This Mexican corn salad is corn kernels and vegetables tossed in a creamy lime dressing, then topped with cotjita cheese. A twist on the classic Mexican street corn that’s easy to eat and perfect for a potluck!
Corn salad is the perfect addition to any gathering, and this Mexican version features bold flavors like chile, lime and cilantro. It’s the perfect side dish to go with grilled chicken tenders or shrimp skewers.
Corn on the cob is awesome as-is, but it’s even better when you add some other veggies and a creamy dressing to make Mexican corn salad. This corn salad is full of fresh and zingy flavors and is so easy to make.
How do you make Mexican corn salad?
It won’t come as a surprise that this recipe starts with plenty of corn. If corn is in season, you can slices your kernels off fresh cobs for the best results. If it’s not corn season but you still have a hankering for this salad, you can use frozen corn kernels that have been thawed. I’ve made this salad both ways and it always comes out great. The corn gets cooked in a little butter until it’s just started to char around the edges.
How do you get corn off the cob?
Cutting corn kernels off the cob can be a messy job because the kernels tend to bounce all over the place! You can buy a special tool called a corn stripper to make this task easier, or try placing the corn cob inside a large bowl as you cut to contain the mess.
The corn is then combined with red onion, bell pepper, fresh cilantro and jalapeno. You can remove the ribs and seeds from the jalapenos for a mild salad with very little heat. Or if you like spicy, leave some of those pepper seeds and ribs in the mix.
The dressing is a creamy mixture of sour cream, mayonnaise and seasonings. It gives this salad that Mexican street corn style flavor without all the mess of trying to bite it off the cob.
The finishing touch is a sprinkle of cotija cheese. Cotija is a hard, crumbly Mexican cheese that can be found in many grocery stores If you’re unable to locate cotija, try using feta or parmesan cheese instead.
What do you serve with Mexican corn salad?
I like to serve this salad as a side to some of my favorite grilled proteins such as
- BBQ Pork Chops
- Grilled Chicken Kabobs
- Marinated Salmon
- Grilled Sriracha Shrimp
- Grilled Chicken Fajitas
While Mexican corn salad is often thought of as a summer time dish, you really can make it all year round with frozen corn! I love that it’s simple, colorful, fresh tasting and of course super delicious.
Mexican Corn Salad
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cups corn kernels fresh or frozen (thaw if using frozen)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 red bell pepper cored, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1 jalapeno seeds and ribs removed, then finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves chopped, plus more for garnish
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder plus more for garnish
- 1/3 cup cotija cheese finely grated
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pan over medium high heat.
- Add the corn to the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes or until lightly charred. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the corn cool to room temperature, then place it in a bowl with the red bell pepper, onion, jalapeno and chopped cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, crema, mayonnaise, cumin, smoked paprika and chili powder.
- Pour the dressing over the corn mixture and toss to coat. Sprinkle with cotija cheese, additional chili powder, and additional cilantro, then serve.
- Salad can be stored, covered in the fridge, for up to 8 hours before serving.
Liz says
Can you make ahead of time
Sara says
Yes that should be fine!
CJ Campbell says
Made it 3 times in the past 3 weeks! as well as got asked for the recipe. I used fresh corn on the cob that I cut the kernals off. We also made it with canned corn once (as that is what we had on hand- I do NOT recommend using can, it didn’t get that good char that the fresh got and the corn tasted so blah I set aside for another use and sent hubby to store for fresh or frozen so I could finish making). We did not use jalepeno as not handle spice well. But it still had a nice kick with the spices. We also omitted the cheese as we did not have that- and honestly as much as I love cheese, we didn’t miss it. Easy to make and easy to eat ‘corn on the cob’ with a twist- everyone enjoyed (teens to grandparents!)
Mike says
It was so delicious we can’t wait to make it again,great for hot weather,very refreshing
Karen says
Made it last night and we loved it!
Fontella says
We are having a Salad Gala at church and I wanted to participate with something different. This recipient is so awesome and easy to make and everyone loved it
K says
I like to sprinkle Taqin on top…adds alot!
Sherri H says
Just made this as a salad for a catering order. It is REALLY good!! I did add 2 cans of fire roasted Rotel to amp the spice up a little. I made enough for 20 people. It’s awesome having the amount converter, I wish more recipes had that!!
Thanks so much for sharing!!
Debbie Ferman says
I brought this to a BBG and almost everyone asked for the recipe! Really tasty!
Elaine says
I love twists on classic Mexican dishes. I mean I love classic dishes but I am always excited to put a spin on them. Can’t wait to try your salad!
Cindy Gordon says
This recipe screams SUMMER. I love this recipe! So tasty and so easy to make!
Kristina says
Love this salad and yours is definitely going to be on my must make ASAP list!
janet says
This looks so good! Just wondered – my husband & I are on a low sodium diet because of high blood pressure problems – would it still taste good without the mayo. & cheese? Thank you!
Sara says
Yes that should be fine!
Krista says
I have to have this for a side this Summer! Love your flavors!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
So vibrant, healthy and yummy! This is such an exciting idea!
Beth Pierce says
This made the PERFECT side dish with dinner last night! The smoked paprika is the perfect touch!
Jade Manning says
What a colorful and delicious side dish, my kids would love this, and so would I to be honest!
Shannon Graham says
This recipe was SO good. In fact, I’m really glad I came across it again, I’m adding it to the Mother’s Day menu tomorrow!