As the summer sun casts long shadows and the sweet scent of corn fills the air, I find myself craving something bright and refreshing. That’s when I reach for this Mexican Street Corn Salad, a vibrant dish that captures the essence of those warm days and outdoor gatherings. Inspired by traditional elotes, this salad not only brings a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor profile to your table but also embraces the joy of easy, make-ahead cooking.
Picture this: you’re hosting a BBQ, the grill is sizzling, and you need a side that will impress without keeping you chained to the kitchen. This salad, with its burst of colors and textures, not only showcases the season’s sweetest corn but is also a hit among everyone—vegetarians or not! The perfect balance of flavors makes it a delightful addition to any plate, whether you serve it at a casual cookout or a refined dinner gathering. Let’s dive into this creamy and spicy summer delight that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection!
Why is Mexican Street Corn Salad a must-try?
Bright and Flavorful: This salad bursts with the vibrant flavors of summer, showcasing sweet corn and zesty lime.
Easy Preparation: With simple grilling and mixing steps, you can whip this up in no time!
Make-Ahead Magic: Perfectly designed for busy days, this dish can be made hours in advance, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
Crowd-Pleaser: Sure to impress guests, even those who aren’t vegetarian, it fits perfectly alongside BBQ sandwiches or veggie burgers.
Versatile Options: Switch up the cheese or add ingredients like avocado for a fresh twist! You might also enjoy exploring our other make-ahead side dishes.
Mexican Street Corn Salad Ingredients
For the Salad
• Fresh Corn (4 ears) – Provides sweetness and crunch; use seasonal corn for optimal flavor.
• Extra-virgin Olive Oil – Ideal for brushing the corn, adding richness while grilling.
• Mayo (1½ tablespoons) – Adds creaminess; use vegan mayo for a plant-based version.
• Garlic (1 clove, minced) – Enhances overall depth and flavor in the salad.
• Lime Zest and Juice (1 lime) – Offers brightness and acidity to balance the richness of flavors.
• Chopped Scallions (⅓ cup) – Contributes a mild onion flavor and freshness.
• Cotija Cheese (¼ cup, crumbled) – Adds saltiness and creaminess; feta can be substituted if preferred.
• Fresh Cilantro (¼ cup, finely chopped) – Imparts herbal notes; can be omitted for those who dislike cilantro.
• Smoked Paprika (¼ teaspoon) – Provides a hint of smokiness; chili powder can be a spicy substitute.
• Jalapeño Pepper (1, diced) – Adds a spicy kick; consider roasting along with corn for added flavor.
• Sea Salt (¼ teaspoon) – Enhances all flavors; adjust to taste for the perfect balance.
This Mexican Street Corn Salad is simply irresistible and a perfect summer side!
How to Make Mexican Street Corn Salad
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Preheat Grill: Start by setting your grill to medium-high heat. This high heat is essential to get that delicious char on the corn, which enhances the salad’s flavor.
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Brush Corn: Take your fresh corn and evenly brush it with extra-virgin olive oil. This step not only adds richness but helps the corn achieve a golden char while grilling.
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Grill Corn: Place the corn on the grill and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until it is nicely charred. You want that beautiful golden-brown color to develop for the best taste.
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Mix Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayo, minced garlic, lime zest, and lime juice. Stir these ingredients together until they’re well blended and creamy. This will be your delicious dressing!
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Cut Corn: Once the corn is grilled, allow it to cool slightly. Then, cut the kernels off the cob and add them to the bowl with your dressing. Make sure to scrape off all the delicious charred bits.
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Combine Salad: Gently fold in the chopped scallions, crumbled Cotija cheese, cilantro, smoked paprika, diced jalapeño, and sea salt. Mix until everything is evenly coated and the flavors are beautifully combined.
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Serve or Chill: You can serve the salad immediately for a fresh crunch or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to meld the flavors further—both ways are delicious!
Optional: Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges for a fresh finishing touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Mexican Street Corn Salad Variations
Feel free to sprinkle your creativity into this recipe, enhancing the flavors and textures as you wish!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute Cotija cheese with a vegan feta or omit it altogether for a lighter, plant-based option.
Creaminess can still be achieved with avocado, giving it a beautiful richness. -
Avocado Addition: Dice a ripe avocado and fold it in for an extra creamy texture that’ll take your salad to the next level.
Its buttery flavor seamlessly complements the fresh corn and spices. -
Flavorful Greens: Toss in some fresh spinach or arugula for an earthy twist that boosts nutrition.
These greens lend a lovely pop of color, making the salad even more visually appealing! -
Zesty Lime Boost: Increase lime juice and zest for an extra zing! A more pronounced citrus flavor brightens up every bite.
Plus, it beautifully balances the richness of the mayo and cheese. -
Add Sweetness: Incorporate diced cherry tomatoes for a burst of natural sweetness and freshness.
This addition not only elevates the flavor but also adds vibrant color to the salad. -
Spicy Kick: Add more diced jalapeños or even a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for an added heat level.
For an unexpected twist, consider roasting the jalapeños for a deeper, smokier flavor that tantalizes the taste buds. -
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle in some toasted pepitas or sunflower seeds for a delightful crunch.
The nutty flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy elements of the salad, making each bite a new experience. -
BBQ Infusion: Add a hint of BBQ sauce to the dressing for a smoky, tangy twist.
This fusion introduces a whole new dimension to the traditional flavors while remaining a summer favorite.
