If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and captures the spirit of street food without any fuss, this Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It transforms simple corn kernels into a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy delight that’s utterly addictive and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, looking for a quick weeknight side, or just want to impress your friends with an effortless crowd-pleaser, this recipe brings together freshness, texture, and bold tastes in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe calls for a handful of ingredients that are simple but crucial for achieving that perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Each one plays a special role, from the creaminess of mayonnaise and sour cream to the zesty punch of lime and the smoky warmth of chili powder.
- Corn kernels (4 cups): Fresh, frozen, or canned, corn is the star—bringing natural sweetness and a satisfying crunch.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Adds rich creaminess that coats every kernel beautifully.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): Offers a subtle tang that brightens the whole salad perfectly.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Freshly squeezed for a lively citrus kick to balance the richness.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Provides that essential smoky spice for true street corn authenticity.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Deepens flavor with a gentle garlicky undertone without overpowering.
- Fresh cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped): Adds a burst of herbal freshness and vivid green color.
- Cotija cheese (1/4 cup, crumbled): This salty, crumbly cheese is a signature topping that elevates the dish.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to tie all the flavors together with balance.
How to Make Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Corn
If you’re using fresh corn, simply boil the cobs for about 5 minutes to soften the kernels and bring out their natural sweetness, then slice the kernels off the cob. If you’re short on time or don’t have fresh corn, frozen or canned corn works just as well—just make sure it is fully thawed or drained to avoid extra moisture in your salad.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and sour cream, then stir in the freshly squeezed lime juice, chili powder, and garlic powder. This creamy dressing gives the salad its luscious texture and vibrant flavor profile, balancing spice with tang.
Step 3: Combine Corn and Dressing
Pour the prepared corn kernels into the bowl with the dressing and gently toss everything together until all the corn is evenly coated. This ensures every bite delivers the perfect blend of creaminess, heat, and freshness.
Step 4: Add Fresh Cilantro and Season
Fold in the chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of herbal brightness, then season the salad with salt and pepper to your liking. Tasting as you go is key here to get that ideal seasoning balance.
Step 5: Garnish with Cotija Cheese
Top your salad with a generous sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese right before serving. This salty, crumbly cheese adds an irresistible finish that makes this recipe truly shine.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Your Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed either as a zesty side or a flavorful dip. It’s perfect served immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and vibrant flavors at their peak.
How to Serve Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, try sprinkling some smoked paprika or a dash of extra chili powder on top. A few lime wedges on the side provide an additional fresh zing for anyone who loves a little more citrus zing. Freshly chopped jalapeños can add an exciting kick for spice lovers too.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or steak, making it a fantastic companion for barbecues and cookouts. It also complements Mexican staples such as tacos, quesadillas, or enchiladas by adding freshness and creaminess that balances richer dishes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in small individual cups or scoop it onto tostadas or crispy tortilla chips for an instant party appetizer. You can also use it as a topping for nachos or add a spoonful to grain bowls for a colorful and tasty boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the cheese garnish separate if possible and add it fresh before serving to maintain its texture and flavor.
Freezing
Because of the creamy dressing, freezing this salad is not recommended as the texture can change once thawed, leaving it watery. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for a few days.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If preferred slightly warm, gently bring it to room temperature or serve alongside warm dishes but avoid microwave reheating as it may affect the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use canned corn for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned corn is a convenient substitute. Just make sure to drain it thoroughly to avoid excess liquid that can water down the salad.
Is it necessary to use cotija cheese?
Cotija cheese adds a distinctive salty flavor and crumbly texture that defines this dish, but if you can’t find it, feta or parmesan can be good alternatives.
How spicy is this salad?
The chili powder adds a gentle smokiness rather than heat. You can always adjust the amount or add fresh jalapeños if you want more spice.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Substitute mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives, and use a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for the topping to keep the creamy, tangy vibe.
How long does it take to prepare?
This Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe comes together in about 15 minutes, making it a perfect quick and flavorful option when you’re short on time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about this Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe that makes it feel like a special treat every time. It’s a delicious blend of textures and flavors that’s so simple to whip up but delivers big on taste and satisfaction. I promise once you try it, this vibrant, creamy salad will become a favorite go-to for your meals and gatherings. So grab some corn and get ready to enjoy a little fiesta on your plate!
Print
Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad is a flavorful and creamy side dish inspired by traditional Mexican elote, featuring corn kernels mixed with a tangy dressing of mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and spices. This quick and simple salad is perfect for summer gatherings, barbecues, or as a tasty dip with tortilla chips.
Ingredients
Corn
- 4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
Dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Garnish and Seasoning
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook corn: If using fresh corn, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the ears of corn for about 5 minutes until tender. Then cut the kernels off the cob carefully. For frozen corn, thaw completely. For canned corn, drain well to remove excess liquid.
- Mix dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked or thawed corn kernels with mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, and chopped cilantro. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly blended together.
- Season: Add salt and pepper according to your taste preferences, mixing well to ensure the seasoning is distributed evenly throughout the salad.
- Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle the top of the salad with crumbled cotija cheese to add a savory and slightly tangy finish.
- Serve: Serve the Mexican street corn salad immediately as a side dish or as a flavorful dip alongside tortilla chips for a delightful snack or appetizer.
Notes
- For added heat, sprinkle extra chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Use fresh corn when in season for the best flavor and texture.
- To make it vegan, substitute mayonnaise and sour cream with plant-based alternatives and omit the cheese or use vegan cheese.
- Can be prepared ahead of time but is best enjoyed fresh to maintain crispness.
- Lime juice can be adjusted to taste for more or less tanginess.
