Mexican Corn Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare.
• Packed with bold Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Perfect for picnics, cookouts, and parties.
• Can be served warm, chilled, or at room temperature.
• Great make-ahead side dish.
• Uses simple, readily available ingredients.
• Easily customizable to your preferred spice level.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 6 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, finely diced (optional)
• Lime wedges, for serving

Directions

1. If using fresh corn, grill or sauté the corn kernels until lightly charred. If using frozen corn, thaw and cook briefly until heated through.
2. Allow the corn to cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Add the corn and toss until evenly coated.
5. Stir in the cotija cheese, cilantro, and jalapeño if using.
6. Mix gently to combine.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
8. Refrigerate for 15–30 minutes if serving chilled.
9. Garnish with additional cotija cheese, cilantro, and a sprinkle of chili powder.
10. Serve with lime wedges.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Chilling Time: 15 minutes (optional)

Total Time: 25–40 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Mexican Corn Salad: Add extra jalapeños, serrano peppers, or cayenne pepper.
• Avocado Corn Salad: Fold in diced avocado just before serving.
• Bacon Version: Add crispy crumbled bacon for extra savory flavor.
• Black Bean Corn Salad: Stir in a can of drained black beans for added protein.
• Vegan Version: Use vegan mayonnaise, dairy-free sour cream, and plant-based cheese.
• Southwest Style: Add diced red bell pepper and green onions.
• Grilled Elote Salad: Char the corn on the grill for deeper smoky flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Stir before serving, as some dressing separation may occur during storage.

This salad is delicious served cold, at room temperature, or slightly warm.

Freezing is not recommended because the creamy dressing may separate and affect the texture.

FAQs

What is Mexican Corn Salad?

Mexican Corn Salad is an off-the-cob version of elote, a popular Mexican street food featuring corn with creamy, tangy, and savory toppings.

Can I use canned corn?

Yes, canned corn works well. Be sure to drain it thoroughly before using.

What is cotija cheese?

Cotija is a crumbly Mexican cheese with a salty flavor that complements the sweetness of the corn.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, it can be prepared several hours in advance and refrigerated until serving.

Is Mexican Corn Salad spicy?

The spice level is mild, but you can easily increase it with additional peppers or chili powder.

Can I use frozen corn?

Absolutely. Thaw and cook it briefly before mixing it with the dressing.

What can I substitute for cotija cheese?

Feta cheese is the most common substitute and provides a similar salty flavor.

What dishes pair well with Mexican Corn Salad?

It pairs wonderfully with tacos, grilled chicken, steak, burgers, seafood, and barbecue dishes.

Can I serve this warm?

Yes, it can be served warm, chilled, or at room temperature depending on your preference.

How long will leftovers last?

Stored properly in the refrigerator, leftovers will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

Mexican Corn Salad is a fresh, flavorful side dish that transforms simple corn into a crowd-pleasing favorite. With its creamy dressing, zesty lime, savory cheese, and vibrant herbs, it delivers a delicious combination of textures and tastes in every bite. Whether served at a backyard barbecue, holiday gathering, or weeknight dinner, this easy salad is sure to become a go-to recipe.

Mexican Corn Salad

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Mexican Corn Salad is a creamy, zesty side dish inspired by classic elote flavors, featuring sweet corn, tangy lime, savory cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro. Perfect for barbecues, potlucks, and family dinners, this crowd-pleasing salad is packed with bold flavor in every bite.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 6 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 jalapeno, finely diced (optional)
• Lime wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. If using fresh corn, grill or saute the corn kernels until lightly charred. If using frozen corn, thaw and heat briefly.
2. Allow the corn to cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Add the corn and toss until evenly coated.
5. Stir in the cotija cheese, cilantro, and jalapeno if using.
6. Mix gently to combine.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
8. Refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes if serving chilled.
9. Garnish with additional cotija cheese, cilantro, and chili powder.
10. Serve with lime wedges.

Notes

• Use feta cheese as a substitute for cotija if needed.
• Add diced avocado just before serving for extra creaminess.
• For a vegan version, use vegan mayonnaise, dairy-free sour cream, and plant-based cheese.
• Charred grilled corn provides the most authentic flavor.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Serve chilled, at room temperature, or slightly warm.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 240 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 380 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg