If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing side dish for your next barbecue, picnic, or family gathering, Mexican Street Corn Salad is an excellent choice. Inspired by the popular Mexican street food Elotes, this salad combines smoky grilled corn with a creamy citrus dressing, fresh herbs, and crumbly cheese for a dish that’s bursting with flavor.
Unlike traditional corn on the cob, this salad is easy to prepare ahead of time, simple to serve, and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
- 5–6 ears of fresh sweet corn
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta as a substitute)
- ½ cup crumbled queso fresco
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- Lime wedges for serving
How to Make Mexican Street Corn Salad
Step 1: Grill the Corn
Brush the corn lightly with olive oil and grill over medium-high heat for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly charred. Allow the corn to cool slightly before cutting the kernels from the cob.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Add the grilled corn kernels to the dressing. Mix in the chopped cilantro, green onions, Cotija cheese, and queso fresco. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl. Sprinkle extra cheese, cilantro, and a pinch of chili powder on top. Serve with fresh lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus.
Tips for the Best Corn Salad
- Use fresh, in-season sweet corn for maximum flavor.
- Grill the corn until lightly charred to add a smoky taste.
- Chill the salad for 20–30 minutes before serving to let the flavors develop.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or diced jalapeños.
- If Cotija cheese isn’t available, feta cheese is a great alternative.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs wonderfully with:
- Grilled chicken
- Steak
- Burgers
- Fish tacos
- Barbecue ribs
- Grilled shrimp
- Vegetable skewers
It also works well as a topping for tacos, burrito bowls, or nachos.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the herbs and dressing maintain their texture and flavor.
The Bottom Line
Mexican Street Corn Salad is a delicious twist on traditional grilled corn that captures all the bold flavors of classic Elotes in an easy-to-serve dish. With smoky grilled corn, creamy citrus dressing, fresh herbs, and tangy cheese, it’s the perfect side for summer cookouts, potlucks, picnics, and family meals. Simple to prepare and packed with fresh ingredients, this vibrant salad is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Comments are closed.