Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad

This easy Mexican Street Corn Salad is smoky, creamy, tangy, and packed with bold flavor. It combines the essence of elote into a fresh, scoopable salad that’s perfect for taco nights, BBQs, and potlucks. Enjoy a delightful burst of flavor and texture that will please any crowd!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time and another 10 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a delicious side dish ready in no time.
  • Packed with Flavor: The combination of charred corn, fresh veggies, and zesty lime juice creates an explosion of taste in every bite.
  • Versatile Dish: This Mexican Street Corn Salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats or can be served as a refreshing stand-alone dish at gatherings.
  • Customizable Ingredients: Adjust the ingredients to cater to your taste—add more spice or swap out the cheeses for your favorites.
  • Colorful Presentation: The vibrant colors from the bell peppers, cilantro, and corn make this salad visually appealing on any table.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Mexican Street Corn Salad, you’ll need a few essential tools to help streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spoon for mixing

Importance of Each Tool

  • Large skillet: Ideal for charring the corn evenly over high heat, enhancing its smoky flavor.
  • Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables safely and efficiently.
  • Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts when preparing your ingredients, making the prep work easier.
  • Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to combine all the ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
Mexican

Ingredients

This easy Mexican Street Corn Salad is smoky, creamy, tangy, and packed with bold flavor. You’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Salad

  • 4 cups corn (about 5 ears, cut from the cob)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ medium red bell pepper (chopped)
  • ½ small red onion (finely chopped)
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
  • 6 green onions (chopped)
  • 1 jalapeno pepper (diced)
  • ½ avocado (chopped)

For the Dressing

  • 4 tablespoons lime juice (from about 2 limes)
  • ½ teaspoon cumin (ground)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (ground)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream (or yogurt)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • ½ cup cotija cheese (or feta, crumbled)

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

  1. Cut the corn off the cob. You’ll need about 4 cups from approximately 5 ears. Canned or frozen corn can also work; if using frozen corn, there’s no need to thaw it first.

Step 2: Char the Corn

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat.
  2. Add the corn to the skillet and stir it around.
  3. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until the corn starts to char. If using frozen corn, you might need an extra couple of minutes to achieve that perfect charred look.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

  1. Transfer the charred corn into a large bowl and let it cool for a couple of minutes.
  2. Add all remaining ingredients into the bowl with the corn.
  3. Stir everything together until well combined. Adjust lime juice and seasonings as needed.

Step 4: Serve

  1. Garnish with additional cheese and cilantro if desired before serving.

Enjoy this vibrant Mexican Street Corn Salad as a tasty side dish that complements many meals!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Salad

This Mexican Street Corn Salad is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or having a cozy taco night, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dish.

As a Side Dish

  • Serve it alongside grilled chicken or beef for a vibrant contrast.
  • Pair with tacos or burritos for a refreshing complement to the meal.

In Tacos

  • Use as a filling for soft tacos, enhancing the flavor with its creamy texture.
  • Top crispy tortilla chips with the salad for an easy appetizer or snack.

As a Dip

  • Enjoy it with tortilla chips as a tangy dip at parties.
  • Spoon over quesadillas for added creaminess and flavor.

On Salads

  • Mix into mixed greens for a hearty salad full of flavor.
  • Add to grain bowls along with quinoa or rice for extra nutrition.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Salad

To make your Mexican Street Corn Salad even better, consider these helpful tips.

  • Use Fresh Corn: Freshly cut corn enhances the sweetness and crunch of the salad. If possible, opt for corn off the cob rather than canned.
  • Adjust Spice Levels: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of jalapeno. For less spice, remove the seeds before dicing.
  • Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill in the refrigerator allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
  • Experiment with Herbs: Try adding fresh herbs like parsley or mint for a unique twist on flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Mexican Street Corn Salad can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options to consider.

