The moment you take a bite of Mexican street corn salad, your taste buds will do a happy dance. Imagine sweet corn kernels bursting with flavor, mingling with creamy cheese and zesty lime, all while that smoky hint of chili powder sings its praises. creamy zucchini sauce This dish is like a fiesta in your mouth, and who wouldn’t want to join that party?
Now, let me tell you about the first time I made this salad. It was a hot summer day, and I had friends over for a BBQ. A spontaneous idea hit me like an ice-cold drink on a scorching afternoon: why not whip up something delicious and refreshing? The result was a side dish that stole the show and left everyone begging for seconds. Mexican street corn salad is perfect for picnics, cookouts, or just when you need a little sunshine on your plate.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Mexican street corn salad is super easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
- The flavor profile balances sweetness and smokiness with creamy notes that tantalize the taste buds.
- Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing, turning any meal into an Instagram-worthy feast.
- Enjoy it as a side dish or a light main course—this recipe is incredibly versatile!
Ingredients for mexican street corn salad
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Corn: Use sweet corn on the cob for the best flavor, or frozen corn if you’re in a pinch.
- Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess to the salad; feel free to use Greek yogurt for a lighter touch.
- Cotija Cheese: A crumbly Mexican cheese that provides a salty kick; feta can be used as an alternative.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice gives the salad its zingy brightness—don’t skip this!
- Chili Powder: Adds warmth and smokiness; adjust to taste based on your spice preference.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro enhances the flavor; if you’re not a fan, parsley works too.
- Red Onion: Diced finely for crunch and sharpness; soak it in water beforehand to mellow its flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make mexican street corn salad
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Cook the Corn
If using fresh corn, boil it in salted water for about 5-7 minutes until tender. If using frozen corn, simply thaw it according to package instructions. Let it cool before adding it to the salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, chili powder, and some salt. This creamy concoction is what dreams are made of!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together your cooled corn, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and crumbled cotija cheese. Pour that delightful dressing over everything and gently mix until well-coated.
Step 4: Adjust Seasoning
Taste your salad and adjust seasoning as necessary—maybe more lime juice or chili powder depending on your taste buds’ preferences.
Step 5: Chill
For best results, cover and refrigerate the Mexican street corn salad for at least half an hour before serving. This allows all those fabulous flavors to meld beautifully together.
Step 6: Serve
Transfer to serving dishes and garnish with extra cotija cheese and cilantro if desired. Enjoy this refreshing salad as a side or even as a light meal on its own!
Now that you’ve got everything ready—from ingredients to preparation steps—you’re all set to amaze your friends (and yourself) with this vibrant Mexican street corn salad! The burst of flavors will have everyone asking for your secret recipe—feel free to smile mysteriously and say you found it in an ancient scroll… or just share my blog link instead! spicy jerk sauce.
You Must Know
- This vibrant Mexican street corn salad brings a fiesta to your table.
- It’s not just a side dish; it’s a crowd-pleaser that brightens up any gathering.
- With its creamy, zesty flavors and crunch, this salad is your new go-to for any occasion.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by grilling fresh corn until it’s smoky and charred. While the corn cools, mix your dressing ingredients. Once the corn is ready, slice it off the cob and combine everything for maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different cheeses like feta or cotija. Add diced jalapeños for heat or toss in avocado for creaminess. The beauty of this Mexican street corn salad is its versatility!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To enjoy it warm, reheat gently on the stove or microwave, but serve it cold for the best flavor experience.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure you grill the corn until it has nice char marks; this adds depth of flavor.
- For extra creaminess, don’t skimp on the mayo and sour cream!
- Adjust lime juice based on your taste preference; it’s key in balancing flavors.
Sometimes, I whip up this Mexican street corn salad just to see my friends’ faces light up with joy. It’s like magic when they come back for seconds—it’s hard not to smile!
FAQs :
What is Mexican street corn salad?
Mexican street corn salad, also known as “Esquites,” is a flavorful dish made with roasted corn, mayonnaise, lime juice, cotija cheese, and spices. This salad captures the essence of traditional Mexican street food but in a more manageable form. delicious beef enchiladas Unlike its on-the-cob counterpart, this salad combines all the delicious ingredients in a bowl, making it easy to serve and enjoy at gatherings or as a side dish.
How do you make Mexican street corn salad?
To prepare Mexican street corn salad, start by grilling or roasting fresh corn until it’s tender and charred. Once cooked, remove the kernels from the cob and mix them with mayonnaise, lime juice, crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and chili powder. Adjust seasoning according to taste. Serve chilled or at room temperature for an ideal summer dish that pairs well with grilled meats or tacos.
Can I make Mexican street corn salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Mexican street corn salad ahead of time! To maintain its freshness, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, for the best flavor and texture, consider adding the lime juice and cilantro just before serving. This way, the ingredients remain vibrant and prevent any sogginess from occurring.
What can I serve with Mexican street corn salad?
Mexican street corn salad pairs wonderfully with various dishes. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or steak for a hearty meal. It also complements tacos or burritos perfectly. For a lighter option, enjoy it as part of a refreshing summer picnic spread. This versatile salad adds a burst of flavor to any table setting.
Conclusion for mexican street corn salad :
In summary, Mexican street corn salad is a vibrant and delightful dish that brings together the flavors of grilled corn and traditional Mexican ingredients. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners. Whether served as a side or enjoyed on its own, this recipe offers a refreshing twist on classic street food favorites. Enjoy making this simple yet delicious dish that will surely impress your family and friends! For more inspiration, check out this homemade sauce recipe recipe.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling/Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Mexican street corn salad, or Esquites, is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together sweet corn, creamy cotija cheese, zesty lime, and a touch of chili powder. This refreshing salad is perfect for summer gatherings, barbecues, or as a delightful side to your favorite grilled meats. Quick and easy to prepare, it will quickly become a staple at your table!
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4 ears of corn)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
Instructions
- 1. Cook the Corn: Boil fresh corn in salted water for 5-7 minutes until tender. If using frozen corn, thaw according to package instructions. Let cool.
- 2. Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, chili powder, and salt.
- 3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooled corn, red onion, cilantro, and cotija cheese. Pour dressing over and mix gently.
- 4. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- 5. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for flavors to meld.
- 6. Serve: Garnish with extra cotija cheese and cilantro if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: For added smokiness, grill the corn instead of boiling it. Swap out cotija for feta cheese or add diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
