Creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad with a Kick

Name: Creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad with a Kick
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 ears fresh corn; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 tbsp lime juice; 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 cup cotija cheese; Salt to taste; Optional: jalapeños for heat

Published: July 5, 2025

by Alexia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with Flavor: The combination of sweet corn, zesty lime, and creamy dressing creates an explosion of taste in every bite.
Quick and Easy to Prepare: This salad comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Versatile Side Dish: It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, tacos, or can be served on its own as a refreshing summer dish.
Customizable Heat Level: You can easily adjust the spice by adding jalapeños or changing the amount of chili powder to suit your taste.
Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh corn on the cob ensures maximum flavor and crunch in your salad.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing this Creamy Mexican street corn salad with a kick is simple when you have the right tools. Having everything ready helps streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Grill or grill pan
Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Essential for boiling the corn quickly and evenly.
Grill or grill pan: Adds that smoky charred flavor to the corn which enhances the overall taste.
Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining all ingredients without spills.

Ingredients

For the Salad

4 ears fresh corn on the cob
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
Salt to taste

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad with a Kick

Step 1: Cook the Corn

Shuck the corn and remove silk strands. Boil in salted water for 5-7 minutes until tender.

Step 2: Grill the Corn

Grill the corn over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes until charred. Cool slightly and cut kernels off the cob.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and salt until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add the corn kernels, cotija cheese, and cilantro to the bowl. Gently mix to combine.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your Creamy Mexican street corn salad with a kick!

How to Serve Creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad with a Kick

Creamy Mexican street corn salad with a kick is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in several ways. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or looking for a unique side at dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your experience.

As a Side Dish

Perfect alongside grilled meats like chicken, steak, or fish to enhance the meal’s flavor.

In Tacos

Use it as a filling in tacos for an added burst of flavor; pair with grilled shrimp or chicken.

As a Dip

Serve it as a dip with tortilla chips for a fun appetizer that guests will love.

In Wraps

Add it to wraps with lettuce, avocado, and your choice of protein for a refreshing lunch option.

With Nachos

Top nachos with this salad for an exciting twist on traditional nacho toppings.

On Burgers

Use it as a topping on burgers for an unexpected and delicious kick.

How to Perfect Creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad with a Kick

To make your creamy Mexican street corn salad even better, consider these helpful tips:

Fresh Corn: Use fresh corn on the cob for the best flavor and texture. It makes a difference compared to canned corn.
Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This enhances the flavors and improves the overall taste.
Customize Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder according to your preference. For more heat, include diced jalapeños.
Garnish Wisely: Top with extra cotija cheese and cilantro before serving for an appealing look and added flavor.
Try Different Citrus: Substitute lime juice with lemon juice if you prefer a slightly different tang.
Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days to retain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad with a Kick

Pairing this creamy Mexican street corn salad with complementary side dishes can create a delightful meal. Here are some great options:

Grilled Chicken: Simple marinated grilled chicken pairs beautifully with the salad’s flavors.
Spicy Black Beans: A flavorful addition that adds protein and complements the dish’s spices.
Avocado Toast: A light and trendy option that offers creaminess alongside the salad.
Quinoa Salad: A nutty quinoa salad adds another texture and boosts nutrition.
Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with cumin and cilantro rounds out this meal perfectly.
Chips and Salsa: Classic tortilla chips served with fresh salsa provide crunch and balance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad with a Kick, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

Overcooking the corn: Cooking corn for too long can make it mushy. Boil for just 5-7 minutes until tender, then grill for added flavor.
Skipping the chilling step: Not allowing the salad to chill can result in a less flavorful dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Inadequate seasoning: Under-seasoning is a frequent mistake. Always taste and adjust salt and spice levels before serving.
Ignoring ingredient freshness: Using old or stale ingredients can ruin the dish. Always choose fresh corn and high-quality dairy products.
Neglecting customization: Failing to personalize your salad can lead to a bland experience. Add jalapeños or extra lime juice to tailor it to your taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover salad in an airtight container.
It stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Freezing Creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad with a Kick

Freezing is not recommended as it may affect texture and creaminess.
If you must freeze, use a freezer-safe container and consume within one month.

Reheating Creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad with a Kick

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the salad in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes or until warmed through.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warm.
Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a skillet, stirring gently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad with a Kick?

Creamy Mexican street corn salad with a kick is a vibrant side dish made with grilled corn, creamy dressing, lime juice, and spices that add flavor and zest.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad tastes even better when made ahead. Prepare it up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

How do I customize my Creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad?

You can customize this salad by adding diced jalapeños for extra heat or substituting lime juice with lemon juice based on your preference.

What can I serve with Creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad?

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, tacos, or any summer barbecue dishes as a flavorful side.

Is Creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad healthy?

While it has creaminess from mayonnaise and sour cream, it also provides fiber from corn and can be modified for lighter options by using yogurt instead of sour cream.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Mexican street corn salad with a kick is not just delicious but also versatile. It serves as an excellent side dish for various occasions, from summer barbecues to family gatherings. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients or spice levels to create your perfect version of this delightful recipe!

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