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Flavorful Charred Mexican Street Corn Salad

charred Mexican street corn salad - featured image

A smoky, tangy Mexican street corn salad with creamy lime crema, perfect for summer parties and quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked and cleaned
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (120 ml)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (60 ml) (substitute with Greek yogurt for lighter twist)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C), about 5 minutes.
  2. Brush the corn with olive oil, coating all sides lightly.
  3. Place corn on the grill or pan, turning every 2-3 minutes to get an even char all around, about 8-10 minutes total.
  4. Remove corn and let it cool slightly. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the kernels off the cob into a large mixing bowl.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix the lime crema by combining mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lime juice, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  6. Add the lime crema to the bowl of corn kernels and toss gently to coat all kernels evenly.
  7. Fold in chopped cilantro and crumbled queso fresco, stirring just enough to distribute without breaking up the cheese too much.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Serve immediately or chill for 10-15 minutes if preferred.

Notes

Brush corn with olive oil before grilling to get a perfect char and prevent sticking. Hold the corn upright when slicing kernels to avoid slipping. For a dairy-free version, use vegan mayo and coconut yogurt and skip or substitute cheese. Frozen corn can be used if thawed and patted dry. Prepare lime crema while corn grills to save time. Add cheese and cilantro just before serving if making ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican street corn salad, elote salad, charred corn salad, lime crema, summer salad, easy corn salad, barbecue side dish