Mexican Street Corn Salad: A Flavorful Delight You’ll Love

There’s something irresistibly delightful about Mexican Street Corn Salad that draws people in from the very first bite. This vibrant dish, showcasing sweet corn, zesty lime, and creamy goodness, captures the essence of summer evenings and outdoor gatherings. Whether you’re enjoying it at a festive backyard barbecue or simply craving a burst of flavor, this salad is sure to impress.
Moreover, the combination of fresh ingredients makes it not only delicious but also a colorful addition to any meal. Easily customizable, this corn-based salad serves as a refreshing side or a standalone dish, providing a taste of Mexico in every spoonful. Embrace the sunshine and bring this exciting street food classic to your table!
Why You’ll Love This Corn Salad:
If you’re searching for a refreshing side dish that bursts with flavor, look no further than this vibrant Mexican Street Corn Salad. This delightful recipe masterfully combines sweet corn, fresh herbs, and zesty spices, creating a harmonious blend that’s perfect for any gathering. What truly sets this dish apart is its luscious topping of tangy crema and cotija cheese, reminiscent of your favorite street cart delicacy but made fresh at home.
Moreover, this corn salad is incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats and complements summer barbecues. For a complete meal, you might also enjoy it alongside a scrumptious side like the Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or simply enjoying it for lunch, this Mexican Street Corn Salad is sure to impress with its rich flavors and vibrant colors. Dive in and experience the taste of summer, no matter the season!

Ingredients for Mexican Street Corn Salad:
Experience the vibrant flavors of summer with this delicious Mexican Street Corn Salad. Bold and refreshing, this dish highlights sweet corn, tangy cheese, and zesty spices. Here’s what you need to create this delightful salad:
Ingredient | Amount |
---|
Corn (shucked) | 4 ears |
Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
Mayonnaise | 1/4 cup |
Sour cream | 1/4 cup |
Cotija cheese (crumbled) | 1/2 cup |
Garlic (minced) | 1 clove |
Smoked paprika | 1/4 teaspoon |
Chili powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
Ground cumin | 1/4 teaspoon |
Fresh cilantro (chopped) | 1/4 cup |
Lime juice | Juice of 1 lime |
Salt and pepper | To taste |
Jalapeño (seeded & diced) Optional | 1 small |
This invigorating recipe mirrors the essence of street fairs. For a fantastic pairing, try it alongside a delightful street corn chicken taco. The contrasting textures and flavors will elevate any meal, making it memorable.
Gather these ingredients, and get ready to savor an authentic taste of Mexico right at home!
How to Prepare Mexican Street Corn Salad:
To create a vibrant Mexican Street Corn Salad, start by grilling the shucked corn on medium-high heat until it’s tender and charred, roughly 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally. Once done, allow the corn to cool slightly before cutting the kernels off the cob. In a large mixing bowl, combine the grilled corn with olive oil, mayonnaise, sour cream, and Cotija cheese. Next, stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and optional diced jalapeño for a spicy kick. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve this delightful salad chilled or at room temperature. For an additional twist, explore this best Mexican corn salad recipe, which offers further inspiration.
Serving Suggestions for Mexican Street Corn Salad:
Mexican Street Corn Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that can shine in numerous meal contexts. For a delightful summer gathering, serve it as a side alongside grilled meats. The crunchy texture and zesty dressing complement barbecued chicken or shrimp beautifully. Alternatively, it can stand alone as a light lunch or appetizer. Pair it with crispy tortilla chips or fresh corn tortillas for a casual snack!
For a creative twist, consider incorporating this salad into a wrap. You can use it as a filling in avocados, creating a nutritious dish that bursts with flavor. Likewise, this corn salad pairs wonderfully with hearty meals, enhancing your grilling experience, shown in recipes like our popular Smash Burger Taco. Whichever way you choose to enjoy it, this Mexican-inspired dish elevates every dining experience!
Storage Tips for Mexican Street Corn Salad:
Storing your Mexican Street Corn Salad properly ensures its flavors remain vibrant and fresh. First, keep it in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps the ingredients crisp. Ideally, consume the salad within 2 to 3 days for optimal taste. If you’ve mixed the salad with dressings, consider storing the dressing separately. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy, extending its shelf life.
When reheating or serving leftovers, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the ingredients and flavors. If you’re looking for a delicious side dish that pairs well with this salad, you might enjoy a Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad, which complements its zesty flavor. For a quick meal, try packing the salad into a wrap for an easy lunch. Remember, freshness is key, so store wisely and enjoy your fantastic culinary creation!
Variations to Try:
Elevate your Mexican Street Corn Salad by incorporating different ingredients. Consider adding grilled chicken for protein or diced avocado for creaminess. You might also enjoy flavors found in a Tortellini Pasta Salad, where mixed pasta adds a delightful twist. Feel free to experiment with spices or toppings to personalize this corn salad dish, ensuring each bite is delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is Mexican Street Corn Salad?
Mexican Street Corn Salad is a vibrant dish inspired by the classic Mexican street food, elote. It typically includes fresh corn, lime juice, cheese, cilantro, and spices, creating a delightful ensemble of flavors that captures the spirit of traditional Mexican fare.
How do I make Mexican Street Corn Salad?
To prepare this flavorful salad, start by cooking your corn until tender. Once cooled, mix it with ingredients like mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime zest, and chili powder. Toss everything together, adding chopped cilantro for freshness.
Can I make it in advance?
Certainly! Mexican Street Corn Salad can be made ahead of time. In fact, letting it sit for a few hours enhances the flavors. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving.
Can I make it in advance?
Certainly! Mexican Street Corn Salad can be made ahead of time. In fact, letting it sit for a few hours enhances the flavors. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving.

Mexican Street Corn Salad : A Flavorful Delight You’ll Love
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mexican Street Corn Salad packed with Cotija cheese, lime, and spices—an easy, flavorful side dish perfect for any meal or summer gathering.
Ingredients
4 ears of corn, shucked
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 lime
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (optional)
Instructions
-
Grill the Corn:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the shucked corn for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until slightly charred and tender. -
Cool & Cut:
Allow the corn to cool slightly. Slice the kernels off the cob using a sharp knife. -
Mix Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the grilled corn, olive oil, mayonnaise, sour cream, and Cotija cheese. -
Season:
Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and optional jalapeño. Mix until well coated. -
Final Touches:Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
-
For Extra Flavor: Let the salad chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.
-
Spice It Up: Use extra jalapeños or hot sauce if you prefer a kick.
-
Make It a Meal: Add grilled chicken or black beans for a protein boost.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling + Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx.)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: Mexican Street Corn Salad