Zesty Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe for Summer Fiestas

Crisp summer days call for a vibrant mexican street corn salad that bursts with flavor and color.

Sweet corn kernels dance with zesty lime and creamy cotija cheese in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Street vendors inspired this incredible recipe, blending traditional Mexican ingredients into a refreshing side.

You’ll love how simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinary.

Tangy cilantro and spicy chili powder add a delightful kick to every bite.

Creamy and crunchy textures play together in perfect harmony.

Invite friends over and watch this salad become the star of your next gathering.

Best Way to Store Corn Salad for Leftovers

• Store leftover Mexican Street Corn Salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping it fresh in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
• Keep dressing separate from salad until ready to serve to maintain crisp texture and prevent ingredients from becoming mushy.
• Warm the salad briefly in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning.
• For best taste and texture, enjoy the salad cold or at room temperature within 24 hours of preparation.

What to Pair with This Street Food-Inspired Dish

• Serve alongside juicy grilled chicken, smoky barbecue ribs, or zesty carne asada for a flavor-packed meal that highlights the corn salad's creamy, tangy profile.
• Pair with a cold Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or a bright, citrusy margarita to cut through the richness and enhance the salad's vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Add crispy tortilla chips or crusty bread on the side to provide a satisfying crunch that complements the soft, creamy texture of the corn salad.
• Serve alongside a light, zesty green salad or quick-pickled vegetables to add freshness and acidity that balances the corn salad's rich, bold seasonings.

Why Mexican Street Corn Salad Pops with Flavor

• This Mexican street corn salad takes just 15 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Easily transitions from summer barbecues to potlucks, complementing grilled meats, tacos, or standing alone as a delightful vegetarian option.
• Requires minimal culinary skills with straightforward steps like sautéing corn and mixing ingredients, allowing even novice cooks to create a restaurant-worthy dish.
• Combines smoky, charred corn with creamy, tangy dressing and zesty seasonings, delivering an authentic Mexican street food experience right at home.

What Ingredients Bring This Salad to Life

• Corn: Sweet and crisp base of the salad, provides a classic Mexican street corn flavor. Fresh corn on the cob is best, but frozen corn works well when patted dry.
• Butter: Adds rich, golden color and enhances corn's natural sweetness during cooking.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that binds the salad and adds rich texture.
• Sour Cream: Provides a tangy, cool counterpoint to the warm corn.
• Lime Juice: Bright, acidic element that brings freshness to the dish.

• Chili Powder: Authentic Mexican spice that adds warmth and depth.
• Cotija Cheese: Crumbly, salty Mexican cheese that adds traditional street corn flavor.
• Fresh Cilantro: Adds a bright, herbal note and classic Mexican garnish touch.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance overall flavor profile.

Mixing Up the Perfect Balance of Cream and Spice

Step 1: Prepare Corn Kernels

If using fresh corn, carefully slice kernels off the cob using a sharp knife. Hold the corn vertically on a cutting board and run the knife downward to remove kernels smoothly.

Step 2: Sizzle Corn to Perfection

Melt butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the butter to become golden and slightly foamy.

Step 3: Char and Caramelize

• Fresh corn kernels
• Pat dried corn if using frozen variety

Cook for 5-7 minutes, gently stirring occasionally. Watch for beautiful golden-brown edges and slight charring that brings out rich, smoky flavors.

Step 4: Enhance with Zesty Ingredients

• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Crumbled cotija cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Lime juice
• Chili powder

Step 5: Combine and Chill

Gently fold all ingredients together until well combined. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop. Serve cold or at room temperature as a vibrant side dish.

Tips for Roasted Corn That Stays Crisp

• Maximize Corn Flavor: Char the corn kernels in a hot skillet to develop deep, smoky notes that elevate the salad's taste profile.
• Perfect Kernel Cutting: Use a sharp knife and a large cutting board to carefully slice kernels off the cob, keeping them intact and preventing messy kernel scatter.
• Moisture Management: Pat frozen corn completely dry before cooking to ensure proper caramelization and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Temperature Control: Cook corn over medium-high heat to achieve golden edges without burning, stirring occasionally to promote even charring.
• Texture Tip: Allow corn to cool slightly before mixing with other ingredients to maintain crisp texture and prevent wilting of fresh components.

Variations That Take the Flavor Even Further

• Grilled Corn Delight: Swap skillet cooking for outdoor grilling, charring corn directly on the barbecue for a smoky flavor profile.
• Vegan Version: Replace butter with olive oil, use dairy-free mayo alternative, and add nutritional yeast for cheesy undertones.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute corn with cauliflower rice or chopped zucchini, maintaining the original seasonings and toppings.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Increase heat by adding diced jalapeños, chipotle powder, or hot sauce to create a more intense flavor experience.

Corn Salad FAQs That Might Surprise You

• How do I choose the best corn for this recipe?

Look for fresh, bright yellow corn with plump, tightly packed kernels. Avoid corn with dry or brown husks. If using fresh corn, choose ears that feel heavy and have green, moist husks.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the corn and mix the ingredients up to 1 day in advance. Keep the dressing separate and mix just before serving to maintain the crisp texture and prevent soggy corn.

• What type of cheese works best for Mexican Street Corn Salad?

Cotija cheese is traditional and provides the authentic flavor. If unavailable, you can substitute with feta cheese, which has a similar crumbly texture and tangy taste.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe can be mildly spicy depending on the amount of chili powder or cayenne you add. You can easily adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the spice according to your preference.

Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy, zesty Mexican street corn salad brings summer’s bold flavors to your table with a delightful twist. Fresh corn kernels dance with tangy cotija cheese, creating a simple yet irresistible side dish you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups (946 ml) fresh or frozen corn (about 5 ears of corn)
• ½ cup (120 ml) Cotija cheese (or feta, crumbled)
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream

Seasonings and Spices:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) chili powder
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) ground cumin
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) butter (or olive oil)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Carefully slice fresh corn kernels from the cob or prepare thawed frozen corn, patting dry to remove excess moisture.
2. Warm a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, melting butter until it shimmers and coats the pan’s surface.
3. Scatter corn across the skillet’s surface, allowing kernels to develop rich golden-brown edges and subtle charred spots, gently stirring every minute to ensure even caramelization.
4. Toast corn for approximately 5-7 minutes, listening for gentle sizzling sounds and watching for appealing color transformation, which indicates optimal flavor development.
5. Remove skillet from heat once corn achieves a vibrant, slightly smoky appearance, releasing an enticing roasted aroma that signals perfect caramelization.
6. Transfer roasted kernels to a mixing bowl, allowing them to cool slightly and prevent overcooking, which could diminish their natural sweetness and crisp texture.
7. Prepare remaining ingredients, ensuring they complement the corn’s robust, fire-kissed character and create a harmonious street-style salad experience.

Notes

• Swap fresh corn with frozen for convenience, ensuring kernels are thoroughly dried to achieve perfect caramelization.
• Maximize flavor by using a cast-iron skillet, which helps create deeper golden-brown edges on the corn.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing chili powder according to personal heat tolerance.
• Make the dish vegetarian-friendly by substituting butter with olive oil and using plant-based mayo for the dressing.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 80
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg