The Zesty Mexican Corn Salad Recipe That Sparks Joy

Summer heat calls for a zesty mexican corn salad that bursts with vibrant flavors and colors.

Fresh kernels dance alongside crisp vegetables in this irresistible dish.

Our recipe brings together tangy lime and creamy elements that surprise your taste buds.

Chopped cilantro adds a bright, herbal note that elevates every single bite.

Each ingredient tells a story of authentic mexican culinary traditions.

Creamy and crunchy textures play together in perfect harmony.

Mexican Corn Salad Bursting with Flavor

• Burst of Flavor: Dive into a vibrant Mexican corn salad that explodes with tangy, smoky, and creamy notes, making every bite a delightful taste adventure.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare this restaurant-worthy dish in just a few simple steps, perfect for cooks of all skill levels who want maximum impact with minimal effort.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Serve as a zesty side dish at barbecues, potlucks, or family dinners, guaranteed to impress guests and satisfy diverse palates with its bold Mexican-inspired profile.
• No-Fuss Customization: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients or adjusting spice levels, allowing home cooks to personalize the salad to their exact taste preferences.

Ingredients for Mexican Corn Salad

• Corn: Fresh corn kernels that provide the base and primary flavor of the salad.
• Cheese: Crumbled cheese that adds a creamy and tangy element to the dish.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings a bright and herbaceous note to the salad.

• Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Black Pepper: Spices that create a complex and warm flavor profile for the salad.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the dish.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy base ingredients that create a rich and smooth dressing.
• Lime Zest, Lime Juice: Citrus elements that add brightness and tanginess to the salad.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides depth of flavor when sautéed with corn.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Fats used for sautéing the corn and adding richness to the dish.

How to Prepare Mexican Corn Salad

Step 1: Shuck and Sizzle Corn

Remove corn husks and slice kernels from cobs. Heat a skillet with oil over medium flame.

Add corn kernels and cook until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Toss in minced garlic and sauté for a quick 30 seconds.

Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Lime zest
• Lime juice
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Black pepper

Whisk everything together until smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Create Flavor Magic

Pour warm corn into the creamy dressing. Gently mix to coat kernels evenly.

• Crumbled cheese
• Chopped cilantro

Fold ingredients delicately. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt.

Add extra lime juice if you want more zing.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Dish can be served warm or chilled.

If refrigerating, add a fresh squeeze of lime just before serving to brighten flavors. Perfect as a side or standalone summer treat.

Tips to Perfect Mexican Corn Salad

• Toast corn kernels until golden brown for deeper, richer flavor and enhanced sweetness.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing chili powder to suit personal taste preferences.
• Use fresh corn during summer season for maximum sweetness and crisp texture.
• Keep salad refrigerated for up to 2 days, adding fresh cilantro and lime juice before serving to revive flavors.
• Replace dairy ingredients with vegan alternatives like plant-based mayo and cashew cheese for dietary restrictions.

Variations on Mexican Corn Salad

• Vegan Mexican Corn Salad: Replace cheese with nutritional yeast and use vegan mayonnaise for a plant-based version that maintains authentic flavors.
• Spicy Jalapeño Version: Add diced fresh jalapeños or increase chili powder for extra heat and bold pepper kick.
• Grilled Corn Alternative: Use outdoor grill instead of skillet to char corn kernels, creating smoky authentic street corn profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute corn kernels with riced cauliflower for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate alternative that preserves original seasoning profile.

Pairing Ideas for Mexican Corn Salad

• Complement this zesty Mexican corn salad with bold, vibrant companions that enhance its profile.
• Pair the corn salad with a perfectly grilled medium-rare beef steak seasoned with chimichurri sauce, creating a robust Latin-inspired meal that balances the salad's creamy and tangy notes.
• Match the dish with a cold Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or a refreshing margarita, which will cut through the richness and provide a cooling contrast to the salad's spicy undertones.
• Serve alongside grilled shrimp tacos or blackened fish to create a complete meal where the corn salad acts as a bright, zingy accompaniment that adds texture and depth to the protein.

Storage Advice for Mexican Corn Salad

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover the salad with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• Freezing: Not recommended due to the creamy dressing and fresh ingredients, which will separate and lose texture when thawed.
• Reheating Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of lime juice to revive the flavors and prevent drying out.
• Serving Cold: Enjoy straight from the refrigerator, giving the salad a quick stir and potentially adding a fresh squeeze of lime juice to brighten the taste before serving.

FAQs

• Is it okay to use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?

Yes, frozen corn works well. Thaw and pat dry before sautéing to ensure proper browning and prevent excess moisture.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the corn and dressing separately, then combine just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

• What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Cotija cheese is traditional, but you can substitute with feta or queso fresco for similar tangy and crumbly characteristics.

• How spicy is this corn salad?

The recipe has a mild spice level from chili powder. For more heat, add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to customize the spiciness to your preference.

Mexican Corn Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty Mexican corn salad combines fresh ingredients with bold, tangy flavors that dance across your palate. Crisp vegetables and creamy dressing create a refreshing side dish perfect for summer gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 5 ears fresh corn (approximately 4 cups when kernels are removed)
• 3/4 cup crumbled Mexican cheese (queso fresco or Cotija)
• 2 tbsps mayonnaise
• 2 tbsps sour cream
• 1 1/2 tbsps olive oil or butter
• 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
• 1 large lime (zest and 2 tbsps juice)
• 1 large garlic clove (minced)
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Kosher salt (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Char corn kernels in a skillet over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes, creating a golden-brown caramelized texture. Briefly sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, then remove from heat.
2. Whisk together creamy dressing components – mayonnaise, sour cream, lime zest, and lime juice – creating a tangy base. Incorporate chili powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper for a complex flavor profile.
3. Gently fold roasted corn kernels into the zesty dressing, ensuring complete and even coating. Mix in crumbled cheese and fresh cilantro, distributing ingredients thoroughly.
4. Adjust seasoning with kosher salt and additional lime juice to enhance brightness. Taste and balance flavors carefully.
5. Serve warm immediately for optimal texture and flavor, or chill for a refreshing alternative. If refrigerating, add a final citrus splash just before presenting to revive the salad’s vibrant taste.

Notes

• Toast corn kernels in a skillet to develop a deeper, nuttier flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Adjust spice levels by experimenting with different chili powders or adding fresh jalapeños for extra heat.
• Consider using Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative to sour cream without compromising the creamy texture.
• Customize the salad by adding diced red bell peppers or green onions for extra crunch and color variation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 230 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg