or hot sauce for extra heat

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If you’re craving a dish that bursts with the vibrant flavors of Mexican street food but comes together in a flash, look no further than this Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad. Creamy, zesty, and perfectly spiced, this salad transforms simple corn into a fiesta on your fork! Every scoop is packed with sweet kernels, irresistible spices, and little pops of cotija cheese—making it just as at home at a backyard barbecue as it is on your weeknight dinner table. Whether you’ve tasted esquites before or this is your first introduction, this salad is sure to win you over!

Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I absolutely love about Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad is how it turns simple ingredients into something truly exciting. Each one brings essential flavor, brightness, or texture, and together they create that signature street corn magic!

Corn Kernels: The star of the show! Fresh, frozen, or canned all work, but fire up that skillet to bring out their sweet, smoky flavor.
Olive Oil: Helps char the corn beautifully and infuses a subtle, savory note.
Mayonnaise: Adds velvety creaminess and helps bind all the flavors together.
Sour Cream: Offers tang and extra richness; you can sub in Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.
Chili Powder: Gives the salad a gentle kick and classic Mexican flair.
Smoked Paprika: Infuses smoky depth, echoing traditional street-grilled corn.
Lime Juice: Fresh, lively, and essential for balance—don’t skip it!
Cotija Cheese: These crumbles are salty and punchy, the perfect finishing touch; feta works well as a backup.
Fresh Cilantro: Bright herbs that make each bite taste fresh and vibrant.
Salt and Pepper: Brings every flavor into perfect harmony—season to your liking.
Optional Jalapeño or Hot Sauce: Want extra heat? Go for it—your tastebuds will thank you!

How to Make Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad

Step 1: Char the Corn

Start by heating up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once shimmering, add your corn kernels in a single layer. Let them sizzle and brown for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re beautifully golden and slightly smoky. If you’re using frozen corn, remember to thaw and pat it dry first—this helps get that addictive charred flavor that makes Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad so delicious.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Dressing

While the corn cools for a moment, grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, smoked paprika, and zingy lime juice. This creamy, tangy blend is what transforms ordinary corn into the street-food-inspired delight we dream about. Trust me, it’s worth a little extra whisking!

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Once your corn has cooled slightly, toss it into the bowl with the dressing. Sprinkle in the crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro, then stir until every golden kernel is glistening and coated with flavor. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper—this is the moment where you can taste and tweak to perfection!

Step 4: Optional Extras for Heat

Love a little spice? Now’s the time to stir in some diced jalapeño or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. It’s entirely customizable—so whether you’re a heat-seeker or prefer it mild, Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad adapts to you.

Step 5: Chill or Serve Immediately

You can serve this salad right away, warm and fragrant from the skillet, or pop it in the fridge for about 15 minutes if you prefer a cold, refreshing twist. Either way, it’s a guaranteed hit and comes together faster than you’d ever expect!

How to Serve Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad

Garnishes

For that signature finish, sprinkle reserved cotija crumbles and extra chopped cilantro over the top. A little extra lime zest or a dusting of chili powder also takes Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad to a whole new level—don’t be afraid to get creative!

Side Dishes

This salad is a scene-stealer next to grilled meats like chicken, steak, or shrimp. It pairs beautifully with tacos, roasted veggies, or as a standout topping for burrito bowls. If you’re hosting, set it out with warm tortilla chips for an irresistible appetizer.

Creative Ways to Present

We love serving Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad in individual mason jars, lettuce cups, or even tucked inside mini-tortilla boats for crowd-pleasing party bites. You can also use it as a vibrant layer in seven-layer dips or scoop it atop baked sweet potatoes for a festive meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad in an airtight container and refrigerate—it’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days. The flavors meld and intensify over time, making leftovers extra satisfying the next day!

Freezing

While technically you can freeze this salad, the creamy dressing and cheese don’t always thaw to their original glory. For best results and texture, it’s recommended to enjoy Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad fresh or refrigerated only.

Reheating

If you’d like to serve it warm, gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, stirring just until it’s heated through. This brings back a little of that toasty, just-charred magic—so good, especially on cooler evenings!

FAQs

Can I use canned or frozen corn instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad turns out delicious with canned or frozen corn. Just drain and pat canned corn dry, or thaw and dry frozen corn, before charring in the skillet for that signature flavor.

What can I substitute for cotija cheese?

Feta is a fantastic substitute for cotija if you can’t find it nearby. Both offer that salty, crumbly texture, though cotija is a bit milder and more authentic to traditional street corn.

How can I make this salad lighter?

For a lighter twist, replace the mayonnaise and sour cream with Greek yogurt. You’ll still get a creamy, tangy dressing with far less fat—perfect for a guilt-free treat!

Can I prepare Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad in advance?

Yes! You can prep all the ingredients and even assemble the salad up to a day before serving. Just give it a good stir before plating, and maybe freshen with some extra cilantro or lime juice.

Is Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad gluten-free and vegetarian?

Definitely! This salad is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, fitting right into a variety of diets without sacrificing a bit of its bold flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a side that’s endlessly versatile, guaranteed to impress, and flat-out delicious, Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad is the answer. I hope you give it a try—your tastebuds (and your guests) will thank you. Happy cooking!

Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad is a flavorful and vibrant side dish that brings the fiesta to your table. With charred corn, creamy dressing, and zesty flavors, it’s a perfect addition to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Corn Salad:

4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 tablespoon olive oil

Dressing:

1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
juice of 1 lime

Additional:

1/3 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
salt and pepper to taste
optional diced jalapeño or hot sauce for extra heat

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Instructions

Cook Corn: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add corn, and cook until charred.
Prepare Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, smoked paprika, and lime juice.
Combine: Mix cooked corn, cotija cheese, and cilantro with the dressing. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve: Enjoy immediately or chill before serving.