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I still remember the first time I tasted Mexican street corn salad—a vibrant fusion of flavors that whisked me straight to the bustling streets of Mexico. It was a sweltering summer day, and my friends and I gathered for a picnic, with blankets sprawled out and laughter echoing in the air. That salad was the star of the spread, its creamy texture, zesty lime, and smoky warmth dancing together in perfect harmony.
Now, I’ve taken that delightful essence and transformed it into an easy-to-make dish that captures all the magic of those sunny days. My Easy & Creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad has everything you crave for the perfect summer side—a delightful blend of fresh corn, tangy lime, and just the right kick of jalapeño. What really makes this recipe special, though, is its versatility. Whether you’re gearing up for a barbecue or a casual weeknight dinner, this salad can easily fit in or stand out as a delightfully creamy centerpiece. And it's a wonderful option for those looking for a vegan twist. Trust me, this flavorful dish is bound to please everyone around the table!
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why is Mexican Street Corn Salad a Must-Try?
Vibrant, Fresh Ingredients: The use of fresh corn and vibrant herbs makes this salad a true showstopper at any gathering.
Creamy Delight: A light yet creamy dressing enhances the flavors without overpowering them, making each bite irresistible.
Spicy Kick: With the addition of jalapeño, this dish brings a delightful heat that elevates the experience.
Versatile Side: Perfect as a side for BBQs or a light main dish, it complements a variety of meals. Looking for more tasty inspirations? Check out this Mexican Street Corn Dip for a similar zest!
Simple Preparation: With minimal cooking and fresh ingredients, it's quick to whip up for any occasion.
Mexican Street Corn Salad Ingredients
Discover the fresh components of this delicious salad!
For the Salad
• Fresh Corn – The star of this dish, offering sweetness and crunch.
• Extra-virgin olive oil – Necessary for grilling corn, enhancing flavor while preventing sticking.
• Mayonnaise (or vegan mayo) – Provides the creamy base of the dressing; choose vegan mayo for a dairy-free option.
• Garlic Clove – Infuses the dressing with savory depth and richness.
• Lime Zest and Juice – Brightens the overall taste; adjust lime quantities to match your personal preference.
• Chopped Scallions – Adds a subtle onion flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
• Cotija Cheese (or feta cheese) – Delivers a salty, tangy profile; for a vegan alternative, feel free to omit or use vegan feta.
• Finely Chopped Fresh Cilantro – This herb adds a fresh, aromatic touch to the salad.
• Smoked Paprika (or chili powder) – Adds a smoky warmth or spiciness that elevates every bite.
• Jalapeño pepper, diced – Infuses heat; roasting it with corn can mellow its flavor.
• Sea Salt – Essential for seasoning and balancing the other components.
Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Mexican Street Corn Salad
Preheat the Grill: Start by heating your grill to medium-high. This ensures the corn gets those perfect grill marks and a delicious smoky flavor.
Prepare the Corn: Brush the fresh corn with extra-virgin olive oil. Grill it, turning occasionally, until it’s beautifully charred and has grill marks, about 2 minutes per side.
Mix the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, lime zest, and lime juice. Whisk until smooth, making a creamy dressing to perfectly coat the salad.
Cut the Corn Kernels: Once the corn is grilled and cooled slightly, cut the kernels off the cob. Add the corn and chopped scallions to the bowl with the mayo mixture.
Stir and Add Cheese: Gently stir to coat the corn and scallions with the dressing. Then fold in the Cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, smoked paprika, diced jalapeño, and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Season and Serve: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can serve it immediately or chill it in the fridge to enhance the flavors even more!
Optional: Top with extra cilantro or a sprinkle of chili powder for added color and zest.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
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How to Store and Freeze Mexican Street Corn Salad
Fridge: Store any leftover Mexican street corn salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier on day two!
Freezer: While freezing is not recommended due to the texture of fresh corn and creamy ingredients, you can freeze any leftover dressing separately for up to 1 month.
Reheating: If serving chilled leftovers, give the salad a gentle stir before serving. If the salad has been in the fridge, enjoy it directly as a refreshing treat!
Mexican Street Corn Salad Variations
Feeling adventurous? You can easily customize this salad to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs!
- Vegan Twist: Substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo for a creamy, dairy-free delight that everyone can enjoy.
- Colorful Zest: Add diced red bell pepper for an extra pop of color and sweetness that complements the corn beautifully.
- Frozen Corn: If fresh corn isn’t an option, opt for frozen corn—simply roast it in the oven at 425°F for about 20 minutes for a smoky flavor.
- Cheesy Flavor: Replace Cotija cheese with feta for a tangy twist, or try a vegan feta for a delightful dairy-free alternative.
- Citrusy Brightness: Use lemon juice in place of lime for a slightly different citrus kick that pairs well with the other ingredients.
- Spicy Kick: For more heat, add extra diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to amp up the spice level.
