Mexican Street Corn Salad Fresh and Flavorful Delight

Are you ready to delight your taste buds? This Mexican Street Corn Salad packs a punch of flavor with fresh corn, juicy tomatoes, and zesty lime. You won’t need to travel to Mexico to enjoy this tasty dish! In this post, I’ll walk you through simple steps and tips to make this refreshing salad at home. Let’s dive in and discover how to create a fresh and flavorful delight!

Ingredients

List of Main Ingredients

– 4 ears of corn, grilled and kernels removed

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– ½ cup red onion, finely chopped

– 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced

– ½ cup cilantro, chopped

– ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled

– ¼ cup mayonnaise

– 2 tablespoons lime juice

– 1 teaspoon chili powder

– Salt and pepper to taste

This salad starts with fresh corn. Grilling it brings out the sweet taste. The kernels add a nice crunch. Next, I use cherry tomatoes for their juicy burst. Red onion gives it a sharp flavor. A minced jalapeño adds a kick. For freshness, I chop cilantro. Crumbled feta cheese adds creaminess and saltiness. The dressing is easy. Just mix mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper. This mix ties all the flavors together.

Optional Garnishes

– Additional cilantro

– Chili powder sprinkle

– Lime wedges

Garnishes add a nice touch to the salad. I like to sprinkle more cilantro on top. A dash of chili powder gives it color and spice. Lime wedges are perfect for squeezing over the salad. Using these garnishes makes the dish look even better!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Corn

Start by grilling the corn. You want to cook it until it’s charred. This takes about 10-12 minutes. Turn it often to get even grilling. Once grilled, let it cool. Then, use a sharp knife to slice the kernels off the cob and place them in a large mixing bowl.

Mixing the Salad

Now, let’s combine the other ingredients. Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, ½ cup of finely chopped red onion, and 1 minced jalapeño to the corn. Next, stir in ½ cup of chopped cilantro and ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese. This mix adds color and taste.

For the dressing, take a small bowl. Whisk together ¼ cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Make sure it’s well-blended.

Final Assembly

Pour the dressing over the corn mix. Gently toss everything together. You want all the ingredients to be coated evenly. Taste the salad. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime juice, if needed.

Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors blend. To serve, use a colorful bowl. Garnish with extra cilantro and a sprinkle of chili powder. Add lime wedges on the side for extra zing!

Tips & Tricks

Grilling Tips

To get the best char on corn, heat your grill to medium-high. Place the corn directly on the grill grates. Grill each ear for about 10-12 minutes. Turn the corn every few minutes to ensure even cooking. Look for nice grill marks and a slight char. This brings out the sweet flavor.

Timing is key when grilling corn. Each ear takes about the same time. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn. If you smell something sweet, it is likely ready!

Flavor Enhancement

Adjust spiciness with jalapeño by changing the amount you use. For less heat, add half of a jalapeño. For more kick, use the whole pepper. Remember to seed it first. This removes some of the heat.

You can add more flavor by mixing in lime zest or garlic powder. Another idea is to include smoked paprika for a deeper taste. Experiment with your favorite spices to find the perfect blend!

Presentation Tips

Serve your salad in a colorful bowl. A bright bowl makes the colors pop. Garnish with extra cilantro and a sprinkle of chili powder. This adds visual appeal and a hint of spice.

For the best serving bowls, choose ones that are wide and shallow. This allows everyone to see the beautiful colors and textures. You can also add lime wedges on the side. This gives guests a chance to add fresh lime juice to their serving.

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily swap feta cheese for other cheeses. Try cotija or queso fresco for a different taste. Both add a salty kick that blends well with the salad. For a creamier option, consider using goat cheese. It gives a rich flavor and soft texture.

Herbs also play a big role. If you want a twist, replace cilantro with fresh parsley or mint. Parsley adds a mild taste, while mint gives a refreshing touch. You can mix in chives for a mild onion flavor, too.

Dietary Modifications

If you want a vegan option, use a plant-based mayo. This keeps the creamy texture without dairy. You can also use avocado instead of mayonnaise. Just mash a ripe avocado and mix it with lime juice. It adds a rich flavor and healthy fats.

For gluten-free options, this salad is already safe. All ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always check the mayo label to confirm it’s gluten-free.

Seasonal Additions

In summer, add fresh corn from the market. Grilled zucchini or bell peppers can brighten up the dish. They offer a sweet crunch that pairs well with the salad.

In fall, try adding diced apples or pears for a sweet touch. Roasted butternut squash also works well. It adds warmth and a nice texture. Just make sure to balance the flavors with lime juice and chili powder.

Storage Info

Short-term Storage

To keep leftover Mexican Street Corn Salad fresh, store it in a sealed container. Place it in the fridge right after serving. This helps maintain flavor and texture. Make sure to consume it within three days for the best taste. If you notice any moisture, add a paper towel to absorb it.

Long-term Storage

You can freeze the corn before mixing it with other ingredients. To do this, cut the kernels off the cob and spread them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for a few hours, then transfer to a freezer bag. This method keeps the corn from clumping. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This keeps the flavor and texture intact.

Shelf Life

The salad lasts in the fridge for about three days. However, the taste and texture can change over time. To keep quality, check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or looks different, it’s best to discard it.

FAQs

What is Mexican Street Corn Salad?

Mexican Street Corn Salad is a fresh and tasty mix. It features grilled corn, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy onion. The salad has a creamy dressing made with mayo and lime. Feta cheese adds a nice salty kick. Each bite bursts with flavor and texture.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Prepare the corn and mix it with the veggies. Store the salad in the fridge without the dressing. Just add the dressing before serving. This keeps everything fresh and tasty.

What can I serve with Mexican Street Corn Salad?

This salad pairs well with many dishes. Try it with grilled chicken or fish. It also goes great with tacos or quesadillas. For a light meal, serve it with a side of rice or beans.

How can I make this salad spicier?

To make this salad spicier, add more jalapeño. You can also use a spicy mayo or hot sauce. Another option is to sprinkle chili powder on top. Adjust the heat to fit your taste.

Is it possible to make this dish without grilling?

Yes, you can make this dish without grilling. Use canned or frozen corn instead. You can also roast the corn in the oven for a similar taste. Just cook it until it gets a light char for added flavor.

This blog post covered how to make Mexican Street Corn Salad, focusing on key ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips. You learned how to grill corn, mix flavors, and present the salad. Variations and storage advice allow for flexibility based on your needs.

In conclusion, this salad is a fun, tasty dish for any meal. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients, and share it with others. Your kitchen adventures awai