Fresh Grilled Cilantro Lime Street Corn Salad
A quick and easy grilled corn salad with a creamy cilantro lime dressing, perfect as a fresh, tangy side dish for summer gatherings and barbecues.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- Juice of 2 medium limes (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush the corn lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and encourage even charring.
- Grill the corn directly on the grill grates for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes until you see visible blackened spots but no burning. The corn should smell smoky and slightly sweet when done.
- Let the corn cool for 5 minutes, then stand each ear upright on a cutting board and carefully slice the kernels off with a sharp knife.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Add the grilled corn kernels, chopped cilantro, and cotija cheese to the dressing. Gently fold with a spatula to coat everything evenly without crushing the kernels.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to meld flavors. If chilled, bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
Notes
If you don’t have a grill, use a grill pan or broil the corn in the oven to get a similar charred flavor. Be gentle when folding the dressing into the corn to avoid bursting kernels. Adjust salt carefully as cotija cheese can be salty. For dairy-free versions, substitute mayo with vegan mayo or avocado mash and omit or replace cotija cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup per serv
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 23
- Fiber: 2.5
- Protein: 6
Keywords: grilled corn salad, cilantro lime salad, street corn salad, Mexican street corn, summer side dish, barbecue side, creamy corn salad