Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad

Your new favorite side dish for Taco Tuesday has arrived.

Ready to change the way you use a cob of corn? This easy Mexican Street Corn Salad is a new take on this starchy harvest vegetable. With delicious, charred flavor and other spicy Mexican ingredients, this salad is a fiesta in your mouth and perfect for any occasion. Perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings, this salad is not just a side dish but a showstopper in its own right. 

In this article, we’ll guide you through the simple steps to bring this flavorful, healthy, and visually stunning salad to your table. Let’s turn this starchy harvest vegetable into a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

What is Mexican Street Corn?

Mexican street corn, also known as elotes, is a traditional side dish made of corn on the cob that has been charred. It is also usually topped with things like spices, garlic, and cream. When corn is grilled, it brings out the kernel’s sweet and nutty flavor while giving it a crisp texture. From there, we’ve taken the traditional Mexican street corn recipe and mixed it into a salad. Once you’ve gotten your corn grilled, all you have to do is get it off the cob and toss it with all of the other healty and delicious ingredinets to take this dish from a side to a main.

Ingredients Needed for this Salad

This easy Mexican street corn salad brings together simple yet flavorful ingredients, each playing a vital role in the dish. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

Corn: Fresh corn is the star of this dish. When charred, corn kernels develop a deep, sweet flavor and a delightful crispness. If fresh corn is not available, frozen corn can be a suitable substitute, though the texture and taste will slightly differ.

Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for lightly coating the corn before broiling. It helps in achieving that perfect char without drying out the kernels.

Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt brings a creamy texture and a slight tang to the salad, acting as a high-protein, healthier alternative to the traditional mayonnaise or crema used in elotes. It binds the ingredients together and adds a smooth richness.

Garlic Cloves: Minced garlic cloves infuse the salad with a pungent and aromatic flavor, a key element in Mexican cooking.

Jalapeno: Jalapeno provides a spicy kick to the salad. Removing the seeds can lessen the heat, making it adjustable to your spice tolerance.

Lime: The juice adds a zesty brightness, cutting through the creaminess and balancing the flavors. Lime juice is essential in achieving the authentic Mexican street corn taste.

Cumin: Cumin offers a warm, earthy spice that is quintessential in Mexican cuisine.

Chili Powder: Chili powder contributes a mild heat and a smoky flavor, echoing the charred character of the corn.

Cojita Cheese: This crumbly Mexican cheese adds a salty, tangy element, essential in replicating the traditional elotes experience.

Red Onion: Finely chopped red onion offers a sharp, slightly sweet flavor and a crunchy texture.

Scallions and Cilantro: Scallions and cilantro are used as garnishes, providing a fresh, herby lift that enhances the salad’s appearance and adds bursts of flavor in every bite.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Creating this easy Mexican street corn salad is a straightforward process that brings out the rich flavors of each ingredient. Follow these steps to whip up this vibrant and tasty dish:

1. Preheat and Prepare the Corn:
   • Start by preheating your broiler. This high heat is key to achieving the perfect char on the corn.
   • While the broiler heats, remove the kernels from the ears of corn. Slice them off the cob carefully, aiming to keep some of the kernels in chunky clusters for texture.
2. Broil the Corn:
   • Spread the corn kernels in a single layer on a baking sheet or dish. Drizzle them with olive oil, ensuring they are lightly but evenly coated.
   • Place the corn under the broiler, and let it cook for about 8 to 10 minutes. Halfway through, give the kernels a stir to ensure even charring. Watch closely, as the corn can char quickly under a broiler.
3. Make the Dressing:
   • While the corn is broiling, prepare the dressing. In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, minced jalapeno (seeds removed for less heat), lime juice, cumin, and chili powder. You can also add some salt and pepper here, if you’d like.
   • Whisk these ingredients until well combined. The dressing should have a creamy yet pourable consistency.
4. Combine the Salad:
   • In a separate large bowl, combine the charred corn, crumbled cojita cheese, and finely chopped red onion.
   • Pour the prepared dressing over the corn mixture. Toss everything together until the corn is evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Finally, top the salad with chopped scallions and cilantro for a fresh, herby finish.
   • Give the salad a final gentle toss and serve. This salad can be enjoyed warm, right after preparing, or chilled in the refrigerator for a refreshing touch.

Customize this Street Corn Salad

Here are some creative ideas for customizing this delicious dish to fit your preferences:

Adjust the Heat: For those who love extra spice, consider adding more jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. Conversely, if you prefer a milder taste, you can completely omit the jalapeño or remove all the seeds and ribs from the pepper.

Cheese Variations: While cotija cheese is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses for different flavors. Feta cheese can be a great substitute, offering a similar crumbly texture and tangy taste. For a vegan version, try a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Add More Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and color of your salad by adding vegetables like diced bell peppers, avocado, or cherry tomatoes. These additions not only provide extra vitamins and minerals but also enhance the visual appeal of the dish.

Change the Citrus: Lime juice is a classic choice, but you can also try lemon juice for a slightly different citrus profile. Lemon adds a fresh, bright flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.

Play with Herbs: If cilantro isn’t to your taste, or you just want to try something different, herbs like parsley or chives can be wonderful alternatives. They offer a fresh flavor and can change the character of the dish.

Protein Addition: For a heartier salad, add cooked and cooled black beans or grilled chicken. These protein-packed additions can transform the salad from a side dish to a satisfying main course.

Creamy Dressing Variations: Swap Greek yogurt with sour cream for a richer texture, or use a dairy-free yogurt to make the salad vegan. Adjust the spices in the dressing according to your preference, adding more cumin or chili powder as desired.

FAQ for Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad

Here are the most frequently asked questions about this easy Mexican street corn salad. If you don’t see the answer you’re searching for, drop your question in the comment section!

Can I Use Canned or Frozen Corn Instead of Fresh?

Yes, if using canned corn, drain and rinse it well before broiling. For frozen corn, let it thaw and pat dry to remove excess moisture. Keep in mind that the texture and sweetness might slightly vary from fresh corn.

Is Corn Healthy?

Corn offers awesome nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, and folate. It’s also high in both soluble and insoluble fiber, which is great for digestion!

How Long Can This Salad Be Stored?

This Mexican Street Corn Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors often meld and enhance over time. However, if you plan to make it ahead, consider adding the fresh herbs just before serving to maintain freshness.

Can I Make This Salad Vegan?

To make this salad vegan, substitute the cojita cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor. Use a dairy-free yogurt for the dressing to keep the creamy texture.

How Can I Add More Protein to This Salad?

For added protein, consider mixing in black beans, diced grilled chicken, or even chunks of tofu. These protein sources complement the flavors of the salad and make it more filling.

Can I Grill the Corn Instead of Broiling?

Absolutely! Grilling the corn on an outdoor grill or a grill pan on the stove can add a wonderful smoky flavor to the salad. Just grill the ears of corn until charred and then slice off the kernels.

Let us know what you thought of this street corn salad in the comment section!

More Mexican-Style Recipes

In the mood for more southwest or Mexican style recipes? We’ve got you covered! Try these out next:

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