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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Gently fold the roasted corn kernels into the seasoned dressing, ensuring each kernel is thoroughly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Incorporate crumbled cotija cheese and freshly chopped cilantro into the corn mixture, providing a rich, herbaceous layer of flavor.
- Optional enhancement includes mixing in finely diced jalapeno for heat, red onion for sharpness, or creamy avocado chunks for additional texture.
- 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