Mexican Street Corn Salad

Delicious Mexican street corn salad with fresh corn, cheese, and spices

Why Make This Mexican Street Corn Salad

If you’re looking for a dish that brings vibrant flavors and a bit of fun to your table, look no further than Mexican Street Corn Salad. This salad is a creative twist on the traditional street corn (elote) often enjoyed from food carts in Mexico. The blend of sweet corn, creamy ingredients, and zesty spices makes it a delightful side dish or a refreshing main course on a warm day. With its colorful presentation and mouthwatering taste, it’s sure to impress family and friends at any gathering.

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Salad

Making this salad is as easy as it is delicious! You’ll start by charring the corn, which gives it that irresistible smoky flavor, and then combine it with a creamy dressing and savory toppings. The process takes minimal time and effort, making it perfect for both casual weeknight meals and festive occasions. Let’s dive into the details of how to whip up this crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned, charred)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
  • 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Char the corn: Start by grilling or pan-searing the corn until it’s browned and has a slightly smoky aroma. This should take about 5-7 minutes. If using fresh corn, you can slice it off the cob after grilling.

  2. Combine creamy ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or crema), lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

  3. Toss in the corn: Add the charred corn to your creamy mixture, tossing everything together to ensure that the corn is evenly coated.

  4. Add cheese and cilantro: Gently fold in the crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro, being careful not to break up the cheese too much.

  5. Taste and adjust: Sample your salad and feel free to add more lime juice, chili powder, or salt to suit your taste.

  6. Garnish and serve: Top with additional cotija cheese, a sprinkle of chili powder, and more cilantro for a beautiful presentation. You can serve immediately or chill it in the fridge for a better meld of flavors.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Mexican Street Corn Salad (approximately 1 cup) contains:

  • Calories: 220
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 6g

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Salad

This Mexican Street Corn Salad shines as a side dish alongside grilled meats, tacos, or burritos. It’s a fantastic addition to summer barbecues, picnics, or potlucks. You can also enjoy it as a light lunch on its own, or serve it as a colorful topping for tacos or nachos.

How to Store Mexican Street Corn Salad

You can keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you notice the salad becoming watery—common with salads containing sour cream—stir in a bit more cotija cheese or add a little more acid from lime juice to refresh the flavors before serving again.

Expert Tips for Perfect Mexican Street Corn Salad

  • For the best texture, try to use fresh corn during the summer months. If you can’t find it, frozen corn is a great alternative.
  • To save time, prepare the corn ahead of time. Char and cool it, then mix the salad right before serving.
  • Feel free to tweak the spices to your preference. If you like heat, add more chili powder or even a dash of cayenne pepper.

Delicious Variations

  1. Spicy Street Corn Salad: Add diced jalapeños for a kick.
  2. Creamy Avocado Corn Salad: Mash an avocado into the creamy mixture to make it extra rich.
  3. Herbed Mexican Corn Salad: Use parsley or mint instead of cilantro for a different flavor profile.
  4. Southwestern Style: Add black beans and diced bell peppers for extra bulk and nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use canned corn for this salad?
    Yes! Canned corn is an excellent time-saver. Just drain and rinse it before use. However, char it slightly to enhance the flavor.

  2. What if I can’t find cotija cheese?
    Feta cheese is a suitable substitute that will still give you that salty, creamy texture.

  3. How can I make this dairy-free?
    Substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives, such as cashew cream or plant-based yogurt, and skip the cotija cheese or use a dairy-free feta.

Conclusion

Mexican Street Corn Salad is a colorful and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its delightful combination of creamy and spicy elements, it’s a guaranteed hit with everyone. Whether you serve it at a summer barbecue or a cozy dinner, your friends and family will come back for more. Don’t hesitate to make it your own with various toppings and add-ins. Enjoy making it, and happy cooking!

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