Mexican Street Corn Salad

Brighten your table with this vibrant Mexican Street Corn Salad, a delightful twist on the beloved street food known as Elote. This salad perfectly captures the essence of summer with its fresh ingredients and bold flavors, making it an ideal choice for barbecues, picnics, or as a refreshing side dish any time of year. Imagine a colorful mix of sweet corn, creamy dressing, and zesty lime that creates a tantalizing medley sure to excite your taste buds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: Enjoy a perfect blend of sweet and savory tastes that come together beautifully.
• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, this salad is ready in just 30 minutes.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side for grilled meats or as a main vegetarian dish.
• Fresh Ingredients: Made with wholesome ingredients like corn, peppers, and cilantro for a nutritious option.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level by adding or omitting jalapeños and cayenne pepper.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making this delicious Mexican Street Corn Salad, gather the necessary tools for an easy cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Grill or pot (for cooking corn)

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients easily without spilling.
• Whisk: A whisk helps create a smooth dressing by thoroughly blending ingredients together.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts when dicing vegetables like bell peppers and onions.

Ingredients

For the Salad Base

• 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 5-6 ears of corn) or 2 cans (15 ounces) of corn, drained
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Dressing

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

• If using fresh corn, grill or boil the corn on the cob until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Once cooked, let it cool before cutting the kernels off the cob.
• If using canned corn, drain and rinse before adding to the salad.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, minced jalapeño (if using), chopped cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to combine.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

• In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or yogurt), lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Salad and Dressing

• Pour the dressing over the corn mixture and toss until everything is well-coated.
• Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad is a versatile dish that can elevate any meal. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a quiet dinner, this salad adds a burst of flavor and color to your table. Here are some creative ways to serve it.

As a Side Dish

• Pair with grilled meats for a refreshing contrast.
• Serve alongside tacos to complement their flavors.

As a Main Dish

• Add shredded chicken or black beans for a hearty meal.
• Top with avocado for added creaminess and nutrition.

In Tacos

• Use as a filling in soft or hard taco shells.
• Garnish with extra lime juice for zingy flavor.

As a Dip

• Serve with tortilla chips for crunchy bites.
• Combine with salsa for an exciting appetizer.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Salad

To ensure your Mexican Street Corn Salad is absolutely delicious, follow these handy tips. These suggestions will help enhance the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Use fresh corn: Fresh corn kernels provide natural sweetness and crunch. If possible, opt for in-season corn.
• Adjust spice level: Feel free to modify the amount of jalapeño or cayenne pepper based on your heat preference.
• Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to chill helps meld the flavors together, making every bite more enjoyable.
• Add texture: Consider mixing in crunchy toppings like chopped nuts or seeds for an extra layer of texture.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Salad

Pairing side dishes with Mexican Street Corn Salad can enhance your dining experience. Here are some fantastic options that complement its vibrant flavors:

1. Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken pairs well, providing protein that balances the salad’s freshness.
2. Black Bean Tacos: Flavorful black bean tacos make a perfect vegetarian option alongside the salad.
3. Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado spread on whole grain bread adds richness and pairs nicely with the corn salad.
4. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables brings earthy notes that complement the salad’s brightness.
5. Spanish Rice: Fluffy Spanish rice offers a hearty base that works wonderfully with the spicy elements of the salad.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add another layer of corn goodness, enhancing the overall theme of your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Mexican Street Corn Salad, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results:

• Using canned corn without rinsing: Always rinse canned corn before adding it to the salad. This helps remove excess sodium and improves the overall flavor of your dish.
• Skipping the chilling time: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 15 minutes lets the flavors meld together. Skipping this step can lead to a less flavorful salad.
• Not adjusting spice levels: The jalapeño and cayenne pepper can add heat, but their intensity varies. Taste as you go and adjust according to your preference for spice.
• Overdressing the salad: It’s easy to pour too much dressing on, which can make the salad soupy. Start with a smaller amount, tossing gently, and add more if necessary.
• Ignoring fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables enhance flavor. Using wilted or old produce can diminish the taste of your Mexican Street Corn Salad.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Best consumed within 3-5 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Salad

• Freezing is not recommended due to the texture of fresh vegetables.
• If necessary, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread out on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warm.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add the salad and stir occasionally until heated through, usually about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mexican Street Corn Salad?

Mexican Street Corn Salad is a fresh twist on traditional Elote, featuring corn combined with creamy dressing, spices, and herbs. It’s perfect as a side dish or light meal.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it up to a day ahead. Just keep it refrigerated and give it a good toss before serving.

How do I customize my Mexican Street Corn Salad?

Feel free to add other ingredients like diced avocado, black beans, or different cheeses according to your taste preferences.

What should I serve with Mexican Street Corn Salad?

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, tacos, or as part of a larger picnic spread. It’s versatile enough for any occasion!

Final Thoughts

Mexican Street Corn Salad is not only vibrant and delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether as a refreshing side dish or a main course highlight at gatherings, it’s sure to impress. You can easily customize it with different ingredients or adjust spice levels based on your taste. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the bright flavors all year round!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Mexican Street Corn Salad

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Brighten up your meals with this vibrant Mexican Street Corn Salad, a refreshing twist on the classic Elote street food. This delightful salad combines sweet corn with fresh veggies, a creamy dressing, and zesty lime for a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or as a satisfying side dish any time of year, this salad is not only quick and easy to prepare but also customizable to suit your taste. Whether you enjoy it as a side for grilled meats or as a main vegetarian dish, this colorful medley will surely elevate any meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups fresh corn kernels (or 2 cans of corn)
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1/2 red onion
• 1 jalapeño (optional)
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
• 1 cup crumbled queso fresco
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

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Instructions

1. Grill or boil corn until tender. Let cool and cut off kernels if using fresh corn.
2. In a large bowl, combine corn, diced bell pepper, chopped onion, minced jalapeño (if using), cilantro, queso fresco, salt, and pepper.
3. For the dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream/yogurt, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
4. Pour dressing over salad mixture and toss well. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Grilling/Boiling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 10mg