This vibrant Mexican Corn Salad Recipe, inspired by the flavors of elotes (Mexican street corn), is a must-try summer side dish. It’s a fresh, zesty, and lightly creamy salad that’s easy to make and bursting with authentic Mexican flavors. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight meal, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Elotes, a popular Mexican street food, consists of grilled corn on the cob slathered with mayonnaise, chili powder, lime juice, and Cotija cheese. This Mexican corn salad recipe captures the essence of elotes in a convenient and shareable format. Sweet corn, charred on the grill, provides the base for this flavorful salad. The creamy dressing, made with mayonnaise, lime juice, and garlic, adds a rich and tangy element.
Essential Ingredients for the Best Mexican Corn Salad
This Mexican corn salad recipe calls for just a few simple ingredients, each contributing a unique layer of flavor:
- Grilled Corn: Grilling the corn adds a smoky sweetness that elevates the entire dish.
- Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise provides a creamy base for the dressing, perfectly complementing the corn’s sweetness.
- Lime Juice and Zest: Lime juice and zest add a bright, citrusy kick that balances the richness of the mayonnaise.
- Garlic and Scallions: Garlic and scallions contribute savory depth and a subtle oniony flavor.
- Cotija Cheese: Crumbled Cotija cheese, a salty and tangy Mexican cheese, provides a delightful textural contrast and adds a burst of authentic flavor. If Cotija is unavailable, feta cheese makes a suitable substitute.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens the salad with its herbaceous aroma and flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky dimension that enhances the grilled corn’s flavor. Chili powder can be used as an alternative.
- Jalapeño: Diced jalapeño peppers provide a spicy kick, adding a layer of heat to the salad. For a milder option, use pickled jalapeños.
- Sea Salt: A pinch of sea salt enhances the overall flavors and brings everything together.
Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe
Preparing Your Mexican Corn Salad
To make this Mexican corn salad, start by grilling the corn until lightly charred. While the corn cools, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice and zest, and minced garlic in a small bowl to create the creamy dressing. Cut the kernels off the cooled corn cobs and combine them in a large bowl with the chopped scallions, crumbled Cotija cheese, cilantro, smoked paprika, and diced jalapeño. Gently fold in the dressing until the corn is evenly coated.
While you can enjoy this salad immediately, chilling it for a bit allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. This makes it an ideal make-ahead dish for barbecues, potlucks, or picnics.
Serving Suggestions for your Mexican Corn Salad
This versatile Mexican corn salad pairs well with a variety of dishes. It’s a fantastic accompaniment to grilled meats, veggie burgers, BBQ sandwiches, or tacos. It also complements Mexican-themed dinners perfectly. Consider serving it alongside cilantro lime rice, black beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, and your favorite salsa.
For a satisfying and flavorful meal, add leftover Mexican corn salad to a burrito bowl with cilantro lime rice, black beans, your favorite toppings, and a refreshing margarita.
corn salad
More Delicious Summer Salad Options
If you enjoy this Mexican corn salad recipe, you might also like other fresh and vibrant summer salads featuring seasonal ingredients.
This easy-to-make Mexican corn salad is a delightful celebration of summer flavors. With its simple preparation, fresh ingredients, and vibrant taste, it’s a dish you’ll return to time and time again.
