Vibrant Mexican Street Corn Salad

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Elevate your turkey veggie tray with this delightful Mexican Street Corn Salad, bursting with fresh flavors and vibrant colors. This easy-to-make dish combines sweet corn, creamy dressing, zesty lime, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese, creating an irresistible side that complements any holiday or gathering. Perfect for summer barbecues and festive feasts alike, this salad will be the star of your appetizer spread!

Anna Johnson

Created by

Anna Johnson

Last updated on 2025-11-08T13:37:58.804Z

This Mexican Street Corn Salad is not just a side dish, but a celebration of flavors and vibrant colors!

A Taste of Authenticity

This Vibrant Mexican Street Corn Salad is inspired by the beloved street food found in bustling markets from Mexico City to your local fair. The combination of sweet corn and zesty ingredients delivers a burst of flavor that reminds you of sun-soaked summer days. Every bite is infused with bright, fresh elements that tantalize the taste buds, making it a perfect dish for those seeking authenticity in their cooking. Embrace the essence of Mexican cuisine with every forkful!

The simple yet bold flavors of this salad evoke the charm of street vendors who expertly prepare Elote, or Mexican street corn. The addition of cotija cheese and fresh cilantro elevates the dish, striking a balance between creamy and tangy that’s hard to resist. Consider pairing it with a refreshing drink like horchata or a light lager to enhance your culinary experience even further!

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a summer barbecue, a holiday gathering, or a casual family dinner, this Mexican Street Corn Salad is versatile enough to fit any occasion. Its vibrant colors and rich textures make it visually appealing, while the combination of flavors ensures it’s a crowd-pleaser. Prepare this salad in advance, and you’ll have a delicious and attractive dish that requires minimal effort on the day of your event.

This salad not only serves as an excellent appetizer but also pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, tacos, or roasted vegetables. Its refreshing qualities make it a standout choice for warm-weather cuisine, making it a go-to recipe for outdoor dining. Bring this delightful dish along to potlucks and watch it disappear as guests ask for the recipe!

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

To ensure your Vibrant Mexican Street Corn Salad stays fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 3 days, but the flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier after a day in the fridge. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prep lovers who want to enjoy healthy and flavorful salads throughout the week.

When preparing this salad ahead of time, consider mixing the dressing separately and adding it just before serving. This helps to maintain the crunch of the corn and the freshness of the cilantro. If you’re cooking for a large crowd, feel free to scale up the ingredients—just keep the ratios consistent for the perfect blend of flavors at any party!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 4 cups sweet corn (canned or frozen)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl for the best flavor!

Instructions

Prepare the Corn

If using fresh corn, grill it until charred, then slice the kernels off the cob. If using canned or frozen, simply rinse and drain.

Mix the Dressing

In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and season with salt and pepper.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the corn, dressing, cilantro, and cotija cheese. Toss gently to combine.

Serve

Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Enjoy your delicious Mexican Street Corn Salad!

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Mexican Street Corn Salad with grilled chicken or shrimp for a satisfying main dish. The salad makes a refreshing complement to any protein, adding color and crunch to your plate. It’s also excellent as a topping for tacos or burrito bowls, where it can add a refreshing zing that contrasts well with savory flavors.

Consider serving the salad with sugary, spicy street foods like churros for a delightful contrast that will excite your guests. The combination of flavors will transport everyone to a Mexican street corner, ensuring a memorable meal that is rich in both taste and culture.

Nutritional Benefits

This salad is not just delicious; it is packed with nutritious ingredients. Sweet corn is rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a healthy choice that promotes good digestion. The addition of fresh cilantro is beneficial for detoxification and adds a burst of flavor without additional calories.

The creamy dressing, while indulgent, is balanced by the fresh components. You can easily make a lighter version by substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream. This tweak boosts protein content while maintaining creaminess, ensuring that you can enjoy this delectable salad guilt-free!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad in advance?

Yes, this salad holds up well if made a few hours in advance.

→ What can I substitute for cotija cheese?

Feta cheese can be used as a substitute for cotija.

Vibrant Mexican Street Corn Salad

Elevate your turkey veggie tray with this delightful Mexican Street Corn Salad, bursting with fresh flavors and vibrant colors. This easy-to-make dish combines sweet corn, creamy dressing, zesty lime, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese, creating an irresistible side that complements any holiday or gathering. Perfect for summer barbecues and festive feasts alike, this salad will be the star of your appetizer spread!

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration0 minutes
Overall Time10 minutes

Created by: Anna Johnson

Recipe Type: Global Flavors

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Main Ingredients

  1. 4 cups sweet corn (canned or frozen)
  2. 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  3. 1/4 cup sour cream
  4. Juice of 1 lime
  5. 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
  6. 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  7. Salt and pepper to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

If using fresh corn, grill it until charred, then slice the kernels off the cob. If using canned or frozen, simply rinse and drain.

Step 02

In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and season with salt and pepper.

Step 03

In a large bowl, combine the corn, dressing, cilantro, and cotija cheese. Toss gently to combine.

Step 04

Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 200
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Protein: 4g