Mexican Street Corn Salad is a bold, zesty, and irresistibly creamy dish that brings the flavors of traditional elote (Mexican street corn) into an easy-to-eat salad format. With sweet charred corn, creamy dressing, fresh herbs, and a hint of spice, this dish is perfect for barbecues, family dinners, or as a fresh side to tacos and grilled meats.
Unlike traditional elote, which is served on the cob, this salad takes all those incredible flavors and makes them easier to enjoy. It’s versatile, quick to prepare, and bursting with texture and taste, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Street Corn Salad
1. Big Flavor in Every Bite
This salad is a perfect balance of flavors:
- Sweet, smoky corn that adds depth
- Tangy, creamy dressing that ties everything together
- Fresh cilantro and lime juice for a bright contrast
- A touch of spice to add warmth without overpowering
2. Easier to Eat Than Traditional Elote
Elote (Mexican street corn) is delicious but messy. By turning it into a salad, you get all the flavors without the hassle of eating it on the cob. Plus, it’s easier to serve and perfect for sharing.
3. A Perfect Side for Any Meal
Mexican Street Corn Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with:
- Tacos, burritos, and fajitas
- Grilled meats like chicken, steak, or shrimp
- BBQ dishes and summer cookouts
- Crispy tortilla chips for a delicious dip
4. Customizable to Your Taste
Whether you want it spicier, tangier, creamier, or packed with extra crunch, this salad is easy to adapt to your preferences.
5. Quick and Easy to Prepare
You can make this salad in under 30 minutes, making it a great last-minute dish for busy nights or unexpected guests.
Bold & Fresh Ingredients
- Grilled or roasted corn for a smoky-sweet base
- Red bell pepper and red onion for crunch and color
- Jalapeño for a kick of spice (optional)
- Cilantro and lime juice for fresh, zesty flavor
- Queso fresco or feta cheese for creamy saltiness
- A tangy, spiced dressing made with mayo, sour cream, chili powder, and garlic
Easy Steps to a Perfect Street Corn Salad
- Cook the Corn – Grill or roast corn until lightly charred for extra flavor.
- Chop & Mix – Combine corn with red pepper, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and crumbled cheese.
- Make the Dressing – Whisk together mayo, sour cream, lime juice, and spices.
- Toss & Serve – Coat the salad in the dressing and let it chill for the best flavor.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: ~220 kcal
- Protein: ~6g
- Carbohydrates: ~20g
- Fat: ~12g
- Fiber: ~4g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Mexican Street Corn Salad?
Mexican Street Corn Salad is a deconstructed version of elote, the famous Mexican street food made with grilled corn, mayo, cheese, and chili powder. Instead of serving it on the cob, the kernels are cut off and mixed with a creamy dressing, fresh herbs, and seasonings to create a flavor-packed, easy-to-eat salad.
2. Can I Use Canned or Frozen Corn Instead of Fresh?
Yes! While fresh corn provides the best flavor, canned or frozen corn works too:
- Canned corn – Drain and rinse before using.
- Frozen corn – Thaw and pat dry before roasting or sautéing for extra flavor.
3. Do I Have to Grill the Corn?
Grilling enhances the natural sweetness and adds smoky depth, but if you don’t have a grill, try:
- Roasting in the oven – Bake corn at 400°F until slightly charred.
- Sautéing on the stovetop – Cook in a hot skillet until golden brown.
- Using boiled corn – While it won’t have a smoky taste, it will still be delicious!
4. What’s the Best Cheese for This Salad?
- Cotija cheese – Traditional for Mexican street corn, salty and crumbly.
- Queso fresco – A milder alternative.
- Feta cheese – A good substitute if cotija isn’t available.
5. How Can I Make It Spicier?
- Add extra jalapeños or serrano peppers.
- Increase the chili powder or cayenne pepper.
- Drizzle with hot sauce or chipotle sauce.
6. Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Yes! Substitute the cheese with dairy-free feta and use vegan mayo or coconut yogurt instead of sour cream.
7. What Are Some Fun Ways to Serve This Salad?
- As a topping for tacos or nachos
- Inside burritos or wraps
- Over a bed of lettuce for a full salad
- With grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak for a complete meal
8. How Long Does It Stay Fresh?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If making ahead, add the dressing just before serving to keep it from getting soggy.
9. Can I Make It Ahead of Time?
Yes! For best results:
- Prep the ingredients separately.
- Mix everything together just before serving.
- Add delicate ingredients like avocado at the last minute.
10. What Other Ingredients Can I Add?
- Diced avocado for extra creaminess.
- Black beans for added protein and fiber.
- Roasted red peppers for sweetness.
- Crumbled tortilla chips for crunch.
Expert Tips for the Best Mexican Street Corn Salad
- Char the corn for the best flavor. A bit of browning brings out the natural sweetness.
- Use fresh lime juice. It adds brightness that bottled juice can’t match.
- Let it chill before serving. The flavors meld together beautifully after 15-20 minutes in the fridge.
- Don’t skip the cheese. Cotija or feta adds the perfect salty balance.
- Balance the dressing. If it’s too thick, add a splash of lime juice or water.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Dish for Any Occasion
Mexican Street Corn Salad is a vibrant, creamy, and zesty dish that captures the bold flavors of Mexico in every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue, taco night, or as a simple side dish, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
With fresh ingredients, customizable spice levels, and endless serving possibilities, this salad is easy to make and impossible to resist. Try it today and bring the flavors of authentic street food right to your kitchen!
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Mexican Street Corn Salad: A Vibrant Twist on a Classic Dish
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Description
This Mexican Street Corn Salad transforms the bold, creamy, and smoky flavors of elote into a fresh, easy-to-eat dish! With charred corn, zesty lime, creamy dressing, and a hint of spice, this salad is perfect for BBQs, taco nights, or as a side to grilled meats. Quick to make and loaded with texture, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 4 cups corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if sautéing corn)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional)
Instructions
- Char the Corn –
- Grill Method: Grill corn on medium-high heat until slightly charred, then cut kernels off the cob.
- Stovetop Method: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add corn, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until charred.
- Oven Method: Roast corn on a baking sheet at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Make the Dressing – In a bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
- Assemble the Salad – In a large bowl, combine charred corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño.
- Toss & Serve – Add the dressing and mix well. Serve immediately or let chill for 15-20 minutes to enhance flavors.
- Garnish & Enjoy – Top with extra cheese, cilantro, and a sprinkle of chili powder before serving.
Notes
- Make it spicier – Add extra jalapeño, cayenne, or hot sauce.
- Dairy-free option – Use vegan mayo and dairy-free feta.
- Make it a meal – Add black beans, grilled chicken, or shrimp.
- Storage – Best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling, Sautéing, Roasting
- Cuisine: Mexican
