Mexican Street Corn Salad

Name: Mexican Street Corn Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 16 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 20 ounces frozen corn (thawed and patted dry); 2 tablespoons avocado oil; ½ cup scallions (thinly sliced); ¼ cup cilantro (roughly chopped); ¼ cup cotija cheese (crumbled); 1 lime (juiced); 1 jalapeno (seeded and finely chopped); 1 garlic clove (minced); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon chili powder

Published: April 11, 2025

by Sabrina

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Mexican Street Corn Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that perfectly captures the essence of summer. This elote salad combines sweet, charred corn with zesty lime, creamy cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro. It’s an excellent choice for barbecues, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to impress guests with minimal effort. Plus, it’s mayo-free and big on flavor!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The combination of charred corn, lime juice, and cotija cheese creates a mouthwatering mix that you’ll crave.
Easy to Prepare: With just a few steps and simple ingredients, this salad comes together quickly.
Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side for grilled meats or as a standalone vegetarian option at any meal.
Mayo-Free Option: Enjoy all the creaminess without mayonnaise—ideal for those looking for lighter salads.
Great for Gatherings: This crowd-pleaser is sure to be a hit at parties and potlucks.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making your Mexican Street Corn Salad, gather your tools! Having the right equipment will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Cast iron skillet or heavy pan
Large mixing bowl
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Cast iron skillet or heavy pan: Ideal for achieving that perfect char on the corn, enhancing the flavor of your dish.
Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients without mess.
Chef’s knife: Ensures precise cutting of vegetables, making prep time quick and easy.

Ingredients

For the Salad

20 ounces frozen corn, thawed and patted dry
2 tablespoons avocado oil
½ cup scallions, thinly sliced (both white and green parts)
¼ cup cilantro, roughly chopped (plus additional for topping)
¼ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
1 lime, juiced
1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon chili powder

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Salad

Step 1: Char the Corn

Heat the oil in a large cast iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
* Add the thawed corn to the skillet.
* Cook while tossing often until the corn is charred and starts to pop (about 5-6 minutes).

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

Once the corn is ready, transfer it to a large bowl.
* Add scallions, cilantro, cotija cheese, lime juice, jalapeno, garlic, salt, and chili powder.
* Toss thoroughly until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Serve

Top your salad with additional cilantro and cotija cheese before serving. Enjoy this refreshing Mexican Street Corn Salad chilled or at room temperature!

Notes

Storage: This street corn salad will last up to three days in the fridge. Keep in mind that the longer it sits, the more water will weep from the corn.

Nutrition Information

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican street corn salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue or as a refreshing side at dinner, there are plenty of creative ways to enjoy this flavorful elote salad.

As a Standalone Dish

Enjoy it chilled: This salad is great on its own, served cold from the fridge.
Pair with tortilla chips: Scoop it up with crispy chips for a delightful appetizer.

As a Side Dish

Serve alongside grilled meats: The flavors complement chicken, steak, or fish beautifully.
Add to tacos: Use it as a topping for your favorite tacos for an extra crunch and flavor boost.

In Wraps and Sandwiches

Include in wraps: Roll it up with grilled chicken or veggies for a tasty lunch option.
Top sandwiches: Spread it on bread or baguettes for a unique twist on classic sandwiches.

As Part of a Salad Bar

Create a salad station: Offer this salad as one of several options at your next gathering, letting guests mix and match.
Combine with greens: Toss it with lettuce or spinach for an added layer of freshness.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Salad

To make sure your Mexican street corn salad stands out, consider these essential tips that enhance its flavor and texture.

Use fresh ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh herbs and produce to elevate the overall taste.
Adjust spice levels: Customize the heat by adding more or less jalapeno according to your preference.
Let it marinate: Allowing the flavors to meld together for at least 30 minutes enhances the overall taste.
Serve chilled: This salad tastes best when served cold, making it refreshing on hot days.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Salad

Pairing your Mexican street corn salad with the right side dishes can create an unforgettable meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

Grilled Chicken: Juicy and smoky chicken complements the sweet corn perfectly.
Fish Tacos: Lightly battered fish tacos provide crunch and flavor that balance the salad’s richness.
Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado toast adds healthy fats and pairs well with the vibrant flavors of the salad.
Black Bean Soup: A hearty soup brings warmth and protein, making for a satisfying meal combination.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies offer color and nutrients that enhance any plate.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa dish adds grainy texture while keeping things fresh and healthy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Mexican Street Corn Salad, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.

Using unthawed corn: Always use thawed corn for optimal texture. Frozen corn should be thawed and patted dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.
Overcooking the corn: Avoid overcooking the corn in the skillet. Aim for a charred finish without turning it mushy, as this enhances the salad’s flavor.
Skipping the lime juice: Don’t forget the lime juice! It adds essential acidity and brightness. Always add fresh lime juice right before serving for the best taste.
Neglecting seasoning: Make sure to season adequately. Salt and chili powder enhance flavors, so don’t skip these ingredients or their measurements.
Storing improperly: Be cautious about how you store leftovers. Use airtight containers to keep the salad fresh and prevent it from getting watery.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
The salad will last up to three days in the fridge.
Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to maintain its flavor.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Salad

It’s not recommended to freeze this salad due to its fresh ingredients.
If you must, freeze only the charred corn in an airtight bag, but avoid freezing mixed salad components.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Salad

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread salad on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a non-stick skillet for 5-7 minutes, stirring gently until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Mexican Street Corn Salad.

What is Mexican Street Corn Salad?

Mexican Street Corn Salad is a flavorful dish inspired by elote, featuring charred corn tossed with cotija cheese, cilantro, lime juice, and spices.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare Mexican Street Corn Salad a few hours ahead. Just wait to add fresh herbs until serving time for maximum freshness.

What can I substitute for cotija cheese?

You can use feta cheese or queso fresco as alternatives if cotija is unavailable. Both provide a similar salty flavor.

Is this salad healthy?

Absolutely! This mayo-free salad is packed with nutrients from corn and fresh vegetables, making it a great healthy side dish option.

How can I customize this recipe?

Feel free to add your favorite ingredients like bell peppers or black beans for extra flavor and nutrition. Adjust spice levels by adding more jalapeño if desired!

Final Thoughts

Mexican Street Corn Salad is not only vibrant and delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a quick side dish, this recipe delivers on flavor without mayonnaise. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients!

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