Mexican Corn Salad Recipe Zesty Summer Side

Summer heat calls for a zesty mexican corn salad that dances with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients.

Crisp kernels of sweet corn blend perfectly with tangy lime and spicy seasonings.

Each colorful bite promises a delightful explosion of taste and texture.

Creamy elements mingle with crunchy vegetables, creating a balanced and irresistible dish.

Traditional Mexican culinary techniques shine through this simple yet elegant recipe.

Bright, refreshing, and packed with nutrition, this salad serves as a stunning side or standalone meal.

You’ll want to savor every single spoonful of this incredible creation.

Mexican Corn Salad That Pops with Flavor

• Grill or sauté corn kernels to achieve a delicious smoky flavor, offering flexibility for indoor or outdoor cooking without compromising taste.
• Packed with zesty lime, creamy cheese, and bold spices, this salad delivers a vibrant Mexican-inspired taste that appeals to both adults and kids.
• Easily adapt the recipe by adding extra toppings like jalapeños, avocado, or red onion to suit individual preferences and create a personalized side dish.

Key Ingredients for This Zesty Corn Side

• Corn, Corn Kernels: Sweet and fresh corn is the star of this Mexican-style salad, providing a delightful base with a satisfying crunch.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy components that create a rich and tangy dressing base for the salad.
• Cotija Cheese: Traditional Mexican cheese with a salty, crumbly texture that adds authentic flavor.

• Lime Juice: Bright citrus that adds zesty freshness and balances the creamy dressing.
• Cilantro: Herbaceous green that brings a classic Mexican herb profile to the salad.
• Chili Powder: Warm spice that provides a subtle heat and depth of flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: Optional smoky spice that adds complexity to the dressing.
• Cumin: Earthy spice that complements the Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance overall taste.

• Jalapeno: Spicy pepper for those who want extra heat.
• Red Onion: Sharp and crunchy vegetable for additional texture.
• Avocado: Creamy and rich ingredient that adds smoothness to the salad.

Instructions for a Quick, Crunchy Salad

Step 1: Prepare Corn Kernels

• Whole corn ears
• Olive oil

Use a sharp knife to slice kernels off the cob, creating a colorful base for the salad.

Step 2: Create Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Fresh lime juice
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Ground cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Mix Corn Salad Components

• Crumbled cotija cheese
• Fresh chopped cilantro

• Diced jalapeno
• Chopped red onion
• Cubed avocado

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

• Extra cotija cheese
• Sprinkle of chili powder
• Fresh lime wedges

Enjoy immediately for maximum flavor and texture.

Tips to Max Out Flavor in Every Bite

• Maximize Corn Flavor: Char the corn on a grill or skillet to develop deep, smoky notes that enhance the overall taste of the salad.
• Customize Heat Levels: Adjust spiciness by adding more or less chili powder, or include diced jalapenos for an extra kick.
• Cheese Swap Options: Replace cotija with feta or queso fresco if cotija is unavailable, maintaining the creamy texture and tangy flavor.
• Keep it Fresh: Prepare the salad just before serving to prevent the corn from becoming soggy and maintain crisp texture.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Prep ingredients separately and combine just before serving to keep the salad vibrant and prevent wilting.

How to Store Corn Salad the Fresh Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad stays fresh and crisp when chilled properly.
• Do not freeze this salad, as mayonnaise and fresh vegetables will separate and lose their texture when thawed.
• Gently stir the salad and add a splash of lime juice to revive the flavors before serving cold. This helps restore the brightness lost during storage.
• If the corn seems slightly dry after refrigeration, drizzle a small amount of additional dressing to restore moisture and enhance the taste.

Tacos, Meats, and Mains That Match This Dish

• Savor Spicy Mexican Flavor Companions
• Blend a classic or spicy margarita with fresh lime and salt rim to complement the corn salad's zesty chili and lime notes, cutting through the creamy dressing for a perfect balance.
• Pair with smoky grilled chicken or blackened fish tacos, allowing the corn salad's bright flavors to enhance the main dish's richness and providing a cool, refreshing contrast.
• Choose a light Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Corona with a lime wedge, which cleanses the palate and matches the salad's vibrant southwest profile while offering a crisp, clean finish.
• Serve alongside a bright pico de gallo or chunky salsa verde to add extra layers of fresh herbs, acidity, and heat that elevate the corn salad's complexity.

Add-Ins That Change Up Corn Salad

• Vegan Mexican Corn Salad: Replace mayonnaise and sour cream with cashew cream or vegan yogurt. Swap cotija cheese with plant-based feta or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Mexican Corn Salad: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use gluten-free spices and check that mayonnaise and other condiments are gluten-free certified.
• Roasted Vegetable Corn Salad: Add roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions to increase vegetable content. Use a mix of grilled and roasted corn for deeper flavor complexity.
• Low-Carb Mexican Corn Alternative: Substitute corn with cauliflower or jicama for a lower-carb version. Maintain the original dressing and toppings for authentic Mexican street corn flavors.

Salad FAQs You’ll Appreciate

• Is Mexican corn salad spicy?

The heat level depends on your preferences. You can control spiciness by adding diced jalapenos or adjusting chili powder amount. For mild version, reduce or omit spicy ingredients.

• Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Thaw frozen corn completely and pat dry before cooking. Drain excess moisture to ensure proper caramelization and prevent soggy texture.

• What is cotija cheese, and can I substitute it?

Cotija is a Mexican hard cheese with salty, crumbly texture. If unavailable, substitute with feta or parmesan cheese. These alternatives provide similar tangy, salty flavor profile.

• How do I prevent corn from becoming mushy?

Use high heat when grilling or sautéing. Cook corn until lightly charred and golden, stirring occasionally. This technique ensures crisp texture and enhances natural sweetness.

Mexican Corn Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Zesty Mexican Corn Salad brings summer’s fresh flavors to your table with a tangy, colorful blend of grilled corn, creamy cotija cheese, and spicy chili lime dressing. Cool kernels mingle with herbs and zest, creating a perfect side dish that invites you to savor each crisp, refreshing bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups (960 ml) corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen; about 5 ears of corn)
• ½ cup (120 ml) cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta as a substitute)

Dairy and Creaminess:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
• ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (or adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon cumin
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 jalapeno, finely diced (for heat)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) diced red onion
• 1 avocado, diced

Garnish:

• Additional cotija cheese
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Prepare the corn by charring it either on a grill or in a skillet, ensuring each kernel develops a golden-brown exterior. For grilling, rotate the corn until evenly roasted, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. For stovetop method, sauté kernels in a hot pan with a light olive oil coating until they achieve a caramelized appearance.
2. Create a vibrant dressing by whisking together creamy mayonnaise, tangy sour cream, zesty lime juice, and a blend of warming spices including chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
3. Gently fold the roasted corn kernels into the seasoned dressing, ensuring each kernel is thoroughly coated with the creamy mixture.
4. Incorporate crumbled cotija cheese and freshly chopped cilantro into the corn mixture, providing a rich, herbaceous layer of flavor.
5. Optional enhancement includes mixing in finely diced jalapeno for heat, red onion for sharpness, or creamy avocado chunks for additional texture.
6. Transfer the salad to a serving dish, garnishing with extra cotija cheese, a light dusting of chili powder, and accompanying lime wedges to brighten the overall presentation.

Notes

• Grill corn for deeper, smokier flavor by turning ears occasionally to get even char marks and caramelization.
• Use fresh summer corn when possible for sweetest, most vibrant taste and optimal texture.
• Create dairy-free version by substituting mayonnaise and cotija with vegan alternatives like cashew cream and plant-based cheese crumbles.
• Enhance spice levels by adding extra chili powder or incorporating diced habanero peppers for adventurous palates.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg