mexican street corn salad (Printable)

Tangy corn, Cotija, lime, creamy herbs make a vibrant Mexican-inspired side, great for summer barbecues or lunch.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 cups fresh corn kernels (from about 5 ears of corn, or frozen and thawed)
02 - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
03 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
04 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
05 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Dressing

06 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
07 - 1/4 cup sour cream
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
09 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Cheese and Garnish

13 - 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled (plus extra for serving)
14 - Lime wedges, for serving

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
02 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth.
03 - Add charred corn, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro to the bowl. Toss until well coated with the dressing.
04 - Gently fold in the crumbled Cotija cheese.
05 - Transfer to a serving dish. Top with additional Cotija cheese and garnish with lime wedges.
06 - Serve immediately at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes for a chilled option.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It stays irresistibly fresh and vibrant even after chilling, making it perfect for picnics or potlucks.
  • The creamy dressing mingled with charred corn adds a layer of depth that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
02 -
  • If you rush charring the corn, it won't develop that signature smoky flavor, so keep the heat high but stir patiently.
  • Let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving—the dressing soaks in and mingles, making each bite even better.
03 -
  • Grilling the corn instead of skillet-charring deepens the smoky flavor and leaves sweet bits caramelized.
  • Whisk the dressing separately so it's lump-free; it makes every veggie shine.
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