Street Corn Salad

Get ready to elevate your summer gatherings with a vibrant, flavor-packed side that steals the show.

 

 

There’s something truly magical about summer evenings spent outdoors, the air thick with the scent of smoky grill embers and the promise of fresh produce at its peak. This Grilled Mexican Street Corn Salad (esquites) captures every bit of that magic. Each bite is a harmonious dance of charred sweetness, creamy tang, and vibrant heat that’ll have you reaching for seconds—and thirds.

Imagine corn kernels kissed by open flames, then tossed in a luscious lime–mayo dressing, studded with scallions, cilantro, Cotija cheese, and jalapeño. It’s bright, rich, and slightly spicy—an instant crowd-pleaser for backyard barbecues, weeknight dinners, or potluck gatherings. Best of all, it comes together faster than you can say “pass the lime wedge.”

 

Street Corn Salad

Ingredients

• 4 ears fresh corn, husked
• 3 T melted butter, for brushing
• 1/2 cup mayo
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Zest and juice of 1 lime
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• ¼ cup crumbled Cotija or feta cheese
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon elote street corn seasoning
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced (leave seeds if you like more kick)
• 1 teaspoon  salt, plus extra to taste

Street Corn Salad

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Ensure grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
2. Brush each ear of corn with a thin layer of butter. This helps char the kernels evenly and adds a subtle richness.
3. Place the corn directly over the flames. Grill for about 2 minutes per side, rotating every 90 seconds or so. Look for even char lines—those little black marks deliver that signature smoky flavor.
4. Remove the corn from the grill and let it rest for 2 minutes on a cutting board. This brief pause makes it easier to handle.
5. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, minced garlic, lime zest, and lime juice until smooth and slightly fluffy.
6. Using a sharp chef’s knife, slice the kernels off the cobs by standing each ear upright and running the blade downward. Add all the kernels to the bowl.
7. Toss the kernels with the lime–mayo mixture, making sure each little yellow gem is evenly coated.
8. Fold in the chopped green onions, crumbled cheese, chopped cilantro, Mexican street corn seasoning, diced jalapeño, and sea salt. Stir gently so you don’t bruise the herbs.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning—more lime juice for zing, extra sea salt for brightness, or a pinch more of the street corn seasoning for warmth.
10. Serve immediately, or cover and chill for up to 2 hours to let the flavors meld

Street Corn Salad

Calorie Count & Nutritional Facts

This recipe yields about 6 hearty servings. Below is the average nutrition per serving.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	115 kcal
Total Fat	6.2 g
Saturated Fat	1.8 g
Carbohydrates	12.7 g
Fiber	1.5 g
Sugars	5.3 g
Protein	2.7 g
Sodium	160 mg
Vitamin C	6 mg (10% DV)
Vitamin A	120 IU (2% DV)
Calcium	40 mg (4% DV)
Iron	0.4 mg (2% DV)

Daily Value percentages are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Street Corn Salad

Why This Salad Works

• Freshness: Grilling transforms sweet summer corn into something smoky and savory without losing that juicy crunch.
• Creamy Tang: A simple mayo-lime dressing pulls everything together, coating each kernel in zesty richness.
• Textural Contrast: The chewiness of corn, the snap of jalapeño, the tender scallions, and the crumbly cheese create a delightful mouthfeel.
• Flavor Layers: Lime juice wakes up your taste buds, smoked paprika adds subtle heat, and cilantro brings an herbal lift.

Street Corn Salad

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Oil Wisely: If not using butter, use a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil and brush sparingly. Too much oil can cause flare-ups and overly greasy corn.
• Grill Placement: Start the corn on the cooler edge of the grill for 1 minute to soften, then move it over direct heat for those irresistible char marks.
• Knife Safety: After grilling, let corn cool slightly. Hold the cob tip against the board with a kitchen towel for extra grip when slicing.
• Make Ahead: If you want to save time on the day of your event, grill the corn and prep the dressing a few hours ahead. Keep them refrigerated separately, then toss together just before serving.
• Dairy-Free Swap: Swap mayo for vegan mayo and omit the cheese, or use a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a savory twist.
• Extra Spice: For a smoky-spicy punch, skip the jalapeño seeds and add ¼ teaspoon cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.

 

Street Corn Salad

Recipe Variations to Try

• Chipotle Corn Salad: Stir in 1 teaspoon canned chipotle in adobo (minced) and swap cilantro for fresh parsley.
• Mexican Street Corn Dip: After tossing the salad, transfer to a small baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly. Serve with tortilla chips.
• Avocado Esquites: Gently fold in 1 diced avocado just before serving for creamy richness and healthy fats.
• Elote–Caesar Mashup: Replace mayo with Caesar dressing and add 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan. Finish with black pepper instead of paprika.
• Summer Harvest Salad: Add halved grape tomatoes and diced cucumber for extra color and crunch.

Street Corn Salad

Pairing Suggestions

This Grilled Mexican Street Corn Salad complements a variety of dishes:

• Carne Asada Tacos or Grilled Chicken Fajitas
• Black Bean Burgers with Cilantro-Lime Slaw
• Spicy Shrimp Skewers or Fish Tacos
• A Crisp Margarita or Sparkling Limeade

It also shines as a standalone side at picnics, BBQ potlucks, or casual dinners.

 

Street Corn Salad

Final Thought

This Grilled Mexican Street Corn Salad embodies summer on a plate: easy, vibrant, and bursting with flavor. It’s a versatile recipe that you can adapt to fit any dietary preference or spice tolerance. Whether you serve it chilled alongside grilled meats or warm as a hearty dip, expect plenty of praise—and an empty bowl. So fire up your grill, gather your loved ones, and taste the joy of fresh-off-the-cob goodness. Summer never tasted so good.
Hungry for more fresh, family-friendly recipes and cooking inspiration? Browse our collection of seasonal favorites, and let’s make every meal feel like a celebration!

 

So whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or just craving something fresh and fabulous, this Grilled Mexican Street Corn Salad is your golden ticket to summer flavor. Give it a try, make it your own, and don’t forget to share the love—because great food is even better when it’s shared with great people. 💛
Until next time, keep grilling, keep smiling, and keep those taste buds dancing! 🌽🔥✨ Tag us on Instagram if you make this delicious dish! 

 

 

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