Description
Mexican Street Corn Salad is a flavorful and easy-to-make side dish featuring charred corn kernels tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing with cotija cheese and fresh cilantro. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a delicious accompaniment to grilled meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Corn
- 4 cups corn kernels (from about 5 ears of fresh corn or 1 bag of frozen corn)
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Dressing
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Optional: diced jalapeño or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions
- Char the Corn: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they develop a light char for a smoky flavor. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Corn and Dressing: Add the warm charred corn to the bowl with the dressing. Stir thoroughly to coat all of the corn evenly with the creamy mixture.
- Add Cheese and Cilantro: Gently fold in the crumbled cotija cheese and chopped fresh cilantro, distributing them throughout the salad for added flavor and texture.
- Season and Serve: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder if desired. Serve the salad warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Garnish with extra cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, or a sprinkle of chili powder if you like.
Notes
- If using frozen corn, fully thaw and pat dry before cooking to achieve a good char.
- Grilling fresh corn on the cob before cutting off the kernels adds an extra smoky flavor.
- For a lighter alternative, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Add diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
