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Flavorful Grilled Mexican Street Corn Salad

grilled Mexican street corn salad - featured image
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A smoky, tangy, creamy Mexican street corn salad with Cotija cheese, fresh jalapeño, and lime juice, perfect for summer parties and quick to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–5 ears fresh corn, husked (or about 4 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed)
  • ½ cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • Juice of 1 large lime (about 2 tablespoons)
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Husk the fresh corn and brush each ear lightly with olive oil. (Skip this step if using frozen corn.)
  2. Grill the corn on medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until kernels have char marks and a smoky aroma.
  3. Let the grilled corn cool for a few minutes, then slice the kernels off the cob into a large bowl.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  5. Add chopped jalapeño and cilantro to the corn kernels. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat evenly.
  6. Fold in most of the crumbled Cotija cheese, reserving some for garnish.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more chili powder or lime juice if desired. Chill for 10 minutes or serve immediately.

Notes

Use fresh lime juice and fresh cilantro for best flavor. If you don’t have a grill, roast corn kernels in a 425°F oven for 15 minutes, stirring halfway. Keep a spray bottle handy to control flare-ups on the grill. For dairy-free, substitute Cotija with firm tofu or vegan cheese and sour cream/mayo with vegan alternatives. Add toasted pepitas or crushed tortilla chips for crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican street corn salad, grilled corn salad, Cotija cheese salad, summer party salad, smoky corn salad, easy corn salad

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/flavorful-grilled-mexican-street-corn-salad-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-summer-parties/