Mexican Street Corn Salad: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Introduction

Mexican Street Corn Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Combining grilled corn with a creamy, tangy dressing and a hint of spice, it captures the essence of classic Mexican street food in a fresh, easy-to-serve salad.

Ingredients

• 6 ears of fresh corn, husks and silk removed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and finely minced (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 lime, zested and juiced
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional garnishes: extra cotija cheese, cilantro, lime wedges, hot sauce

Instructions

1. Step 1: Shuck the corn, removing all husks and silk.
2. Step 2: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F or 190-200°C).
3. Step 3: Brush the corn lightly with olive oil.
4. Step 4: Place the corn directly on the grill grates. Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning every few minutes, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred.
5. Step 5: Pierce a kernel with a fork. It should be tender and release a milky juice. If it’s still hard, continue grilling for a few more minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove the corn from the grill and let it cool slightly before handling.
7. Step 7: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth.
8. Step 8: Stir in the crumbled cotija cheese. Reserve some for garnish later.
9. Step 9: Add the chopped fresh cilantro to the bowl.
10. Step 10: Add the minced jalapeño to the dressing. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
11. Step 11: Zest the lime directly into the bowl, followed by the lime juice.
12. Step 12: Stir in the chili powder and smoked paprika.
13. Step 13: Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
14. Step 14: Whisk all the ingredients together until well combined.
15. Step 15: For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
16. Step 16: Once the grilled corn has cooled slightly, hold each ear of corn upright and use a sharp knife to carefully cut the kernels off the cob.
17. Step 17: In a large bowl, combine the grilled corn kernels and the prepared dressing.
18. Step 18: Gently toss the corn and dressing together until the kernels are evenly coated.
19. Step 19: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed.
20. Step 20: For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
21. Step 21: Transfer the Mexican Street Corn Salad to a serving bowl or individual plates.
22. Step 22: Garnish with extra crumbled cotija cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, and lime wedges. You can also add a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Tips & Variations

• Use frozen corn kernels if fresh corn is not available; roast or sauté them before mixing with the dressing.
• Adjust the jalapeño quantity or substitute with mild peppers to control the spice level.
• Add diced avocado or cherry tomatoes for extra freshness and texture.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives and omit the cotija cheese or use a plant-based cheese.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a gentle stir and add fresh garnishes as desired. Reheating is not recommended since the salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad without a grill?

Yes, you can cook the corn kernels in a hot skillet or roast them in the oven until slightly charred. This method still gives great flavor if you don’t have access to a grill.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! The flavors develop nicely after resting in the refrigerator. Just keep the salad covered and garnish fresh before serving for the best taste and presentation.