The Zesty Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe Every Cook Needs

Corn kernels dancing with zesty lime salsa elevate this Mexican street corn salad to a summer sensation.

Vibrant colors and bold flavors burst from every delightful bite.

street vendors in Mexico inspired this fresh, crowd-pleasing dish that brings the essence of outdoor markets right to your table.

Creamy, tangy, and packed with authentic spices, this salad promises a mouthwatering experience.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of sweet corn, sharp cotija cheese, and smoky chili powder.

Crisp ingredients mingle together, creating a refreshing side that steals the spotlight at any gathering.

You’ll want to make this recipe again and again, sharing the joy of Mexican street corn magic with everyone around you.

Mexican Street Corn Salad Bold Features

• Charred corn creates a smoky, robust taste that transforms an ordinary side dish into a restaurant-worthy experience.
• Easily adjust spice levels by modifying chili powder or adding jalapeños for extra kick, making it perfect for different taste preferences.
• Serves brilliantly as a standalone side, potluck contribution, or BBQ companion that works for casual gatherings and family meals.
• No complicated techniques required – just basic chopping, mixing, and skillet skills guarantee success for home cooks of all experience levels.

Mexican Street Corn Salad Ingredient Rundown

• Corn Kernels: Fresh corn kernels that provide the base and signature flavor of this Mexican-inspired salad.
• Greek Yogurt: Creamy dairy ingredient that creates a tangy and rich base for the dressing.
• Mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps bind the dressing together with a smooth texture.

• Lime Juice: Bright citrus juice that adds a zesty and fresh flavor to the salad.
• Chili Powder: Warm spice that brings a subtle heat and authentic Mexican flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

• Green Onions, Cilantro: Fresh herbs that provide a crisp texture and vibrant herbal notes.
• Bell Pepper: Adds a sweet crunch and colorful element to the salad.
• Cheese: Crumbly cheese that brings a salty and creamy component to the Mexican street corn salad.

• Olive Oil: Used to char the corn and prevent sticking in the skillet.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and complexity to the dressing.

Kitchen Tools for Street Corn Salad

• Large Skillet: Perfect for charring corn kernels evenly and creating that delicious street-style flavor.
• Medium Bowl: Essential for whisking together the creamy, tangy dressing.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping green onions, cilantro, and pepper.
• Sharp Knife: Helps chop ingredients precisely and quickly.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring corn and mixing salad ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and dressing proportions.

Street Corn Salad Step-by-Step Prep

Step 1: Whip Up The Zesty Dressing

In a medium bowl, blend together creamy Greek yogurt, tangy mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, aromatic minced garlic, spicy chili powder, and a pinch of salt and black pepper.

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined.

Set this flavor-packed dressing aside while you prepare the corn.

Step 2: Fire Up The Corn Kernels

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Spread corn kernels evenly across the pan, creating a golden landscape of potential deliciousness.

Cover with a lid and let the kernels sizzle for 3 minutes.

Carefully stir the kernels, then cover again and cook for another 3 minutes.

Listen for the playful popping of kernels as they transform into a charred, smoky treat.

Step 3: Create Corn Harmony

Allow the charred corn to cool down for about 5 minutes, then gently fold it into the prepared dressing.

Watch as the kernels get lovingly coated with the creamy, tangy mixture.

Step 4: Build The Flavor Fiesta

• Chopped bell peppers
• Sliced green onions
• Fresh cilantro
• Crumbled cotija or feta cheese

Gently mix everything together, ensuring each kernel gets a taste of the other ingredients.

For an extra flourish, sprinkle additional cheese and cilantro on top.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Transfer the Mexican Street Corn Salad to a serving dish.

This crowd-pleasing side is ready to steal the show at your next gathering!

Tips for Zesty Street Corn Salad

• Use a cast-iron skillet for the best caramelization and smoky flavor when cooking corn kernels, ensuring even browning without burning.
• Cover the skillet with a splatter screen or slightly tilted lid to prevent kernels from jumping out while maintaining heat and moisture.
• Replace Greek yogurt with sour cream or Mexican crema for different tanginess levels, accommodating dietary preferences and taste variations.
• Substitute cotija cheese with feta or queso fresco if unavailable, maintaining the authentic Mexican street corn salad's creamy texture and salty profile.
• Prepare the dressing and char corn in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator, then combine just before serving to keep ingredients fresh and crisp.

