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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