Description
If you're searching for a bold and irresistible side, this Mexican Street Corn Salad brings a taste of Mexico right into your kitchen. It’s a quick and easy recipe, perfect for weeknight dinners, summer BBQs, or whenever you're craving something zesty and creamy. Made with sweet charred corn, creamy mayo, tangy lime juice, and crumbled cotija cheese, it's a crowd-pleaser that fits a variety of food ideas—from quick lunch to healthy snacks or dinner ideas. This easy recipe is loaded with flavor and can be served warm or chilled. A must-have addition to your favorite breakfast ideas, taco nights, or potluck dishes!
Ingredients
4 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the corn by cutting fresh kernels off the cob or draining frozen/canned corn. Pat dry. Heat a skillet and char the corn for 5–7 minutes until slightly browned.
2. In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy.
3. Add the charred corn into the bowl and stir to coat it in the creamy dressing.
4. Fold in cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, chili powder, and jalapeño if using. Adjust salt, lime juice, or chili to taste.
5. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with more cotija, chili powder, and cilantro. Serve immediately or chill for later.
Notes
Make sure the corn is dry before charring to get that perfect roasted flavor.
Fresh lime juice gives the salad its signature tang—don’t use bottled if you can help it.
The salad is flexible: serve it warm, room temp, or chilled depending on the occasion.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Mexican street corn salad, elote salad, corn side dish, quick salad recipe, summer BBQ ideas