- Herb Swap: Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or dill instead of cilantro for a different herbal note.
- Crunchy Texture: Toss in some toasted corn nuts or sunflower seeds for added crunch—every bite will be a burst of flavor and texture!
What to Serve with Mexican Street Corn Salad?
When you’re ready to bring a burst of fresh flavors to your table, consider these delightful pairings to create a memorable summer meal.
Veggie Burgers: Their hearty texture complements the creamy salad beautifully while offering a satisfying bite. Try pairing with a tangy sauce to enhance the flavor combination.
Grilled Chicken Tacos: The smoky char from the tacos harmonizes with the zesty corn salad, making it an irresistible duo for a Mexican-inspired feast.
Quinoa or Rice Bowl: Serve it on a bed of fluffy quinoa or cilantro lime rice for a refreshing and filling meal. Top with guacamole and a sprinkle of feta for extra flavor.
Black Bean Quesadillas: The creamy filling pairs wonderfully with the sharp heat of jalapeño in the salad, creating a satisfying bite that echoes summer vibes.
Chilled Rosé Wine: A glass of chilled rosé complements the bright flavors of the salad, making each sip a refreshing experience.
Mango Salsa: The sweetness of diced mango mixed with lime and cilantro adds a tropical twist that contrasts delightfully with the spicy elements of the salad.
With these suggestions, your Mexican Street Corn Salad will shine as part of a beautifully balanced meal!
Expert Tips for Mexican Street Corn Salad
• Corn Selection: Choose fresh, sweet corn for the best flavor. If fresh isn’t available, frozen roasted corn works too.
• Adjusting Creaminess: For a lighter salad, start with less mayo and add gradually until desired creaminess is achieved.
• Jalapeño Heat: Roast the jalapeño to mellow its flavor. Start with a small amount to gauge heat preferences.
• Flavor Fusion: Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes allows the ingredients to meld, enhancing the flavors before serving.
• Garnishing: Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or extra cilantro on top for a beautiful presentation and flavor boost.
Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe FAQs
What are the ingredients for Mexican corn salad?
Absolutely! The ingredients for Mexican street corn salad include fresh corn, extra-virgin olive oil, mayonnaise (or vegan mayo), garlic, lime zest and juice, chopped scallions, Cotija cheese (or vegan alternative), fresh cilantro, smoked paprika, diced jalapeño, and sea salt. These vibrant components create a delightful blend of flavors that are perfect for summer gatherings.
Is Mexican street corn salad served cold or warm?
This salad can be enjoyed both ways! While it is commonly served chilled, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, you can also serve it warm right after mixing. It’s delicious at any temperature, but I often recommend chilling it for at least 30 minutes to intensify the flavors.
How long can you store Mexican street corn salad?
You can store leftover Mexican street corn salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day! Just give it a gentle stir before serving to reinvigorate the ingredients.
Can you freeze Mexican street corn salad?
Freezing the entire salad is not recommended because the fresh corn and creamy dressing may change in texture. However, if you have leftover dressing, you can freeze it separately for up to 1 month. To use, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and stir it back into your salad before serving.
What goes with Mexican street corn salad?
Very! This salad pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside BBQ items like veggie burgers, black bean burgers, or grilled portobello mushrooms. It also complements a Mexican-themed dinner perfectly, adding a zesty and creamy element that enhances your whole meal.
Does Mexican corn have mayo?
Yes, traditional Mexican street corn salad often includes mayonnaise as the base for the creamy dressing. For a vegan option, you can easily substitute with vegan mayo, providing the same delightful creaminess without the dairy.
Easy and Zesty Mexican Street Corn Salad Perfect for Summer!
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the Grill: Start by heating your grill to medium-high. This ensures the corn gets those perfect grill marks and a delicious smoky flavor.
- Prepare the Corn: Brush the fresh corn with extra-virgin olive oil. Grill it, turning occasionally, until it’s beautifully charred and has grill marks, about 2 minutes per side.
- Mix the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, lime zest, and lime juice. Whisk until smooth, making a creamy dressing to perfectly coat the salad.
- Cut the Corn Kernels: Once the corn is grilled and cooled slightly, cut the kernels off the cob. Add the corn and chopped scallions to the bowl with the mayo mixture.
- Stir and Add Cheese: Gently stir to coat the corn and scallions with the dressing. Then fold in the Cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, smoked paprika, diced jalapeño, and a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Season and Serve: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can serve it immediately or chill it in the fridge to enhance the flavors even more!
Nutrition
Notes
- Choose fresh, sweet corn for the best flavor. If fresh isn’t available, frozen roasted corn works too.
- For a lighter salad, start with less mayo and add gradually until desired creaminess is achieved.
- Roast the jalapeño to mellow its flavor. Start with a small amount to gauge heat preferences.
- Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes allows the ingredients to meld, enhancing the flavors before serving.
- Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or extra cilantro on top for a beautiful presentation and flavor boost.
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