Zesty Fiesta: Colorful Mexican Corn Salad Recipe to Wow

On lazy summer afternoons, a zesty Mexican corn salad bursts with freshness and flavor that instantly transports you to sunny streets of Mexico City.

The crisp kernels dance with tangy lime and spicy seasonings, creating a colorful side dish that lights up any gathering.

Charred corn adds a smoky depth to this simple yet irresistible recipe.

Street-style Mexican corn salad brings together creamy, spicy, and bright elements in one delightful bite.

Each forkful promises a perfectly balanced combination of textures and tastes that will delight your palate.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore this crowd-pleasing dish for its simplicity and bold character.

This recipe guarantees a delicious journey through authentic Mexican street food flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 6

Mexican Corn Salad Ingredient Breakdown

• Corn: Sweet summer staple with a delightful crunch, choose fresh ears with plump, bright kernels for the best flavor explosion.
• Olive Oil: Silky cooking companion that helps corn caramelize beautifully and prevents sticking.

• Mayonnaise: Luxurious binding agent that adds rich, smooth texture to the salad.
• Sour Cream: Tangy dairy delight that brightens the overall flavor profile.
• Lime Juice: Zesty citrus punch that cuts through richness and adds vibrant freshness.
• Cumin: Warm, earthy spice that brings authentic Mexican depth.
• Chili Powder: Spicy kick that delivers classic southwestern warmth.
• Smoked Paprika: Optional smoky layer that elevates the entire dish's complexity.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning duo for balancing and enhancing other flavors.

• Cotija Cheese: Crumbly, salty Mexican cheese that provides delicious contrast.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that introduces bright, herbaceous notes.
• Jalapeno: Optional spicy element for heat lovers.
• Red Onion: Sharp, crisp vegetable for added texture and bite.
• Avocado: Creamy, optional ingredient that adds luxurious smoothness.

Kitchen Tools for Making Corn Salad

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients and creating the dressing.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending the creamy dressing smoothly and evenly.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for removing corn kernels from the cob cleanly.
• Grill or Grill Pan: Needed to char corn and create smoky flavor.
• Skillet: Alternative option for cooking corn kernels if grilling isn't possible.
• Cutting Board: Supports safe corn kernel removal and ingredient preparation.
• Serving Dish: Helps present the final salad beautifully.
• Lime Wedge Plate: Optional for serving additional garnish.

Preparing Mexican Corn Salad Step by Step

• Fire Up the Corn

Char corn on a grill or skillet until those kernels get golden and slightly smoky. For grilling, hit each side for 2-3 minutes. For stovetop, sizzle kernels in a hot pan with a touch of oil until they develop a beautiful caramelized color.

• Whip Together the Zesty Sauce

In a big mixing bowl, blend creamy mayo, tangy sour cream, fresh lime juice, and a sprinkle of spicy chili powder. Stir until everything melds into a smooth, vibrant dressing that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Create the Flavor Explosion

Toss the warm corn kernels into the creamy mixture. Fold in crumbly cotija cheese and fresh cilantro. Feel free to add some diced jalapenos or red onion for an extra kick of excitement.

• Present Your Masterpiece

Scoop the salad into a beautiful serving dish. Shower with extra cotija cheese, a light dusting of chili powder, and nestle some lime wedges around the edges. This vibrant side dish is ready to steal the show at any gathering.

Tips for a Tasty Mexican Corn Salad

• Corn Comfort Tricks: Master this Mexican corn salad with these game-changing tips!
• Corn Charring Magic: Get those smoky flavors by grilling corn until slightly blackened edges appear, which adds depth and complexity to the overall taste profile.
• Cheese Texture Hack: Crumble cotija cheese just before serving to maintain its fresh, crumbly texture and prevent it from becoming soggy or clumpy.
• Heat Control Option: Adjust spice levels by removing jalapeno seeds for mild preference or adding extra chili powder for bold heat seekers who love a zesty kick.
• Dietary Flexibility: Transform this recipe into a vegan version by substituting mayonnaise with cashew cream, using plant-based cheese alternatives, and ensuring all ingredients align with vegan dietary requirements.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare the dressing and corn separately, then combine just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and prevent soggy ingredients from losing their crisp texture.

How to Present Mexican Corn Salad Beautifully

• Fiesta Party Plate: Serve this vibrant corn salad as a showstopping side dish at your next summer barbecue or Mexican-themed gathering, creating a colorful centerpiece that will have guests diving in for seconds.
• Taco Night Companion: Pair the corn salad alongside grilled meats, tacos, or as a zesty topping for burrito bowls, adding a fresh and tangy crunch that elevates the entire meal experience.
• Picnic Perfect Dish: Pack this corn salad in a portable container for outdoor gatherings, potlucks, or beach days, ensuring a cool and delicious side that stays fresh and flavorful even after transportation.
• Quick Lunch Booster: Transform the salad into a quick lunch by adding grilled chicken, black beans, or quinoa, turning it into a protein-packed meal that's both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Storing Mexican Corn Salad Made Simple

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store the Mexican corn salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the salad chilled to maintain its fresh flavor and crisp texture.
• Ingredient Separation Tip: If preparing ahead, store dressing and corn kernels separately to prevent sogginess. Mix ingredients just before serving for maximum crunch and vibrant taste.
• Freezing Recommendation: Not ideal for freezing due to mayonnaise and sour cream base. Fresh ingredients like corn and cheese lose texture when frozen and thawed.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare corn and chop ingredients in advance. Refrigerate separately and combine dressing and components right before serving to keep salad crisp and appetizing. This strategy saves time during meal preparation and ensures optimal taste and texture.

Vibrant Mexican Corn Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mexican corn salad celebrates summer’s fresh produce with a zesty blend of grilled corn, tangy lime, and creamy cotija cheese. Crisp ingredients and bold flavors make this side dish perfect for backyard gatherings where you will savor each colorful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups/960 ml corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen; about 5 ears of corn)
• ½ cup/120 ml cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta as a substitute)
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 jalapeno, finely diced (for heat)
• ¼ cup/60 ml diced red onion
• ¼ cup/60 ml mayonnaise
• ¼ cup/60 ml sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsps/30 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tbsps fresh cilantro, chopped
• ½ tsp chili powder (or adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• ¼ tsp cumin
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Additional cotija cheese
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Roast Corn: Char corn kernels on a grill or skillet, turning to achieve uniform golden-brown caramelization. For grilling, rotate corn until evenly roasted; for stovetop, sauté kernels in a lightly oiled pan until they develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
2. Prepare Dressing: Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated, creating a zesty and creamy base.
3. Combine Ingredients: Gently fold roasted corn kernels into the seasoned dressing, ensuring complete and even coating. Fold in crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and optional additions like diced jalapeno, red onion, or avocado chunks for enhanced flavor complexity.
4. Finish and Serve: Transfer the vibrant salad to a serving dish. Garnish with additional cotija cheese, a light sprinkle of chili powder, and accompany with fresh lime wedges to elevate the dish’s visual appeal and provide a bright, citrusy accent.

Notes

• Char Corn Strategically: Rotate corn frequently during grilling or skillet cooking to prevent burning and achieve uniform golden-brown caramelization without blackening kernels.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust chili powder and jalapeno quantities to control heat intensity, making the dish adaptable for mild to spicy palate preferences.
• Cheese Temperature Hack: Allow cotija cheese to reach room temperature before crumbling to enhance its creamy texture and ensure more even distribution throughout the salad.
• Freshness Preservation: Prepare dressing and roast corn separately, combining ingredients just before serving to maintain crisp textures and prevent soggy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg