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Mexican Street Corn Salad
4.7 from 286 votes

Mexican Street Corn Salad

This Mexican Street Corn Salad combines golden, lightly charred corn kernels with a blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and distinctive spices such as chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. The creamy dressing balances the smoky, tangy flavor of the charred corn, while crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese adds a salty, crumbly finish. The salad can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled, making it a versatile side dish for various occasions.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish, Salad
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

  • 3 to 4 to 4 cups corn kernel OR 6 to 7 ears fresh corn on the cob, frozen or fresh
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise light or regular
  • ¼ cup sour cream light or regular
  • ¼ cup cilantro plus more for topping, chopped, fresh
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice fresh
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt I use coarse, kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin ground
  • ⅛ to ¼ to ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika can sub regular paprika
  • Pinch black pepper I use coarsely ground
  • ¼ to ½ to ½ cup cheese like queso fresco, cotija, or feta, crumbled
  • lime for garnish, wedges or slices

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. For the corn: for corn kernels, heat the butter and oil in a skillet until sizzling. Add the corn in an even layer and let cook for 1-2 minutes without stirring. Continue to cook, tossing, until sizzling and golden, another 2-3 minutes. For corn on the cob, brush the corn with oil or melted butter and grill over medium heat until golden and starting to char, 3-4 minutes. When cool enough to handle, cut the kernels off the cob.
  2. For the dressing: in a medium bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, salt, cumin, paprika and pepper.
  3. Add the corn kernels and stir to combine well (I like to add the corn when it is still slightly warm). Add additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
  4. Sprinkle top of salad with cheese, additional cilantro, and serve with fresh lime wedges or slices. Salad is delicious warm, room temp, or chilled.

Notes

  • If using frozen corn kernels, cook them directly without thawing to maintain texture.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 Serving Calories 157kcal (8%) Carbohydrates 17g (6%) Protein 4g (8%) Fat 10g (15%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Cholesterol 13mg (4%) Sodium 536mg (22%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 5g (10%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories

% Daily Value*

Serving 1 Serving
Calories 157kcal 8%
Carbohydrates 17g 6%
Protein 4g 8%
Fat 10g 15%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 13mg 4%
Sodium 536mg 22%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 5g 10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.