  1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated in spices and grilled to perfection, these skewers add protein and flavor.
  2. Black Bean Tacos: Seasoned black beans served in tortillas provide a hearty vegetarian option that pairs well.
  3. Guacamole: Creamy avocado mixed with lime juice and spices complements the corn salad perfectly.
  4. Mexican Rice: Flavored rice cooked with tomatoes and spices adds more substance to your meal.
  5. Roasted Vegetables: Season seasonal vegetables and roast them until tender for a colorful side option.
  6. Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onion, and cilantro offers a zesty contrast to the creaminess of the salad.
  7. Quesadillas: Cheese-filled tortillas grilled until crispy serve as an excellent companion that balances flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mexican Street Corn Salad is simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the flavor and texture.

  • Using uncooked corn: Always cook your corn to enhance its sweetness and add that smoky char. Charred corn brings out the best flavors.
  • Skipping the lime juice: Lime juice is key for balancing flavors. Don’t skip it; adjust to your taste for the perfect tang.
  • Not letting the corn cool: If you don’t let the corn cool before mixing, you risk wilting fresh ingredients. Allow it to cool for a few minutes.
  • Overmixing the salad: Mixing too vigorously can mash the avocado and break down other ingredients. Gently fold everything together to keep textures intact.
  • Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste your salad after mixing; different corn can vary in sweetness. Adjust salt and pepper accordingly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Keep it refrigerated to maintain freshness.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Salad

  • Freeze for up to 1 month in a freezer-safe container.
  • Consider leaving out creamy ingredients before freezing, as they may change texture upon thawing.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Salad

  • Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm the salad in a baking dish for about 10 minutes.
  • Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring between intervals until warmed through.
  • Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What makes Mexican Street Corn Salad unique?

Mexican Street Corn Salad captures the bold flavors of traditional elote by combining charred corn with creamy elements, fresh herbs, and zesty lime.

Can I make Mexican Street Corn Salad ahead of time?

Yes! It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare it a day in advance. Just wait to add any avocado until serving time.

What can I substitute for cotija cheese?

Feta cheese works well as a substitute for cotija cheese, providing a similar salty flavor and crumbly texture.

Is it possible to make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute sour cream with plant-based yogurt and use nutritional yeast or omit cheese entirely for a vegan-friendly option.

How can I customize my Mexican Street Corn Salad?

Feel free to add more vegetables like diced tomatoes or black beans, or spice it up with extra jalapenos or chili powder for added heat!

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Street Corn Salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for summer BBQs, taco nights, or potlucks, it’s easy to customize based on your preferences. Try adding your favorite toppings or extra spices to make it your own!

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Mexican Street Corn Salad

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Discover the vibrant flavors of Mexican Street Corn Salad, a delightful dish that captures the essence of elote in a fresh, scoopable format. This smoky, creamy, and tangy salad combines charred corn with zesty lime juice and colorful vegetables for a satisfying side perfect for BBQs, taco nights, or potlucks. Quick to prepare and customizable to your taste, this salad is sure to impress any crowd with its bold flavor and beautiful presentation.

  • Author: Naomi Carter
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Sauteing
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups corn (about 5 ears, cut from the cob)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ medium red bell pepper (chopped)
  • ½ small red onion (finely chopped)
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
  • 6 green onions (chopped)
  • 1 jalapeno pepper (diced)
  • ½ avocado (chopped)
  • 4 tablespoons lime juice (from about 2 limes)
  • ½ teaspoon cumin (ground)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (ground)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream (or yogurt)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • ½ cup feta cheese (or cotija, crumbled)

Instructions

  1. Cut corn off the cob to yield about 4 cups.
  2. In a large skillet over high heat, heat olive oil and add the corn. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until charred.
  3. Allow the corn to cool slightly before combining it in a large mixing bowl with red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, green onions, jalapeno, and avocado.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix the lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, sour cream or yogurt, mayonnaise, and cheese. Pour over the salad mixture and gently fold until well combined.
  5. Garnish with additional cheese and cilantro if desired before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (150g)
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 290mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

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