This Mexican Street Corn Salad is a delightful twist on classic Mexican street food. Perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or family dinners, this vibrant salad is bursting with fresh flavors and textures. The combination of charred corn, creamy dressing, and zesty lime makes it a standout dish that everyone will love. Whether served as a side or enjoyed on its own, this Mexican Street Corn Salad is sure to impress at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 20 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The smoky char from the corn paired with fresh ingredients creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side dish, topping for tacos, or a refreshing dip with tortilla chips.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its vibrant colors and delicious flavors, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
- Healthy Option: Packed with fresh vegetables and gluten-free ingredients, it’s a nutritious addition to any meal.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Mexican Street Corn Salad efficiently, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Saute pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Saute pan: Essential for charring the corn to bring out its natural sweetness and flavor.
- Large mixing bowl: Provides enough space to combine all ingredients without spilling.
- Small mixing bowl: Perfect for mixing the dressing smoothly before adding it to the salad.
Ingredients
This Mexican Street Corn Salad turns the classic Mexican street food into a delicious and easy to make side dish!
For the Salad
- 4 cups corn (approximately 24 oz frozen)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro (minced, a few leaves left for garnish)
- 1 jalapeno (diced)
- 1/2 large red onion (diced)
- 2/3 cup cotija cheese (shredded)
For the Dressing
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice (approximately 2 limes)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Salad
Step 1: Char the Corn
Heat olive oil in a saute pan over medium-high heat.
– Add the corn and cook until slightly charred, about 7-10 minutes.
– Once done, transfer the corn to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Combine Fresh Ingredients
In the large bowl with charred corn:
– Add diced red bell pepper, jalapeno, minced cilantro, and diced red onion.
– Mix everything well until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
In a small mixing bowl:
– Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, cumin, paprika, kosher salt, and chili powder.
– Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Pour the dressing over the corn mixture in the large bowl:
– Gently mix until all ingredients are coated with dressing.
– Add half of the cotija cheese and mix well.
Step 5: Final Touches
Sprinkle the remaining cotija cheese on top:
– Add some reserved cilantro leaves for garnish.
Step 6: Serve or Store
You can serve immediately or cover and store in the fridge for up to 8 hours before serving. Enjoy your refreshing Mexican Street Corn Salad!
How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Salad
Mexican Street Corn Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that can elevate any meal. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy this delicious salad.
As a Side Dish
- Grilled Meats: Pair your salad with grilled chicken or steak for a hearty meal.
- Tacos: Serve alongside tacos for a festive, Mexican-inspired feast.
- Burgers: This salad makes a great accompaniment to burgers, adding a fresh twist.
As a Topping
- Nachos: Use the salad as a topping on nachos for added flavor and crunch.
- Quesadillas: Add it inside or on top of quesadillas for an extra kick.
- Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with the salad for a refreshing side.
How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Salad
To ensure your Mexican Street Corn Salad is always top-notch, consider these helpful tips.
- Bold flavors: Use fresh lime juice and spices generously to enhance the taste.
- Fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh corn when in season; it adds sweetness and crunch.
- Chill before serving: Allow the salad to chill in the fridge for better flavor melding.
- Customize toppings: Feel free to add avocado or black beans for extra texture and nutrition.
- Adjust spice level: Modify jalapeno amounts based on your heat preference.
- Garnish creatively: Finish with extra cotija cheese and cilantro for visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Salad
When planning your meal, consider pairing Mexican Street Corn Salad with these delightful side dishes.
- Refried Beans: Creamy and savory, refried beans complement the fresh flavors of the salad.
- Spanish Rice: Flavored rice adds heartiness and pairs well with spicy dishes.
- Guacamole: A creamy dip made from avocados provides rich contrast to the crisp salad.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips with zesty salsa offer a fun appetizer option.
- Fried Plantains: Sweet plantains add an interesting sweet element next to the savory salad.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasoned grilled veggies bring another layer of flavor and nutrition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Mexican Street Corn Salad, it’s easy to overlook some important details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the char on the corn: Not charring the corn can result in a bland flavor. Make sure to cook it until slightly charred for that authentic taste.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much or too little of any ingredient can alter the flavor balance. Always measure your ingredients precisely for the best results.
- Forgetting to mix well: If you don’t mix the salad thoroughly, some bites may be bland. Ensure all ingredients are combined well for uniform flavor.
- Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can make your salad soggy. Start with half of the dressing and add more as needed for desired creaminess.
- Using old ingredients: Freshness matters! Check your vegetables and herbs before using, as wilted cilantro or old peppers can ruin your dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours.
- Container Type: Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers to keep the salad fresh.
Freezing Mexican Street Corn Salad
- Duration: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad due to its fresh ingredients; however, if necessary, it can be kept in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Thawing Tips: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to eat.
Reheating Mexican Street Corn Salad
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps retain some crunch.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds on medium power until warmed through. Stir between intervals for even heating.
- Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a skillet, stirring gently until heated through. This method keeps the texture nice without overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mexican Street Corn Salad?
Mexican Street Corn Salad is a vibrant side dish inspired by elote, featuring corn mixed with flavorful ingredients like jalapenos, cilantro, and a creamy dressing.
Can I make Mexican Street Corn Salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it up to 8 hours in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for best results.
How can I customize my Mexican Street Corn Salad?
Feel free to add other vegetables like diced tomatoes or avocado, or spice it up with extra chili powder or hot sauce for added heat!
Is this Mexican Street Corn Salad gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe contains no gluten ingredients, making it a great option for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Street Corn Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will enhance any meal. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your taste preferences. Whether served at a barbecue or as a side dish during dinner, it’s sure to be a hit! Try it today and enjoy its fresh goodness!

Mexican Street Corn Salad
Mexican Street Corn Salad offers a fresh and vibrant twist on the beloved elote, perfect for summer gatherings or casual weeknight dinners. This colorful salad features sweet, charred corn paired with a creamy lime dressing, crunchy vegetables, and crumbled cotija cheese. It’s not only quick to prepare—taking just 20 minutes—but also versatile enough to be served as a side dish, topping for tacos, or as a dip with tortilla chips. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this Mexican Street Corn Salad is sure to impress your family and friends at your next barbecue or potluck.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Ingredients
- 4 cups corn (approximately 24 oz frozen)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro (minced, a few leaves left for garnish)
- 1 jalapeno (diced)
- 1/2 large red onion (diced)
- 2/3 cup cotija cheese (shredded)
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice (approximately 2 limes)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add corn and cook for about 7-10 minutes until slightly charred. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- In the same bowl, combine charred corn with diced red bell pepper, jalapeno, minced cilantro, and red onion. Mix thoroughly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, cumin, paprika, kosher salt, and chili powder until smooth.
- Pour dressing over the corn mixture and gently toss until everything is well-coated. Stir in half of the cotija cheese.
- Top with remaining cotija cheese and garnish with reserved cilantro leaves before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg