Zesty Pioneer Woman Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe Magic

Mexican street corn salad from pioneer woman transforms ordinary corn into a culinary sensation that sizzles with southwestern charm.

Summer’s vibrant palette comes alive in this mouthwatering dish that dances between creamy and zesty.

Sweet kernels tangle with crumbled cheese, creating a flavor explosion that tingles taste buds.

Fresh herbs sprinkle magic across each colorful spoonful, bringing depth and complexity.

Smoky undertones weave through the salad, delivering an authentic street food experience right to your plate.

Simple ingredients collaborate to craft this irresistible side that screams celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 120 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything That Goes Into Pioneer Woman Mexican Street Corn Salad

• Fresh Corn Ears: Look for plump, vibrant green husks with moist silks indicating peak ripeness and sweetness.
• Olive Oil: Choose extra virgin for richer flavor and higher quality caramelization.

• Mayonnaise, Lime: Select ripe, firm limes with smooth skin for maximum juice and zesty flavor.
• Garlic: Pick firm, compact cloves without sprouts for most intense taste.

• Scallions, Cilantro: Seek bright green, crisp herbs without wilting for maximum freshness.
• Cotija Cheese: Opt for authentic Mexican-style cheese with crumbly, salty profile.
• Jalapeño: Choose firm peppers with smooth, glossy skin for balanced heat.
• Smoked Paprika: Select high-quality Spanish variety for deep, rich smoky undertones.
• Sea Salt: Use coarse, flaky salt for better texture and mineral complexity.

Items You’ll Need for Pioneer Woman Mexican Street Corn Salad

• Grill: Medium-high heat surface for charring corn.
• Pastry Brush: Ideal for evenly coating corn with olive oil.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for cleanly slicing corn kernels from cobs.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for whisking dressing and combining ingredients.
• Whisk: Perfect tool for blending mayonnaise, lime juice, and garlic smoothly.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for preparing ingredients and slicing corn.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for precise seasoning measurements.
• Citrus Zester: Optional tool for extracting lime zest (can use grater alternative).

Process to Complete Pioneer Woman Mexican Street Corn Salad

Grill Corn Mexican Street Style

• Fire Up The Grill

Crank your grill to medium-high heat. Drizzle olive oil over fresh corn ears, coating every inch for perfect caramelization and delicious flavor infusion.

• Char And Roast Corn

Toss corn directly onto sizzling grill grates. Cook each side for two minutes, turning to create gorgeous golden-brown marks. This technique locks in smoky richness that transforms ordinary corn into something extraordinary.

• Whip Up Creamy Dressing

Grab a bowl and combine tangy mayonnaise, minced garlic, zesty lime juice, and fresh lime zest. Whisk until silky smooth, creating a base that will elevate your corn to restaurant-quality deliciousness.

• Transform Corn Kernels

After corn cools slightly, slice kernels off cobs using a sharp knife. Drop warm kernels into creamy dressing, allowing flavors to dance and meld together beautifully.

• Layer In Flavor Explosion

Fold in vibrant ingredients like chopped scallions, crumbly cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, smoldering smoked paprika, and diced jalapeños. Sprinkle sea salt to enhance every single bite.

• Final Flavor Tuning

Sample your creation and adjust seasonings. Balance heat, tanginess, and richness until your taste buds sing with joy.

• Serve And Savor

Enjoy warm for an immediate flavor punch or chill to let ingredients get acquainted. Perfect alongside tacos or as a standalone sensation that’ll make taste buds celebrate.

Creative Variations for Pioneer Woman Mexican Street Corn Salad

Experiment with different cheese types like feta or queso fresco for unique flavor profiles. Each cheese brings its own tangy personality to the dish.

Control heat levels by adjusting jalapeño quantity. Remove seeds for mild warmth or include them for a fiery kick that tingles taste buds.

Prepare salad a day in advance to let flavors meld and intensify. Refrigeration allows ingredients to develop deeper, more complex taste connections.

Toss in extra fresh vegetables like diced red bell peppers or cucumber for added crunch and nutritional variety. These colorful additions provide texture and freshness to the classic corn salad.

Perfect Pairings for Pioneer Woman Mexican Street Corn Salad

• Taco Topping Transformation: Sprinkle this zesty corn mixture over soft or crispy tacos for an instant flavor explosion that'll make your taste buds dance.
• Picnic Perfect Side Dish: Pack this vibrant corn salad in a portable container for outdoor gatherings, letting the flavors meld and intensify during transport.
• Grill Party Companion: Serve alongside grilled meats or as a standalone dish that'll steal the show at your next backyard barbecue, adding a burst of color and tangy excitement.
• Quick Lunch Upgrade: Scoop over mixed greens or grain bowls to transform a simple lunch into a restaurant-worthy meal bursting with smoky, creamy goodness.

How to Store Leftovers from Pioneer Woman Mexican Street Corn Salad

• Preserve Corn Delight: Store your grilled corn salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Chill and Enhance: Refrigeration allows ingredients to meld, creating deeper taste profiles that become more intense over several hours.
• Quick Consumption Tip: Enjoy within 2-3 days for optimal texture and zesty flavor, as fresh ingredients tend to lose their crisp quality over time.
• Smart Serving Strategy: Keep dressing and corn kernels separate until just before serving to maintain ideal crunchiness and prevent soggy texture.

Creamy Pioneer Woman Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy Mexican street corn salad celebrates fresh summer ingredients with zesty lime and cotija cheese. Colorful kernels and tangy seasonings create a perfect side dish you’ll crave at backyard gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 ears fresh corn
• 1 jalapeño
• 1 garlic clove
• ¼ cup cotija cheese (or feta cheese)
• ¼ cup cilantro, finely chopped
• ⅓ cup scallions, chopped
• 1 ½ tbsps mayonnaise (or vegan mayonnaise)
• 1 lime (zest and juice)
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika (or chili powder)
• ¼ tsp sea salt
• extra-virgin olive oil (for brushing)

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Instructions

1. Grill Preparation: Heat grill to medium-high (375-400°F/190-204°C) for consistent corn roasting.
2. Corn Roasting: Brush corn ears with olive oil and grill, rotating every 2-3 minutes until kernels develop golden-brown char marks, approximately 8-10 minutes.
3. Kernel Extraction: Allow grilled corn to cool briefly, then slice kernels from cob using a sharp chef’s knife in smooth, controlled downward motions.
4. Dressing Creation: Whisk mayonnaise, garlic, lime zest, and lime juice in a large mixing bowl to form a smooth, tangy base.
5. Flavor Fusion: Fold roasted corn kernels into lime dressing, then thoroughly mix in green onions, queso fresco, cilantro, smoked paprika, jalapeño, and sea salt.
6. Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as desired, ensuring balanced flavor profile.
7. Serving: Enjoy warm immediately or chill for 30 minutes to enhance flavor intensity, creating a versatile Mexican street corn salad.

Notes

• Char Corn Carefully: Rotate ears every 2-3 minutes to prevent burning and ensure even, golden-brown caramelization across kernels.
• Slice Kernels Safely: Use a sharp chef’s knife and stand corn vertically to remove kernels cleanly without losing precious corn meat.
• Balance Flavor Layers: Taste and adjust seasoning gradually, allowing lime, garlic, and spices to harmonize without overwhelming the corn’s natural sweetness.
• Serve Temperature Matters: Enjoy warm for intense smoky notes or chill for 30 minutes to develop a refreshing, more complex flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg