Mexican Street Corn Salad

$- Corn - Mayonnaise - Cotija Cheese - Cilantro - Jalapeño - Lime Juice - Chili Powder - Salt and Pepper - Avocado For this Mexican street corn salad, you need fresh, simple ingredients. Start with 4 ears of corn. Grilling the corn gives it a smoky flavor that is key to this dish. You will also need half a cup of mayonnaise for creaminess. Cotija cheese adds a salty bite, but you can use feta if you prefer. Next, gather fresh cilantro for brightness. A jalapeño adds some heat, but remember to remove the seeds for less spice. You also need lime juice to give it a refreshing zing. Finally, you can spice things up with chili powder. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. For a creamy touch, add diced avocado right before serving. You can find the full recipe to get started on your delicious salad! Grilling Method Grilling the corn gives it a nice smoky flavor. First, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the husked corn and place it directly on the grill. Rotate the corn every few minutes. You want the kernels to char and become tender, which takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Once done, remove the corn from the grill and let it cool a bit. Cooling Process After grilling, it's important to let the corn cool. This makes it easier to handle. Once it’s cool enough, carefully cut the kernels off the cobs. Make sure you do this over a large mixing bowl to catch all those delicious kernels. Combining Corn and Dressing Now it’s time to mix! In the bowl with the corn, add the mayonnaise, crumbled Cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and diced jalapeño. These ingredients will give the salad its amazing flavor. Squeeze in the lime juice and sprinkle the chili powder over everything. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients, but be careful not to mash the corn. Incorporating Cheese and Vegetables Once mixed, you’ll have a colorful and tasty base. The Cotija adds saltiness, while the jalapeño gives it a nice kick. You can adjust the jalapeño amount based on your spice preference. Seasoning Adjustments Before serving, taste your salad. Add salt and pepper to your liking. This step is crucial for making the flavors pop. Serving Suggestions Just before you serve, fold in diced avocado for a creamy finish. For presentation, serve the salad in a large colorful bowl or in individual cups. Garnish with extra cilantro and a sprinkle of chili powder. This not only looks great but also adds extra flavor. Enjoy your Mexican Street Corn Salad! If you want to see the complete process, check out the Full Recipe. Adjusting Heat Levels You might love spice, or you may prefer mild flavors. To adjust heat, simply change the jalapeño amount. Remove the seeds for less heat. For more spice, add more jalapeño or even a splash of hot sauce. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. Choosing the Right Cheese Cotija cheese is great for this salad, adding a salty bite. If you can't find it, feta cheese works too. Both cheeses give a nice creamy texture. Use fresh cheese for the best flavor. Alternative Cooking Methods (Boiling, Roasting) Grilling corn gives a lovely char and flavor. But you can boil the corn too. Boil for about 5-7 minutes until tender. Roasting in the oven is another option. Just place the corn in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes. Ensuring Freshness Always use fresh corn. It's sweet and crunchy, making your salad shine. Look for bright yellow kernels. Fresh herbs, like cilantro, make a big difference. They add a burst of flavor. Serving Ideas Serve your salad in a big bowl. Or use small cups for individual servings. This makes it easy for guests to grab a portion. Arrange the salad with colorful layers to create visual appeal. Garnishing for Visual Appeal Garnish with extra cilantro and a sprinkle of chili powder. This adds color and excitement. You can also add lime wedges on the side. They look great and add extra flavor when squeezed over the salad. {{image_2}} Using different cheeses can change the taste of your salad. Cotija cheese is traditional, but feta works well too. Feta adds a tangy kick, which many people enjoy. It crumbles nicely and blends well with the other flavors. If you can't find Cotija, feta is a great substitute. You can also consider vegan cheese. Many brands offer tasty options made from nuts or soy. These can bring the same creaminess and flavor without dairy. This way, everyone can enjoy the salad. For a heartier dish, you can add proteins. Grilled chicken is a fantastic choice. Simply dice it and mix it in. The smoky flavor pairs well with the corn. It's perfect for a filling meal. Black beans are another option. They add protein and fiber. Plus, they are easy to use. Just rinse them and mix them into the salad. This adds a nice texture and boosts the nutrition. Incorporating other vegetables can enhance your salad. Bell peppers, for example, add color and crunch. You can also use zucchini or cherry tomatoes. These vegetables bring freshness and flavor. Utilizing seasonal herbs can elevate your salad, too. Fresh basil or mint can add a new taste. These herbs complement the lime and cheese well. Try experimenting with what’s available. