Mexican Street Corn Salad (Printable)

Charred corn, tangy lime dressing, Cotija cheese, and fresh herbs—flavorful, vibrant, and easy to prepare.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 cups corn kernels, fresh or thawed frozen (from approximately 5 ears of corn)
02 - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
03 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
04 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
05 - 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

→ Dressing

06 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
07 - 1/4 cup sour cream
08 - 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
09 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Cheese & Garnish

13 - 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled plus extra for topping
14 - Fresh lime wedges, for serving

# How To Make It:

01 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high and add corn kernels. Cook, stirring occasionally, until kernels are lightly charred, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well integrated and smooth.
03 - Add charred corn, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, and chopped cilantro to the bowl with dressing. Toss thoroughly until all vegetables are coated.
04 - Gently fold in the Cotija cheese to combine. Avoid overmixing to preserve cheese texture.
05 - Transfer to a serving dish. Top with extra Cotija cheese and garnish with lime wedges. Serve immediately at room temperature or chill for 30 minutes for a cooler presentation.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It tastes wildly fresh even if you use frozen corn – a little char goes a long way.
  • The creamy, spicy dressing feels like a secret weapon, turning simple veggies into a star side you'll want to eat straight from the bowl.
02 -
  • If you skip cooling the corn before mixing, the dressing thins out too much – patience is key.
  • I learned grilled corn makes everything more aromatic, so try it outdoors if you can.
03 -
  • If you use frozen corn, cook it a bit longer and pat dry to avoid sogginess.
  • Don't skip the smoked paprika – it's the secret ingredient that truly mimics that street corn flair.
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