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A bowl of Mexican corn salad topped with cheese and cilantro.
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Mexican Corn Salad

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!
Course Salad
Cuisine Mexican
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 187kcal
Author Sara Welch

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. 

Notes

  1. This recipe works well with fresh or frozen corn. I don't recommend using canned corn as it has added salt and the texture is not as desirable.
  2. Corn salad can be prepared ahead of time. Store the salad components and dressing separately, then toss everything together right before serving. I recommend serving it the same day.
  3. This is not a spicy salad because the seeds and ribs are removed from the jalapeno. If you prefer some heat, add in some of the pepper ribs or seeds.

Nutrition

Calories: 187kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 388mg | Potassium: 218mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1015IU | Vitamin C: 32.9mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 0.8mg