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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Grill Preparation: Heat grill to medium-high (375-400°F/190-204°C) for consistent corn roasting.
- 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.
- Kernel Extraction: Allow grilled corn to cool briefly, then slice kernels from cob using a sharp chef’s knife in smooth, controlled downward motions.
- Dressing Creation: Whisk mayonnaise, garlic, lime zest, and lime juice in a large mixing bowl to form a smooth, tangy base.
- Flavor Fusion: Fold roasted corn kernels into lime dressing, then thoroughly mix in green onions, queso fresco, cilantro, smoked paprika, jalapeño, and sea salt.
- Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as desired, ensuring balanced flavor profile.
- 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