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Flavorful Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe with Creamy Spicy Dressing

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A vibrant and creamy Mexican street corn salad with smoky charred corn, zesty lime, and a spicy creamy dressing, perfect for summer parties and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn, husked and kernels removed (or 4 cups frozen corn, thawed)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream (or dairy-free yogurt)
  • Juice of 1 large lime
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup queso fresco or cotija cheese, crumbled (feta as substitute)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the corn by husking and carefully removing kernels by standing the ear upright on a cutting board and slicing downward with a sharp knife to get about 4 cups of kernels.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn kernels in a single layer and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown spots and slight char appear, about 7-10 minutes. If using frozen corn, pat dry first.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream, juice of 1 large lime, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Once corn is charred and slightly cooled, transfer to the bowl with dressing. Add 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and 1 small finely diced jalapeño (if using). Gently toss to coat.
  5. Sprinkle 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese over the salad and toss gently to combine without breaking down the cheese.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra lime juice if needed. Let sit for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld, or serve immediately.
  7. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with extra cilantro or a lime wedge if desired.

Notes

If dressing is too thick, add a splash of milk or water to loosen. Adjust spice level by reducing or omitting jalapeño and chili powder or adding cayenne pepper for more heat. Avoid overcrowding pan when charring corn to ensure even cooking. Prepare dressing and char corn ahead, combine just before serving for freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican street corn salad, elote salad, creamy spicy dressing, summer salad, BBQ side dish, potluck recipe, grilled corn salad

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/flavorful-mexican-street-corn-salad-recipe-with-creamy-spicy-dressing-easy-and-perfect-for-summer-parties/