Flavorful Corn Salad Upgrades

• Vegan Corn Delight: Replace Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with cashew cream. Swap cheese with nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor. Use plant-based mayo for a dairy-free version.
• Spicy Southwest Salad: Add diced jalapeños or habanero peppers for extra heat. Include black beans and diced avocado for more protein and creaminess. Sprinkle smoked paprika for deeper flavor complexity.
• Grilled Corn Fusion: Roast corn on an outdoor grill instead of skillet for smoky char. Use cotija or feta cheese for authentic Mexican taste. Add crushed tortilla chips for crunchy texture.

Mexican Street Corn Salad Serving Ideas

• Fiesta Flavor Boost: Sprinkle extra cotija cheese and fresh cilantro on top for a vibrant, colorful presentation that pops with Mexican street food authenticity.
• Hearty Meal Companion: Serve alongside grilled chicken, tacos, or as a delicious side dish at summer barbecues to elevate your main course with zesty corn goodness.
• Picnic Perfect Pairing: Pack this salad in portable containers for outdoor gatherings, potlucks, or quick lunch options that deliver maximum flavor in every bite.
• Cool Customization Trick: Experiment by adding diced jalapeños for extra heat or swapping cotija with feta cheese to create your personal flavor twist.

Corn Salad Storage and Freshness

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cover tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors and maintain freshness.
• Do not freeze this salad, as the yogurt and fresh vegetables will separate and lose texture when thawed, creating an unappetizing mushy consistency.
• Warm gently in microwave for 30-45 seconds on low power, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and prevent cheese from becoming rubbery.
• Let cold salad sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften cheese and allow flavors to meld, bringing back the original vibrant taste.

FAQs

• Is Mexican Street Corn Salad spicy?

The dish has a mild kick from chili powder, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or less chili powder to suit your taste preference.

• Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen corn. Just make sure to thaw and pat it dry before charring in the skillet to ensure a nice caramelized texture.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this salad?

No special equipment is needed. A large skillet, a mixing bowl, and basic kitchen utensils are sufficient to prepare this recipe.

• Is this salad healthy?

The salad offers a good balance of nutrients with corn providing fiber, Greek yogurt adding protein, and fresh herbs contributing vitamins and minerals, making it a relatively nutritious side dish.

Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Zesty Mexican street corn salad blends charred corn kernels with creamy mayo, tangy cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro. Lime juice and chili powder add bold southwestern flair that you’ll crave at summer gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 ears of corn, husked and kernels cut off (about 3 cups)
• 1 serrano or jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta or cotija cheese

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Cooking Ingredient:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Whisk Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy, creating a tangy dressing that will coat the corn with vibrant flavors.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Spread corn kernels in an even layer and cover with a lid, allowing them to char and develop a deep, smoky flavor for 3 minutes.
3. Stir the kernels and cover again, cooking for an additional 3 minutes until they develop golden-brown edges and a slightly caramelized texture. Listen for occasional popping sounds, which indicate the corn is perfectly charred.
4. Remove corn from heat and let cool for 5 minutes, allowing the kernels to stop sizzling and reach a comfortable temperature for mixing.
5. Gently fold the cooled corn into the prepared dressing, ensuring each kernel is evenly coated with the creamy, zesty mixture.
6. Incorporate chopped pepper, green onions, cilantro, and cheese into the corn, creating a colorful and textured salad that balances sweet, spicy, and tangy notes.
7. Garnish with additional cheese and fresh cilantro for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal before serving at room temperature.

Notes

• Customize the heat by adjusting chili powder to match your spice tolerance, from mild to fiery.
• Grill fresh corn on the cob instead of using skillet method for deeper smoky flavor and authentic street corn essence.
• Swap dairy ingredients with vegan alternatives like plant-based yogurt and cashew cheese for dairy-free version.
• Quick weeknight hack: Use frozen corn kernels when fresh corn isn’t available, ensuring same delicious taste and texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg