Zesty Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe

Festive Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe: Zesty Summer Joy!

Corn dances with vibrant flavors in this mouthwatering mexican street corn salad that captures the essence of street food magic.

Bold spices and fresh ingredients come together in a symphony of taste.

Each bite bursts with creamy, tangy notes that transport you to a bustling Mexican marketplace.

The combination of charred corn, zesty lime, and crumbled cheese creates an irresistible blend of textures and flavors.

Crisp and colorful, this salad brings summer to your plate in moments.

Summer gatherings will never be the same once you serve this spectacular dish that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Dive into a culinary adventure that celebrates the heart of Mexican street cuisine.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 7

All You Need For Mexican Street Corn Salad

For Base Ingredients:
  • Corn: Sweet, plump kernels are the star, bringing summer's golden charm and smoky roasted flavor to the salad.
  • Butter: Adds rich, velvety depth and helps create beautiful caramelization on corn kernels.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Lime Juice: Bright, zesty citrus that cuts through richness and adds vibrant Mexican-inspired tang.
  • Chili Powder: Warm, spicy kick that delivers authentic street food character.
  • Cilantro: Fresh, herbaceous herb that brings authentic Mexican street corn essence.
  • Green Onions: Mild, sharp onion notes that provide crisp texture and subtle bite.
  • Cotija Cheese: Crumbly, salty Mexican cheese that delivers characteristic tangy punch.
For Creamy Binders:
  • Mayonnaise: Silky, creamy base that helps ingredients cling together and adds luxurious texture.
  • Sour Cream: Tangy, smooth element that balances spice and provides subtle richness.

Tools To Make Mexican Street Corn Salad

  • Large skillet: Perfect for getting those golden, charred corn kernels just right.
  • Sharp knife: Essential for cutting corn kernels cleanly off the cob.
  • Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for slicing corn.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring corn while it cooks.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add butter and seasonings.

Steps To Prepare Mexican Street Corn Salad

  • Fire Up the Skillet Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it sizzles and dances.
  • Transform Corn into Golden Delights Add corn kernels to the hot skillet, letting them sizzle and caramelize. Stir occasionally, allowing each kernel to develop a beautiful golden-brown color and slightly charred edges. Cook for 5-7 minutes, creating a rich, smoky flavor that'll make your taste buds sing.
  • Prepare Flavor Boosters While corn is cooking, chop fresh cilantro, crumble cotija cheese, and slice green onions to add vibrant texture and zesty excitement to your dish.
  • Mix and Marinate Combine the golden corn with mayo, lime juice, chili powder, and a sprinkle of salt. Toss gently to coat every kernel with creamy, tangy goodness.
  • Garnish and Serve Sprinkle crumbled cotija, chopped cilantro, and green onions over the top. Give a final squeeze of fresh lime for a burst of brightness that'll make this street corn salad absolutely irresistible.

Tips To Add Flavor To Mexican Street Corn Salad

  • Char Master Technique: Get that authentic street corn flavor by using a cast-iron skillet or grill pan to create deep golden-brown corn kernels with beautiful caramelized edges.
  • Freshness Matters: Always choose the sweetest summer corn when in season for maximum flavor; if using frozen corn, ensure it's completely dry to achieve proper caramelization.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap traditional butter with olive oil and use vegan mayo for a plant-based version that maintains the creamy, tangy profile of the original recipe.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by reducing or increasing chili powder and adding fresh jalapeños for those who love extra kick; for milder palates, use just a light sprinkle of spice.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: This salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, allowing flavors to meld together, making it perfect for meal prep or potluck gatherings.

Ways To Serve Mexican Street Corn Salad Right

  • Festive Fiesta Plating: Serve this vibrant salad in a colorful ceramic bowl to showcase its bright colors and textures, making it a stunning centerpiece for summer gatherings.
  • Protein Power-Up: Top the corn salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans to transform it into a complete and satisfying main course that's perfect for lunch or dinner.
  • Crunch and Fresh Twist: Sprinkle extra cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime just before serving to enhance the flavors and add a zesty, crisp element that elevates the entire dish.
  • Versatile Side Companion: Pair this Mexican street corn salad alongside grilled meats, tacos, enchiladas, or as a delicious accompaniment to your favorite barbecue dishes for an authentic and crowd-pleasing experience.

How To Keep Mexican Street Corn Salad Fresh

  • Quick Cooling Strategy: Let the corn salad cool to room temperature within 30 minutes after preparation to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
  • Refrigeration Technique: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the ingredients crisp and fresh.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the corn mixture a day in advance to allow flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste profile of the salad.
  • Serving Temperature Tip: Enjoy the Mexican street corn salad chilled or at room temperature for the most vibrant and enjoyable eating experience.
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Zesty Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe

Zesty Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe


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4.5 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Creamy Mexican street corn salad blends roasted corn, tangy cotija cheese, and zesty lime dressing for a quick summer side dish. Loaded with fresh herbs and spices, you’ll crave this crowd-pleasing salad at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups/960 ml fresh or frozen corn
  • ½ cup/120 ml cotija cheese
  • ⅓ cup/80 ml mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup/60 ml sour cream
  • 2 tbsps/30 ml butter
  • ¼ cup/60 ml fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tbsps/30 ml fresh lime juice
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Kernel Preparation: Skillfully extract corn kernels from cobs using a sharp chef’s knife, cutting close to the core with precision and minimal waste.
  2. Butter Foundation: Melt butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, creating a luxurious golden base for the corn’s transformation.
  3. Roasting Technique: Spread corn kernels evenly across the pan, allowing each piece to caramelize and develop a rich, intensely flavored exterior through gentle manipulation with a wooden spatula.
  4. Flavor Development: Roast for 5-7 minutes, attentively monitoring the kernels’ color progression and listening for subtle popping sounds that signal optimal caramelization.
  5. Final Touch: Remove from heat when kernels showcase a perfect golden-brown complexion with slight crispness, ensuring a vibrant, deeply flavored corn dish without any burnt undertones.

Notes

  • Corn Cutting Technique: Use a sharp chef’s knife and cut downward along the cob’s core to prevent messy kernel scatter and ensure clean, precise removal.
  • Caramelization Control: Spread corn kernels in a single layer without overcrowding the skillet to achieve maximum golden-brown color and develop deep, rich flavor profiles.
  • Heat Management: Maintain medium-high temperature and stir kernels frequently to prevent burning while creating even caramelization across all corn pieces.
  • Roasting Precision: Watch for subtle popping sounds and golden-brown edges as key indicators of perfectly roasted corn, removing from heat immediately to preserve texture and prevent bitter charring.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 280 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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