Zesty Mexican Street Corn Salad

$To make a delicious Mexican Street Corn Salad, you will need the following fresh ingredients: - Sweet corn - Cherry tomatoes - Red onion - Feta cheese - Fresh cilantro - Mayonnaise - Sour cream - Lime juice - Chili powder - Salt and black pepper Each ingredient plays a key role in creating that vibrant flavor. The sweet corn gives the salad its base and main flavor. Cherry tomatoes add a juicy burst. Red onion brings a sharp crunch. Feta cheese adds creaminess and a salty note. Fresh cilantro offers a bright herbal touch. The mixture of mayonnaise and sour cream creates the perfect creamy dressing with lime juice for tang. Chili powder gives that signature kick, while salt and black pepper balance the flavors. Gathering these fresh, quality ingredients will set you up for a fantastic dish. If you use seasonal produce, you'll enjoy even richer flavors. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheating the grill Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This step is key for a great char. 2. Grilling the corn Once the grill is hot, place the husked corn on the grates. Grill each ear for about 10-12 minutes. Turn the corn every few minutes. You want it nicely charred and caramelized. 3. Cooling and cutting kernels After grilling, remove the corn from the grill and let it cool. Once it’s cool enough to handle, cut the kernels off the cobs with a sharp knife. Transfer those kernels to a large mixing bowl. 1. Combining corn and vegetables Into the bowl with the corn, add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped cilantro. Use a spatula to gently stir all ingredients together. 2. Preparing the dressing In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until you have a smooth and creamy dressing. 1. Tossing the salad Drizzle the dressing over the corn mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to toss everything gently. Make sure all ingredients are well coated. 2. Adjusting the seasoning Take a moment to taste the salad. Adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more lime juice, salt, or chili powder to suit your taste. 3. Serving suggestions You can serve the salad right away for a fresh experience. If you want richer flavors, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully. For a nice touch, serve it in a decorative bowl or individual cups. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges for extra flair. Choosing the right corn Start with sweet corn. Look for fresh, firm ears. The kernels should be plump and juicy. Avoid corn with dry or brown spots. Organic corn adds extra flavor too. Tips for optimal charring Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This step is key for good char. Grill the corn for 10-12 minutes. Turn it every few minutes. Look for a nice golden-brown color. This adds a smoky taste to your salad. Customizing flavors to taste Feel free to adjust the dressing. Add more lime juice for tanginess. If you like heat, increase the chili powder. Taste as you mix and make it yours. Substituting ingredients for dietary needs You can use Greek yogurt instead of mayo or sour cream. For a dairy-free option, try avocado cream. This keeps the salad creamy while meeting dietary needs. Presentation ideas Serve the salad in a big bowl for sharing. For parties, use individual cups. Add lime wedges and extra cilantro on top. This makes it look fresh and inviting. Pairing suggestions This salad pairs well with grilled meats. Try it with chicken or shrimp tacos. It also goes great with spicy dishes. The cool salad balances heat perfectly. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Corn: Fresh, in-season corn will provide the best sweetness and flavor for your salad. Look for ears with bright green husks and plump kernels. Customize the Heat: If you like it spicy, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing for an extra kick. Mix in Avocado: For a creamier texture, consider adding diced avocado to the salad just before serving. It complements the other flavors beautifully. Serve Chilled: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving enhances the flavors and provides a refreshing experience. {{image_4}} You can change some ingredients in this salad to fit your taste. - Using different cheeses: Feta cheese adds a nice salty flavor. If you want, try queso fresco for a milder taste. Cotija cheese is another great option. It’s crumbly and adds a nice bite. - Adding beans or other veggies: You can add black beans for protein. They give a creamy texture and taste. Corn and diced bell peppers also work well. They add crunch and color. Small changes can make a big difference in taste. - Extra spices or herbs: If you want more heat, add cayenne pepper. You could also try adding fresh herbs like basil or mint. They bring a fresh twist to the salad. - Sweet additions like avocado or fruits: Avocado adds creaminess. You can also add mango or pineapple for a sweet touch. These fruits balance the spice and add a tropical vibe. To store leftovers, place your Mexican street corn salad in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This helps keep the flavors fresh. The best containers for storage are glass or BPA-free plastic. These materials do not hold onto smells. They also help prevent spills in your fridge. For maintaining freshness, the salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. After this time, the taste and texture may suffer. Signs of spoilage include a sour smell or a change in color. If you see any mold, throw it away. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. Can I use frozen corn? Yes, you can use frozen corn. Just thaw it before mixing. Frozen corn is sweet and will work well. What can I substitute for feta cheese? You can use cotija cheese or goat cheese. Both give a nice flavor and texture. How can I make this salad vegan? To make it vegan, replace feta with a plant-based cheese. Use vegan mayo and sour cream too. Why is my salad watery? Your salad may be watery if you didn't drain the tomatoes well. Also, don't add too much dressing at once. How can I add more flavor? Add more lime juice or chili powder for a kick. Fresh herbs like cilantro also boost flavor. This blog post shows you how to create a fresh Mexican Street Corn Salad. We went through key ingredients, easy steps, and useful tips. The salad is bright and packed with flavor. Feel free to swap ingredients or adjust the dressing to suit your taste. Store leftovers properly and enjoy them later. Remember, cooking is about having fun and experimenting. I hope you try this salad and make it your own. It’s perfect for any meal or gathering. Happy cooking!$

Zesty Mexican Street Corn Salad

A vibrant and flavorful salad featuring grilled corn, fresh vegetables, and a creamy dressing.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

4 ears sweet corn, husked
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
0.5 cup red onion, finely diced
0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
0.25 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 to taste salt
1 to taste black pepper

Instructions

Begin by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will create the perfect environment for charring the corn.
Once the grill is ready, place the husked corn on the grill grates. Grill the corn for about 10-12 minutes, turning it every few minutes until the exterior is nicely charred and caramelized. Once grilled, remove the corn from the grill and set it aside to cool slightly.
After the corn has cooled enough to handle, carefully cut the kernels off the cobs using a sharp knife. Transfer the kernels to a large mixing bowl.
Into the bowl with the corn, add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped cilantro. Stir the ingredients gently to combine them.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, freshly squeezed lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper until you achieve a smooth and creamy dressing.
Drizzle the dressing over the corn mixture. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently toss everything together to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Take a moment to taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Feel free to add more lime juice, salt, or chili powder to suit your taste preferences.
You can serve the salad immediately for a fresh experience, or for an even richer flavor, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Notes

Serve chilled for enhanced flavor. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.

Keyword corn salad, fresh, grilled corn, Mexican