Description
A flavorful and refreshing summer salad inspired by the classic Mexican street corn dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (from about 6–8 ears of corn)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1–2 limes)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat butter or olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add corn kernels and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until corn is tender and slightly charred. If using frozen corn, cook until heated through and lightly browned.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the corn cool for a few minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream or crema, 1/4 cup cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir until well combined and smooth.
- Add the cooked corn, chopped cilantro, and minced jalapeño (if using) to the dressing mixture. Stir gently to coat all the corn.
- Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Cotija cheese is salty, so add salt cautiously.
- Transfer the Mexican street corn salad to a serving bowl. Garnish with additional crumbled cotija cheese, a sprinkle of chili powder, and extra fresh cilantro before serving.
- Serve immediately as a side dish, or chill for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld.
Notes
- Chilling the salad enhances the flavor, so it’s best served after some time in the refrigerator.
- Feel free to adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the jalapeño.
- Can be made a day in advance for convenience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg