![- Fresh corn - Cherry tomatoes - Red onion - Cotija cheese (or feta) - Fresh cilantro Fresh corn is the star of this dish. You can use corn on the cob, which gives a great texture. You want the kernels to be sweet and juicy. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of color and flavor. I love using red onion for its mild taste. It adds crunch and a nice bite. Cotija cheese or feta brings saltiness and creaminess. Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbal note that ties everything together. - Mayonnaise - Greek yogurt (optional substitute) - Lime juice - Chili powder - Salt and pepper Mayonnaise gives a creamy base. You can swap it with Greek yogurt if you want a lighter option. Lime juice adds tang and freshness. Chili powder gives a hint of heat and smokiness. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. - Alternatives for corn - Dairy-free options - Spicy variations If you can't find fresh corn, canned or frozen corn works too. For dairy-free options, skip the cheese or use a nut-based cheese. Want more heat? Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Experimenting with ingredients makes this salad fun and personal. You can adjust it to your taste. - Grilling the corn Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Lay the husked corn directly on the grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes. Turn the corn occasionally to get nice char marks. This grilling brings out the sweet flavor of the corn. - Cutting the kernels After grilling, let the corn cool for a few minutes. Use a sharp knife to cut the kernels off the cob. Be careful as the corn can be hot. Transfer the kernels into a large mixing bowl. - Chopping vegetables Next, chop the cherry tomatoes in half. Finely chop the red onion. You can adjust the amount if you want more or less onion. The bright colors will make your salad pop! - Combining ingredients In the bowl with corn, add the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped red onion. Then, fold in the crumbled feta cheese. This adds a creamy texture to the salad. - Preparing the dressing In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until it’s smooth. This dressing gives your salad a tangy kick. - Tossing everything together Pour the dressing over the corn mixture. Gently toss everything together. Make sure the dressing coats all the ingredients well. - Adjusting flavors Finally, fold in the fresh cilantro. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or chili powder for extra flavor. Enjoy your fresh and colorful Mexican Street Corn Salad! For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. - How to achieve perfect grilled corn Start by soaking your corn in water for 30 minutes. This keeps it moist while grilling. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the corn for about 10-12 minutes, turning often. Look for nice char marks. This adds great flavor. - Choosing the right cheese For a classic taste, use cotija cheese. It has a salty, crumbly texture. Feta cheese is a great substitute. Both add creaminess and flavor to the salad. Choose fresh cheese for the best taste. - Importance of fresh ingredients Fresh ingredients make the salad pop. Use sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes. Choose bright green cilantro and firm corn. Freshness will enhance every bite and keep your salad vibrant. - Adding heat: spices to consider To spice things up, consider adding cayenne pepper. It gives a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors. You can also try smoked paprika for a subtle smokiness. Adjust the amount based on your taste. - Including fruits or nuts for texture For added crunch, toss in some chopped nuts like pine nuts or walnuts. They provide a nice contrast to the creamy cheese. You can also add diced avocado or mango for a sweet twist. These additions make the salad even more exciting. - Ideal pairings with other dishes This salad pairs well with grilled meats like chicken or shrimp. It also complements tacos and quesadillas. Serve it at summer barbecues or picnics for a crowd-pleaser. - Serving presentation tips For a beautiful display, use a large, shallow bowl. Layer the salad ingredients neatly. Garnish with extra cilantro and a sprinkle of cheese on top. A lime wedge on the side adds a pop of color and freshness. For the complete recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. Enjoy making this dish! {{image_2}} To make Mexican street corn salad even more exciting, you can add regional twists. In traditional Mexican recipes, lime zest brings a bright flavor. This adds a zesty kick that brightens the salad. You can also try adding diced jalapeños for some heat. Southwestern-inspired variations often include black beans or avocado. These ingredients give a creamy texture and a hearty feel to the dish. You can easily adjust this salad for different diets. For a vegan or vegetarian version, replace the cheese with avocado or a dairy-free cheese. Use vegan mayonnaise for the dressing too. If you need gluten-free options, rest assured this salad is naturally gluten-free. Just check your mayo and yogurt brands to ensure they are gluten-free. Using seasonal produce can make this salad shine. In summer, fresh corn is at its best, giving you sweet and juicy kernels. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or mint for a refreshing twist. In winter, consider using ingredients like roasted butternut squash. This adds warmth and depth to the flavors. You can adapt the spices too, using warm spices like cumin or smoked paprika for a cozy feel. For the full recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. To keep your Mexican Street Corn Salad fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. If you have a large batch, divide it into smaller portions. This way, you can grab just what you need. Make sure to cool the salad to room temperature first. This helps prevent moisture build-up inside the container. In the fridge, this salad lasts about 3 to 5 days. Keep an eye on the toppings, especially the tomatoes and feta. If you see any mold or if the salad smells off, it’s best to toss it. Freshness is key for a great taste. If you want to serve the salad warm, use the stovetop. Heat it gently in a skillet over low heat. Stir often to avoid burning. You can also serve it cold or at room temperature for a refreshing bite. Just remember to mix it well before serving to get that yummy flavor throughout. What is Mexican Street Corn Salad? Mexican Street Corn Salad is a fresh and tasty dish. It combines grilled corn with other ingredients. You have tomatoes, onion, and cheese. A creamy dressing with lime and spices brings it all together. This salad is a fun twist on traditional elote. Can I make this salad a day ahead? Yes, you can make this salad a day ahead. The flavors will blend together nicely overnight. Just store it in the fridge in a sealed container. The salad stays fresh and tasty for up to 24 hours. Is grilling necessary for the corn? Grilling the corn adds a smoky flavor. However, you do not have to grill it. You can boil or roast the corn instead. Grilling gives that authentic street food taste, but any method works. What can I substitute for cotija cheese? If you cannot find cotija cheese, feta works well. It has a similar salty taste and crumbly texture. You can also use goat cheese for a different flavor. Just remember that each cheese brings its own twist to the dish. Can I use frozen corn? Yes, frozen corn is a great option. Just thaw and drain it before using. It saves time and still tastes good. However, fresh corn gives the best flavor and texture if available. Is this salad healthy? Yes, this salad is healthy. It has fresh vegetables and protein from cheese. The corn adds fiber and nutrients. The dressing is light, making it a good option as a side dish. Caloric content and serving sizes This salad has about 150 calories per serving. One serving is roughly a cup. The recipe serves six, so it's great for sharing. Adjust the serving size as needed for your meal. This blog post covered how to make a delicious Mexican Street Corn Salad. We explored key ingredients like fresh corn and Cotija cheese. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for perfecting your dish, and variations to suit different tastes. Remember, fresh ingredients matter most. Enjoy making this salad your own. It can be a delightful addition to any meal. You now have the tools to create a dish that everyone will love. Happy cooking!](https://itssoupy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/d6d95e96-6c2e-43bc-b0a0-e00ba4fa411b-250x250.webp)
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Discover the delightful flavors of Mexican Street Corn Salad in this easy recipe! With fresh grilled corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a creamy dressing, this vibrant dish is perfect for any gathering. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a burst of taste that celebrates summer. Get ready to impress your friends and family—click through to explore the full recipe and bring this refreshing salad to your table today!