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Homemade Mexican corn salad in a white bowl on a white table. A blue towel and a cup of sliced scallions are arranged in the top corner.

Mexican Street Corn Salad

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Learn how to create a bold and spicy Mexican street corn salad with our simple recipe. This dish features pan-grilled corn, fresh herbs, and tasty seasonings, making it an excellent side for your favorite main courses or Mexican dishes. It's perfect for family dinners, social gatherings, or summer BBQs.
Course Salad
Cuisine Mexican
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 3 servings
Calories 78
Author Sangeetha Vel

Ingredients

  • 3 ears Corn
  • Olive oil for brushing
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tbsp Mayonnaise
  • ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice or lime juice
  • 1 Jalapeño Pepper diced, remove seeds for less heat
  • 1 small bunch Cilantro Leaves chopped
  • 1 small bunch Scallion chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • ¼ cup Feta Cheese or goat cheese
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Pan Grilling Corn

  • Begin by stripping away the green husks and silk—the thin strands attached to the cob. Clean the corn thoroughly to remove any dust, debris, or impurities. Preheat your grill pan on medium heat and brush it with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the corn cobs in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd it.
    A grill pan with corn on the cob, showing the corn being grilled.
  • Cook the corn for about 3-5 minutes on each side, turning frequently to get even char marks. These charred spots are key for that smoky, authentic street-style flavor. After grilling, set the corn aside on a plate and let it cool to room temperature before moving on to slicing the kernels off for the salad.
    A nicely grilled corn cob on a black plate, showcasing the golden, charred kernels.

Preparing Corn Salad

  • When the corn has cooled to room temperature, use a sharp knife to slice the kernels off the cob. Collect the kernels in a mixing bowl.
    A wooden board with freshly sliced corn kernels, neatly cut from the cob and ready to use.
  • Add the other ingredients to the bowl with the corn—garlic, paprika, black pepper, salt, lemon juice, cilantro, scallions, jalapeño, mayo, and feta cheese.
    Corn salad ingredients placed in a wide bowl, featuring colorful seasonings, fresh herbs, and cheese.
  • Using a spatula or spoon, gently combine all the ingredients to ensure they're evenly mixed. After mixing, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Your Mexican Corn Salad is now ready to serve and enjoy!
    A bowl of vibrant Mexican Street Corn Salad, packed with grilled corn, spices, and fresh herbs.

Serving

  • Serve this spicy and bold Mexican Street Corn Salad alongside your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes. For additional pairing ideas, refer to our serving suggestions section below. This salad is sure to complement a wide range of meals, enhancing any festive or casual dining experience.
    Mexican Street Corn Salad served in a white bowl, beautifully presented and ready to enjoy.

Notes

Here are some essential tips to help you make a perfect Mexican Street Style Corn Salad every time:
  • Grill Your Corn Properly: To really bring out the smoky flavors that define this street-style corn salad, make sure to grill your corn well. Rotate the ears frequently to get those appealing, charred marks all around.
  • Choose Fresh Ingredients: Using corn at peak ripeness, along with fresh herbs, seasonings, and cheese, is key to achieving a truly flavorful salad. Fresh ingredients not only taste better but also improve the texture of your dish.
  • Heat Level: While this recipe leans towards the spicier side, you can easily adjust the heat to suit your taste. For a milder version of the salad, simply remove the seeds from the jalapeño peppers before adding them, or use less jalapeño to dial down the spiciness. This way, you can enjoy the vibrant flavors of the salad with just the right amount of kick.
  • Balance the Creaminess: Depending on your preference for creaminess, you can adjust the amount of mayo or substitute part of it with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor.
  • Charcoal Grill for Extra Smokiness: If available, use a charcoal grill instead of a gas grill for grilling the corn. The charcoal adds a deeper, more authentic smokiness that mirrors the traditional street food flavor.
  • Experiment with Add-Ins: While the classic ingredients are fantastic, don't hesitate to customize your salad. Add avocado slices for creaminess, black or kidney beans for protein, or diced cucumbers for extra crunch and freshness. These additions can create new layers of flavor and texture in your salad.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 78kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 175mg | Potassium: 75mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 420IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 76mg | Iron: 0.4mg

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