Description
This Mexican Street Corn Salad combines smoky, charred corn kernels with a creamy, tangy dressing featuring mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, and a refreshing hint of lime and chili spices. It’s a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect as a side for any meal or a delicious snack that brings the essence of Mexican street food right to your table.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Corn and Dressing
- 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen, about 5-6 ears of corn)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta if unavailable)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat
Instructions
- Char the Corn: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add the corn kernels, whether fresh or thawed frozen, and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally but allowing the kernels to brown and develop a golden, smoky char. This caramelization is essential for the salad’s signature flavor.
- Prepare the Dressing: While the corn cools slightly, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, and optional cayenne pepper in a large bowl until well combined.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the cooled corn to the dressing bowl and stir gently until the kernels are thoroughly coated. Fold in the crumbled cotija cheese and chopped fresh cilantro for brightness and texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl. Garnish with additional cotija cheese, a sprinkle of chili powder, and a final squeeze of fresh lime juice to enhance all the flavors before serving.
Notes
- Char the corn properly by allowing it to sit undisturbed in the skillet to develop a good smoky flavor.
- Use fresh lime juice and cilantro for the best flavor impact.
- Adjust spiciness by adding cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to your taste preference.
- This salad can be made a day ahead; the flavors meld and deepen over time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg