Description
This vibrant Mexican Street Corn Salad combines sweet corn with a creamy, tangy dressing infused with chili powder, smoked paprika, and lime juice. Enhanced by crumbled feta or cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and green onions, this refreshing salad is perfect as a side dish or snack, offering the beloved flavors of traditional street corn in a easy-to-make, no-cook salad format.
Ingredients
Scale
Corn Mixture
- 4 cups cooked corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese or cotija cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Corn and Dressing: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked corn kernels with mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until all the corn is evenly coated in the flavorful, creamy dressing.
- Add Cheese and Herbs: Gently fold in the crumbled feta or cotija cheese along with the freshly chopped cilantro and green onions to distribute them evenly without breaking up the cheese too much.
- Optional Kick: If you like a bit of heat, drizzle the hot sauce over the salad and lightly fold it in to your taste preference.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and serve chilled for the best taste experience.
- Serve: Present the salad cold or at room temperature as a delicious side dish, perfect for barbecues, picnics, or casual meals.
Notes
- Use fresh corn when in season for best flavor, or thaw frozen corn thoroughly before using.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the mayo and sour cream with vegan alternatives and omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese.
- Adjust chili powder and hot sauce quantities to suit your heat preference.
- Can be made a few hours ahead and kept chilled for easier meal prep.
- Serve with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled meats to enhance your meal.
