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Mexican Street Corn Salad
grace bellamy

Easy and Zesty Mexican Street Corn Salad Perfect for Summer!

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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 ears fresh corn
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup mayonnaise or vegan mayo
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice
  • ¼ cup chopped scallions
  • ½ cup Cotija cheese or feta cheese
  • ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or chili powder
  • 1 jalapeño pepper diced
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

Serving: 1cupCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 5gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3g

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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