Ingredients
For the Salad
- 6 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Mix-Ins
- ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, finely diced (optional)
Garnishes
- Extra cotija cheese
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Chili powder
Instructions
1. Cook the Corn
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the corn and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred and golden.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
2. Make the Dressing
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
3. Combine
- Add the cooked corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, red onion, and jalapeño to the bowl.
- Toss until everything is evenly coated.
4. Serve
- Transfer to a serving dish.
- Garnish with extra cotija cheese, cilantro, a sprinkle of chili powder, and lime wedges.
Tips
- Fresh grilled corn provides the best smoky flavor.
- If cotija cheese is unavailable, feta cheese makes a good substitute.
- Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the jalapeño and cayenne pepper.
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream.
Serving Suggestions
- Tacos
- Grilled chicken
- Steak
- Burgers
- Barbecue ribs
- Fajitas
Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Stir before serving, as the dressing may settle.
- Best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
Nutritional Highlights
- Good source of fiber
- Rich in flavor and texture
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Perfect for gatherings and meal prep
This Mexican Corn Salad is creamy, smoky, tangy, and loaded with fresh ingredients, bringing all the delicious flavors of Mexican street corn into an easy-to-share side dish. 🌽🧀🌿✨
