This Mexican Street Corn Salad combines smoky, charred corn with a creamy, tangy dressing to create a vibrant and refreshing dish. The addition of lime and chili powder gives it a punch of flavor, while the cotija cheese adds a savory, salty touch that elevates every bite.
Perfect for summer gatherings, BBQs, or as a side dish to your favorite Mexican-inspired meal, this salad brings together all the best elements of street food in one simple, delicious dish. The corn’s natural sweetness is balanced beautifully by the creamy dressing, making it an irresistible treat for anyone who loves a little heat and a lot of flavor.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
-
4 ears of corn, husked and grilled
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1/2 cup mayonnaise
-
1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
-
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
-
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
-
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
-
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
-
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
-
Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
-
Brush corn with olive oil and grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until evenly charred.
-
Remove corn from grill and let it cool for a few minutes before cutting the kernels off the cob.
-
In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.
-
Add the grilled corn kernels to the bowl and toss gently to coat them in the dressing.
-
Sprinkle cotija cheese and cilantro over the top and serve immediately, garnished with extra lime wedges if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Origins and Popularity of Mexican Street Corn Salad
Mexican street corn, or “Elote,” is a beloved snack in Mexico, widely sold by street vendors who serve it in a variety of ways, often topped with mayonnaise, chili powder, cheese, and lime. While the traditional version is served on the cob, Mexican Street Corn Salad is a modern, easier-to-serve take on this classic, turning the familiar elements into a flavorful and fun dish. It’s popular not only in Mexico but has also become a favorite in the United States, especially at outdoor gatherings like BBQs and picnics.
The key to this salad’s popularity is the perfect combination of flavors: the sweetness of the corn, the savory flavor of the mayonnaise and cotija cheese, the tang of lime, and the heat from chili powder and paprika. When combined with fresh cilantro, it creates a harmonious, crowd-pleasing dish that’s hard to resist.
Why You Should Try Mexican Street Corn Salad
There are many reasons why this salad has become so popular. For one, it’s incredibly easy to make and doesn’t require much effort. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, looking for a fresh side dish for taco night, or simply craving something full of flavor, this Mexican Street Corn Salad is the perfect solution.
Moreover, the ingredients used in this recipe are widely available, and the dish is highly customizable. You can adjust the level of spice to suit your taste, swap out mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter option, or add extra toppings like jalapeños or avocado for a more robust flavor. No matter how you make it, the result will be a salad that’s fresh, satisfying, and full of character.
The Health Benefits of Mexican Street Corn Salad
While this salad is rich in flavor, it’s also packed with nutrients. Corn, the main ingredient, is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. It’s low in fat and calories while providing a decent amount of carbs to fuel your day. The dressing, typically made from mayonnaise or a similar creamy base, adds a satisfying richness, but it can be modified for lighter options, such as using a Greek yogurt or plant-based mayo substitute.
The addition of cilantro not only adds a fresh and zesty flavor but also offers various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and digestive aids. Lime juice provides vitamin C, an essential nutrient for boosting the immune system, and chili powder contains capsaicin, which is known for boosting metabolism and providing a little kick to your meal.
Customizing Your Mexican Street Corn Salad
The beauty of this dish lies in how easily it can be tailored to fit your dietary preferences and personal tastes. If you’re looking to make a vegan version, you can replace the mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative and omit the cotija cheese or substitute it with vegan cheese for a similar texture and flavor. For those who prefer a spicier version, adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce can enhance the heat without compromising the balance of flavors.
Additionally, if you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can easily swap it for fresh parsley or even green onions, which will still contribute to the freshness of the dish without overpowering the other flavors. Some people also like to add avocado or diced tomatoes to the salad to make it even more refreshing and hearty.
Perfect Pairings with Mexican Street Corn Salad
Mexican Street Corn Salad pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. As a side dish, it complements grilled meats like chicken, steak, and fish, or even vegetarian options like grilled portobello mushrooms or veggie burgers. The smoky and spicy flavors of the salad balance well with rich and savory dishes, adding an element of brightness to the meal.
It also works wonderfully as a topping for tacos, nachos, or quesadillas, where the creamy corn salad can enhance the flavors of the other ingredients. Additionally, Mexican Street Corn Salad can stand alone as a light and healthy meal on its own, especially when served with a side of tortilla chips or even alongside a refreshing margarita for the ultimate summer treat.
Serving Mexican Street Corn Salad
While this salad can be enjoyed fresh right after it’s made, it’s even better after it has had time to marinate in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together, making it even more delicious. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, this salad is a great make-ahead dish for picnics, barbecues, and casual gatherings.
If you’re preparing this for a crowd, consider serving it in a large bowl and topping it with extra lime wedges and a sprinkle of extra cotija cheese for an added pop of flavor. If you’re making it for a smaller group, consider individual servings in mason jars or small bowls to make it even more fun and personalized.
Mexican Street Corn Salad Variations
There are many ways you can experiment with the traditional Mexican Street Corn Salad recipe. For example, you could add black beans or roasted red peppers to increase the depth of flavor and nutrition. Some people love to add a hint of sweetness with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of sugar to balance out the heat from the chili powder and paprika.
Another great variation involves using different types of cheese. While cotija is the traditional choice, you could substitute it with feta cheese for a more accessible option. Or, if you’re in the mood for a little more indulgence, you could use a melty cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
Why You Should Make Mexican Street Corn Salad
If you haven’t tried Mexican Street Corn Salad yet, you’re missing out on one of the most flavorful and satisfying dishes out there. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or pairing it with other dishes, it’s the perfect way to spice up your meals and impress your guests with a vibrant, fresh salad.
Perfect for summer parties, casual get-togethers, or even just a weeknight dinner, this Mexican Street Corn Salad is a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to be customized to fit any dietary preferences or flavor profiles. You’ll want to make this dish again and again.
Conclusion
Mexican Street Corn Salad is more than just a side dish; it’s an experience. From the smokiness of the grilled corn to the tangy lime and spicy chili powder, this salad packs a punch of flavor that everyone will enjoy. It’s simple, yet so satisfying, and perfect for any occasion – from backyard barbecues to taco nights to casual dinners.
No matter how you customize it, one thing’s for sure: this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, highly customizable, and bursting with bold flavors that will take any meal to the next level. So, the next time you’re planning a meal, consider adding this Mexican Street Corn Salad to your menu – it’s a dish that everyone will love!