Make Ahead Options
This Mexican Street Corn Salad is fantastic for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy vibrant flavors with minimal last-minute effort! You can grill the corn and prepare the dressing up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate them separately to maintain their quality. For optimal taste, cut the grilled corn off the cob and store in an airtight container, while the dressing can be kept in another container. When you’re ready to serve, combine the corn with the dressing, scallions, Cotija cheese, cilantro, smoked paprika, and jalapeño. This way, your salad remains just as delicious as when freshly made, and you save precious time on busy weeknights!
How to Store and Freeze Mexican Street Corn Salad
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Fridge: Store the Mexican Street Corn Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will help keep the flavors fresh while allowing the ingredients to meld.
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Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze the salad as the texture of the fresh ingredients, particularly the corn and jalapeño, may become mushy once thawed.
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Reheating: If you prefer to enjoy leftovers warm, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Make-Ahead: The salad can be made a few hours in advance. Just keep it chilled until serving time for the best taste!
Expert Tips for Mexican Street Corn Salad
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Choose Fresh Corn: Opt for peak-season corn for maximum sweetness and crunch. Fresh corn makes all the difference in flavor and texture.
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Perfectly Charred Corn: Grill until just beginning to char for enhanced smoky flavor. Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.
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Cooling Time: Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
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Spice It Up: Customize the heat by adjusting the jalapeño amount or roasting it alongside the corn to deepen its flavor.
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Dressing Balance: Adjust mayo and lime juice to taste. Ensuring a good balance between creaminess and acidity is key for a delightful Mexican street corn salad.
What to Serve with Mexican Street Corn Salad?
Picture your next summer gathering, where flavors dance together and laughter fills the air, all anchored by a delightful mix of textures and tastes.
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BBQ Ribs: The smoky, savory flavors of BBQ ribs contrast beautifully with the creamy corn salad, creating a mouth-watering combination.
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Veggie Burgers: A vibrant, vegetarian twist on the classic, these burgers pair perfectly alongside the refreshing, crunchy elements of the salad.
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Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy, marinated chicken complemented by the salad’s bright lime flavor makes for a satisfying meal everyone will enjoy.
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Watermelon Feta Salad: The sweet and salty explosion of this dish provides a refreshing balance, harmonizing perfectly with the spiciness of your corn salad.
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Chilled Rosé Wine: A glass of chilled rosé elevates the flavors, with its crisp notes pairing beautifully with the salad’s creamy richness.
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Fruit Sorbet: End your meal on a sweet note with fruity sorbet, offering a light and refreshing dessert that cleanses the palate beautifully.
Add these pairings to your table for a feast that’s both satisfying and unforgettable!
Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best corn for this dish?
Absolutely! When choosing fresh corn, look for ears with bright green husks and plump, moist kernels. The silk should be slightly sticky, indicating freshness, while the kernels should be tightly packed and free from dark spots or blemishes. Seasonal corn is your best bet for optimal sweetness and crunch!
How should I store Mexican Street Corn Salad?
Very important! Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will help maintain freshness while allowing the delicious flavors to meld together. If it’s too cluttered, you can also cover it tightly with plastic wrap.
Can I freeze Mexican Street Corn Salad?
No, it’s not recommended to freeze this salad. Freezing can lead to a mushy texture in the fresh ingredients like corn and jalapeño when thawed. Instead, enjoy it fresh or make it a few hours ahead of time, storing it chilled until ready to serve.
How can I make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! To make Mexican Street Corn Salad vegan, simply swap the regular mayo for a vegan version. You can also omit the Cotija cheese or replace it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. This way, you can still enjoy the same deliciousness while adhering to a plant-based diet!
What can I do if my salad is too spicy?
If you find the salad to be a bit too spicy due to the jalapeño, don’t worry! You can balance the heat by adding more creamy mayo or a dash of sugar to counteract the spiciness. Alternatively, consider mixing in additional corn or even diced avocado for creaminess and a cooling effect. Adjusting the ingredients is key to achieving the perfect taste!
How can I add more flavor to my salad?
To really elevate the flavors, try roasting the jalapeño alongside the corn on the grill. This method deepens its flavor and adds a wonderful smokiness. Additionally, you can sprinkle some extra lime juice or smoked paprika just before serving for an extra zing that will have everyone asking for more!
Mexican Street Corn Salad: A Flavorful Twist on Elotes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat Grill: Start by setting your grill to medium-high heat. This high heat is essential to get that delicious char on the corn, which enhances the salad's flavor.
- Brush Corn: Take your fresh corn and evenly brush it with extra-virgin olive oil. This step not only adds richness but helps the corn achieve a golden char while grilling.
- Grill Corn: Place the corn on the grill and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until it is nicely charred. You want that beautiful golden-brown color to develop for the best taste.
- Mix Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayo, minced garlic, lime zest, and lime juice. Stir these ingredients together until they’re well blended and creamy. This will be your delicious dressing!
- Cut Corn: Once the corn is grilled, allow it to cool slightly. Then, cut the kernels off the cob and add them to the bowl with your dressing. Make sure to scrape off all the delicious charred bits.
- Combine Salad: Gently fold in the chopped scallions, crumbled Cotija cheese, cilantro, smoked paprika, diced jalapeño, and sea salt. Mix until everything is evenly coated and the flavors are beautifully combined.
- Serve or Chill: You can serve the salad immediately for a fresh crunch or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to meld the flavors further—both ways are delicious!