Mexican Street Corn Salad Fresh and Flavorful Dish

If you’re craving a fresh and tasty dish, this Mexican Street Corn Salad is for you! It brings together sweet corn, zesty flavors, and creamy texture in every bite. In this guide, I will share easy steps to make this flavorful salad, plus tips for variations and storage. Whether you serve it at a picnic or as a side at dinner, you’re bound to impress! Let’s get started!

Ingredients

Complete List of Ingredients

To make Mexican Street Corn Salad, gather these ingredients:

– 4 ears of corn, husked

– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

– 1/4 cup mayonnaise

– 1/4 cup sour cream

– 1 tablespoon lime juice

– 1 teaspoon chili powder

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

– 1/4 cup diced red onion

– 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional for extra heat)

These fresh ingredients create a bright and tasty dish. The corn gives a nice crunch. The feta adds creaminess, while lime juice brings a zesty kick.

Substitutions for Key Ingredients

You can swap some ingredients if needed:

– Use cotija cheese instead of feta for a classic twist.

– Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a lighter option.

– For a vegan salad, try using vegan mayo and tofu feta.

– If you want less heat, skip the jalapeño or use a bell pepper instead.

These substitutions keep the dish fun and flexible. You can make it work for your taste or diet.

Nutritional Information

This salad is not only delicious but also nutritious. Here’s a quick look at what you get per serving:

– Calories: 200

– Protein: 5g

– Carbohydrates: 20g

– Fat: 12g

– Fiber: 3g

This salad packs flavor and nutrition in every bite. It’s perfect for a light meal or a side dish. For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe].

Step-by-Step Instructions

Grilling the Corn

Start with fresh corn. Husk the corn and remove all silk. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the corn directly on the grill. Grill it for about 10-12 minutes. Turn the corn every few minutes. Look for charred spots to know it’s done. Once cooked, take the corn off the grill and let it cool a bit. Use a sharp knife to cut the kernels off the cob. Put the kernels in a large mixing bowl.

Preparing the Dressing

In a separate bowl, you will make the dressing. Add 1/4 cup of mayonnaise and 1/4 cup of sour cream. Squeeze in 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Then add 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Mix it well until it’s smooth. Taste it and add salt and pepper as needed.

Combining Ingredients

Now it’s time to mix it all together. Pour the dressing over the corn kernels in the large bowl. Add 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro, and 1/4 cup of diced red onion. If you like heat, include 1 finely chopped jalapeño. Gently fold the ingredients together until everything is well mixed. For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This waiting time helps the flavors blend. Enjoy the fresh and flavorful dish! Check out the Full Recipe for more details.

Tips & Tricks

Best Practices for Grilling Corn

Grilling corn is simple but needs some care. Start with fresh, sweet corn. Husk it well to remove all the silk. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the corn directly on the grill. Cook it for about 10-12 minutes. Turn it every few minutes. This helps to get nice grill marks. Look for a charred look on the kernels. This adds great flavor.

How to Enhance Flavor

To boost flavor, use fresh ingredients. Lime juice wakes up the other tastes. Add chili powder for a mild kick. If you like heat, chop a jalapeño. You can also mix in some smoked paprika. This adds a rich, smoky depth. When you mix the dressing, taste it. Adjust with salt and pepper as needed. A little more lime juice can brighten the dish.

Presentation Tips for Serving

How you serve this salad matters. Use a large bowl for a family-style look. Garnish with extra cilantro for color. Lime wedges on the side add a fresh touch. For a fun twist, serve in small mason jars. This makes it easy for guests. It’s also a cute way to show off those vibrant colors.

For the full recipe, follow the steps carefully to create a delightful dish that everyone will love!

Variations

Adding Protein Options

You can add protein to make this salad heartier. Grilled chicken or shrimp works well. Simply chop the meat into bite-sized pieces and mix it in. You can also use black beans for a plant-based protein boost. They add flavor and texture without meat.

Vegetarian and Vegan Adaptations

This salad is easy to make vegetarian or vegan. For a vegetarian option, just keep the feta cheese. If you want it vegan, swap the feta for avocado. You can also use a vegan mayo. This keeps all the creaminess while fitting a vegan diet.

Flavor Variations (Spicy, Sweet, etc.)

Spice lovers can add more heat! Use extra jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. For a sweet touch, try adding diced mango or pineapple. These fruits balance the savory flavors and add a nice twist. You can even mix in fresh herbs like mint for a refreshing change.

For the full recipe, be sure to check the main article!

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

After you enjoy your Mexican street corn salad, store the leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. The salad will last for about 3 to 4 days. If you notice any changes in color or smell, it’s best to toss it out.

Freezing Options

You can freeze this salad, but it may change in texture. If you want to freeze it, leave out the dressing and cheese. Store the corn and veggies in a freezer-safe bag. It will last up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Freshness Guidelines

For the best taste, eat the salad within a few days. The flavors blend well after sitting, but fresh is always best. If you plan to make it ahead, try to add the cheese and dressing just before serving. This keeps everything crisp and tasty. For more detailed steps, check the Full Recipe.

FAQs

What is Mexican Street Corn Salad?

Mexican street corn salad is a tasty dish that combines sweet corn with creamy flavors. It features grilled corn, feta cheese, and a zesty dressing. You will love the mix of textures and flavors. The chili powder and lime juice add a nice kick. This salad is colorful and perfect for summer gatherings or barbecues. Overall, it brings the vibrant taste of street food to your table.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It tastes even better after the flavors blend. I recommend making it at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the ingredients to come together nicely. You can store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Just give it a quick stir before serving to refresh it. If you plan to make it the day before, keep the toppings separate. This way, they stay fresh and crunchy.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. The main ingredients, like corn, cheese, and mayonnaise, do not contain gluten. However, always check the labels on your products. Some brands may have gluten in their dressings or seasonings. If you use gluten-free mayonnaise and other substitutes, your salad will stay safe for gluten-sensitive eaters. Enjoy this fresh dish without worry!

For the full recipe, check out the details above.

In this post, we’ve covered how to make a tasty Mexican street corn salad. You learned about the ingredients, their substitutes, and nutritional details. We went through step-by-step instructions for grilling corn and making the dressing. I shared tips for grilling and enhancing flavors, plus how to present your dish beautifully.

Remember, you can add proteins or tweak flavors to fit your taste. Store leftovers correctly to keep them fresh. This salad is simple and delicious. Enjoy making it yourself!

Mexican Street Corn Salad

If you're looking for a fresh and flavorful dish, try this Mexican Street Corn Salad! It's packed with sweet corn, creamy feta, and zesty seasonings for a vibrant side that everyone will love. Perfect for picnics or dinner, this easy recipe allows for fun variations and substitutions to suit any diet. Ready to impress your guests? Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your next meal!

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Ingredients

  

4 ears of corn, husked

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup diced red onion

1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional for extra heat)

Instructions

 

Start by grilling the corn: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the husked corn directly on the grill. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the corn is charred and cooked through.

Once cooked, remove the corn from the grill and let it cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, use a sharp knife to cut the kernels off the cob and place them in a large mixing bowl.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Pour the dressing over the corn kernels and add the crumbled feta cheese, chopped cilantro, diced red onion, and jalapeño (if using).

Gently fold all the ingredients together until well mixed. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and lime juice if desired.

Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes + 30 minutes chilling | Servings: 6

- Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large bowl garnished with extra cilantro and a few lime wedges on the side for an added pop of color. For individual servings, use small mason jars for a fun and portable option!