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions. Enjoy creating your own twist on this classic dish! To keep your Mexican Street Corn Salad fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to seal in flavor. This salad will last for about 3 days in the fridge. After that, it may lose its taste and texture. You can also freeze this salad for later use. First, skip the avocado when mixing. Avocado does not freeze well and can turn mushy. Place the salad in a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for up to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add fresh avocado before serving for creaminess. To avoid sogginess, store each ingredient separately. Keep the dressing and corn apart until you serve. This helps maintain the crunch of the corn. For freshness, always use the best quality ingredients. Fresh corn and herbs make a big difference. When you prepare it, make only what you plan to eat soon. This way, your salad will taste its best. If you want the full recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. Mexican street corn salad is a tasty dish inspired by elote, a popular street food. This salad combines fresh corn, cheese, and spices for a fun twist. It is vibrant, creamy, and full of flavor, making it perfect for parties or picnics. Cultural Significance Elote has deep roots in Mexican culture. Street vendors serve it with toppings like cheese, lime, and chili. The salad keeps this tradition alive while making it easier to share with friends and family. Main Ingredients The key components of this salad include: - 4 ears of fresh corn, husked - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 jalapeño, finely diced - 1 tablespoon lime juice - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 avocado, diced You can easily add heat to your Mexican street corn salad. Adjusting the spice level is simple and fun! Spice Level Adjustments Start with less jalapeño if you want a milder flavor. You can also add more chili powder to boost the heat. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. Adding Hot Sauce For an extra kick, drizzle your favorite hot sauce over the salad. This addition enhances the flavor while giving it a spicy kick. Just remember, a little goes a long way! Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time. It’s perfect for meal prep or gatherings. Preparation Tips You can grill the corn a day early and store it in the fridge. Mix the other ingredients right before serving to keep everything fresh. Best Time to Serve Serve the salad within a few hours of mixing. If you prepare it ahead, add the avocado just before serving to keep it from browning. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide on Mexican street corn salad. This blog post explored the vibrant world of Mexican Street Corn Salad. We discussed fresh ingredients like corn, mayonnaise, and cotija cheese. Then, we looked at how to prepare and mix these components step by step. I shared tips to enhance flavor and various ways to present your dish. Finally, we examined storage options and answered common questions. My hope is that you feel inspired to create a delicious salad. Enjoy the mix of flavors and make it your own!$

Discover the irresistible flavors of Mexican Street Corn Salad with this easy recipe! Perfect for summer gatherings or a tasty side dish, this salad features grilled corn, creamy avocado, Cotija cheese, and a zesty lime dressing. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a vibrant dish that your friends and family will love.

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Ingredients

4 ears of fresh corn, husked

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta as a substitute)

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 jalapeño, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 teaspoon chili powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 avocado, diced (for added creaminess)

Instructions

Begin by grilling the corn: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the husked corn directly on the grill and rotate every few minutes until the kernels are charred and tender, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from the grill and let it cool.

Once cooled, carefully cut the kernels off the cobs into a large mixing bowl.

To the bowl of corn, add the mayonnaise, Cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and diced jalapeño.

Squeeze in the lime juice and sprinkle the chili powder over the mixture. Gently stir to combine all ingredients without mashing the corn.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Just before serving, fold in the diced avocado for a creamy touch.

- Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6

- Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large colorful bowl or individual cups, garnished with extra cilantro and a sprinkle of chili powder on top for a vibrant touch. Enjoy!