Description
This Easy Mexican Corn Salad is a vibrant and flavorful side dish featuring charred corn kernels mixed with creamy mayonnaise, tangy sour cream, and zesty lime juice. Enhanced with crumbled cotija cheese, fresh red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, and a blend of chili powder and smoked paprika, this salad perfectly captures the beloved street corn flavors in a refreshing, easy-to-make bowl. Ideal for summer gatherings, it pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, tacos, or as a standalone snack.
Ingredients
Corn
- 4 cups corn kernels (fresh grilled corn or thawed frozen corn)
Dressing and Seasonings
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Corn:
If using fresh corn, grill or cook the corn kernels in a skillet until they develop a light char. This adds a smoky depth to the salad. Once cooked, cut the kernels off the cob if applicable and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Make the Dressing:
Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, and fresh lime juice to the corn in the bowl. Stir thoroughly until all the corn kernels are evenly coated with this creamy base.
- Add Fresh Ingredients and Cheese:
Incorporate the crumbled cotija cheese, finely diced red onion, chopped cilantro, diced jalapeño, and minced garlic into the bowl. This combination gives the salad its signature fresh and spicy flavors.
- Season the Salad:
Sprinkle the chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the mixture. Stir everything together until well combined and evenly distributed.
- Adjust and Chill:
Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed. For best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, char the corn kernels in a skillet with a little butter before mixing the salad.
- If cotija cheese is unavailable, feta cheese is a suitable substitute.
- This salad can be served cold or at room temperature depending on your preference.
- Pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats, tacos, or as a refreshing summer side dish.
