The Zesty Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe You’ll Adore

Summer’s scorching heat calls for this vibrant mexican street corn salad that dances with bold flavors and colorful ingredients.

Crisp kernels mingle with zesty lime and creamy cotija cheese in a delightful medley.

The traditional elote gets a refreshing twist, promising a crowd-pleasing dish that sparks excitement at any gathering.

Chunks of sweet corn blend seamlessly with tangy notes and a hint of spice.

Each bite captures the essence of street food magic, transporting you to bustling Mexican markets.

Chili powder and fresh cilantro add depth and complexity to this irresistible recipe.

Grab a fork and savor the incredible combination of textures and tastes that make this salad a true culinary adventure.

Why Mexican Street Corn Salad Is Always A Hit

• Savor Quick Summer Flavors: This Mexican street corn salad delivers vibrant, smoky taste in just 15 minutes total, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous gatherings.
• Master Easy Cooking Technique: The skillet-charring method transforms simple corn kernels into golden, caramelized bites without complicated steps, making it foolproof for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Celebrate Versatile Side Dish: Adaptable with fresh or frozen corn, this recipe works beautifully as a summer barbecue accompaniment, potluck contribution, or standalone light meal that pleases both adults and kids.
• Enjoy Authentic Street Food Inspiration: Bringing the beloved Mexican street corn (elote) experience into a convenient salad format, this dish captures the essence of vibrant street food flavors without requiring complex preparation.

What You’ll Need For Mexican Street Corn Salad

Main Ingredients:

Corn Kernels: – Fresh Corn or Frozen Corn: Sweet base of the salad, preferably fresh corn for best flavor. Fresh corn provides natural sweetness and crisp texture, while frozen corn works as a convenient alternative.

Butter: Helps achieve golden color and rich flavor when cooking corn.

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

Salt and Pepper: Classic seasoning to elevate the corn’s natural taste.

Cooking Preparation Ingredients:

Skillet: Large cooking surface needed for even corn roasting and achieving golden-brown edges.

How To Toss Together Mexican Street Corn Salad

Step 1: Prepare Corn Kernels

If using fresh corn, carefully slice the kernels off the cob using a sharp knife. For frozen corn, ensure it’s completely thawed and gently patted dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Sizzle and Char

Grab a large skillet and melt butter over medium-high heat. Spread the corn kernels evenly across the pan. Let the corn dance and sizzle, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the kernels transform into a gorgeous golden brown with delightful charred edges. This process should take about 5-7 minutes, creating a smoky, caramelized flavor that’ll make your taste buds sing.

• Fresh or frozen corn kernels
• Butter

Step 3: Prepare Flavor Boosters

• Mayonnaise
• Cotija cheese
• Chopped cilantro
• Lime juice
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Cracked black pepper

Step 4: Mix and Mingle

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the charred corn with the flavor boosters. Gently fold everything together, ensuring each kernel gets coated with the creamy, tangy dressing.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the Mexican Street Corn Salad to a serving dish. Sprinkle extra Cotija cheese and a dash of chili powder on top for a final flavor explosion. Serve immediately while the corn is still warm and the flavors are vibrant.

Tips To Keep Mexican Street Corn Salad Tasty

• Maximize Corn Flavor: Char the corn kernels in a hot skillet to develop a smoky, caramelized taste that mimics authentic street corn grilling techniques.
• Prep Like a Pro: Pat frozen corn completely dry to ensure crispy, golden edges and prevent excess moisture during cooking.
• Temperature Trick: Use medium-high heat to achieve perfect golden-brown color without burning the delicate corn kernels.
• Quick Cooking Hack: Stir occasionally during the 5-7 minute cooking process to ensure even caramelization and prevent sticking to the pan.
• Fresh vs. Frozen Flexibility: Fresh corn offers the best flavor, but high-quality frozen corn works wonderfully as a convenient alternative when fresh isn't available.

How To Store Mexican Street Corn Salad With Ease

• Preserve your delicious Mexican Street Corn Salad by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Keep the salad chilled to maintain its fresh, vibrant flavors and crisp texture.
• Gently stir the salad before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.
• Avoid freezing this dish, as the creamy dressing and fresh vegetables may separate or become watery when thawed, compromising the salad's delightful taste and appearance.

Tasty Matches For Mexican Street Corn Salad

• Amplify Corn's Flavor with Grilled Proteins: Pair this zesty Mexican street corn salad with smoky grilled chicken or spicy carne asada for a bold, complementary taste experience that enhances the corn's natural sweetness.
• Boost Freshness with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to cut through the salad's richness, providing a bright, citrusy contrast that refreshes the palate and highlights the corn's charred notes.
• Create Texture Magic with Crunchy Sides: Serve alongside crispy tortilla chips or add a sprinkle of toasted pepitas to introduce an extra layer of crunch that elevates the salad's creamy, charred corn base.
• Enhance with Zesty Margarita Companion: Mix a classic margarita with fresh lime and tequila to complement the salad's tangy, spicy profile, creating a quintessential Mexican-inspired dining experience that brings out the dish's vibrant flavors.

New Ways To Enjoy Mexican Street Corn Salad

• Grilled Corn Edition: Char corn directly on the barbecue grill for a smoky flavor, turning occasionally until kernels develop dark grill marks before cutting and mixing into the salad.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Finely dice fresh jalapeños and mix into the corn salad for an extra punch of heat, balancing the creamy dressing with sharp pepper intensity.
• No-Cook Summer Style: Use pre-roasted corn kernels from the store or sweet raw corn, skipping the skillet method and creating a quick, fresh salad perfect for hot days.
• Herb Garden Remix: Chop fresh cilantro, chives, and green onions into the corn mixture, adding bright, green notes that complement the corn's natural sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile.

Quick FAQs For Mexican Street Corn Salad

• What makes Mexican street corn salad special?

This dish captures the vibrant flavors of traditional Mexican elote (street corn) in a convenient salad form, combining smoky, creamy, and tangy elements that make it a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.

• Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the corn completely and pat it dry before cooking to achieve that golden, slightly charred texture that gives the salad its signature flavor.

• How do I get the best char on my corn?

Use a large skillet over medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding. Let the corn sit for a moment between stirs to develop those delicious golden brown spots that add depth to the salad.

• Is this recipe authentic to Mexican cuisine?

While it’s an Americanized version of street corn, the recipe maintains the essential flavor profile of traditional elote, using similar ingredients and cooking techniques that honor the original street food classic.

Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy Mexican street corn salad brings zesty street flavors right to your table, celebrating fresh corn’s summer glory. Sweet kernels dance with tangy cotija cheese, cilantro, and zippy lime, creating a fiesta of flavor you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups (960 ml) fresh or frozen corn
• ½ cup (120 ml) Cotija cheese
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) mayonnaise
• ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream

Seasoning and Spices:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking and Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) butter
• ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh cilantro, chopped

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Instructions

1. Liberate corn kernels from their cobs using a sharp chef’s knife, ensuring a clean, precise cut close to the core.
2. Warm a generous pat of butter in a spacious skillet, allowing it to melt and shimmer over medium-high flame.
3. Cascade corn kernels into the heated pan, spreading them in an even layer to maximize caramelization potential.
4. Gently maneuver the kernels with a wooden spatula, creating opportunities for each piece to develop a rich, golden-brown exterior.
5. Continue roasting for approximately 5-7 minutes, watching for telltale signs of slight charring and intensified flavor development.
6. Listen for subtle popping sounds and observe color transformation, indicating the corn has reached optimal roasting point.
7. Remove from heat when kernels display a beautiful, slightly crisp golden-brown complexion, ensuring no burnt or overly blackened pieces remain.

Notes

• Maximize corn’s smoky flavor by ensuring a hot skillet and allowing kernels to develop golden-brown caramelization without constant stirring.
• For a lighter version, swap butter with olive oil and reduce quantity to cut down on calories while maintaining delicious taste.
• Consider grilling corn directly on the cob first, then cutting kernels for an extra layer of authentic street-style smokiness and deeper charred notes.
• When using frozen corn, thoroughly pat dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture that could prevent proper browning and create steaming instead of roasting.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 20mg