Mexican Street Corn Salad

Name: Mexican Street Corn Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen); 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1/2 red onion, finely chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 avocado, diced; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 3 tablespoons mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper, to taste

Highlighted under: World Cuisine Recipes

I absolutely love making Mexican Street Corn Salad, especially during the summer months when corn is at its peak sweetness. The combination of charred, juicy corn with fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of feta cheese creates a vibrant dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying. This salad has become a staple at our family gatherings, adding a burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as a stand-alone dish. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-24T18:02:18.182Z

When I first stumbled upon the concept of Mexican Street Corn Salad, I was intrigued by how it married the classic flavors of elote with fresh, crisp vegetables. I decided to give it a go during a backyard barbecue, and the result was nothing short of spectacular. The key is to let the corn char slightly for that smoky flavor, which enhances the salad’s overall depth.

In my experimentation, I found that adding avocado not only elevates the creaminess but also balances the heat from the chili powder. So, never skimp on the toppings; they make this dish a delightful experience for your taste buds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Fresh, vibrant flavors that capture the essence of summer
Perfect balance of sweetness and heat with creamy elements
Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing at gatherings

Choosing the Right Corn

The key to a flavorful Mexican Street Corn Salad lies in the quality of the corn. Fresh corn, when in season, offers the best sweetness and crunch. Look for ears with bright green husks tightly wrapped around the kernels. If you opt for frozen corn, select a brand without added sugars or preservatives. Cooking it just until heated through ensures that it retains its sweet flavor and vibrant color.

To char fresh corn, heat your grill or skillet to medium-high and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes. Once hot, add the corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until they develop a golden brown color and a smoky aroma, roughly 10 minutes. This charring not only enhances the taste but adds a beautiful depth to the salad.

Enhancing Flavor with the Dressing

The dressing is what brings this dish together and elevates the flavors of each ingredient. Mayonnaise offers creaminess and helps the other flavors to adhere to the corn and vegetables. For a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt instead—this will add a tangy depth without compromising the creamy texture.

Lime juice is essential for a bright, zesty punch. Make sure to use fresh lime juice rather than bottled, as the difference in flavor is significant. Chili powder contributes not only heat but also a hint of smokiness. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance; start with half a teaspoon, then taste and increase as needed.

Perfect Pairings and Storage Tips

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled proteins, particularly chicken, steak, or fish. The refreshing elements of the salad help to cut through the richness of grilled meats, making it an ideal side dish for summer barbecues. For a light vegetarian option, serve it alongside grilled portobello mushrooms or zucchini.

If you're preparing the salad ahead of time, consider storing the components separately. Combine the ingredients just before serving to maintain the freshness of the vegetables. The salad can be refrigerated for up to two days, but be aware that the avocado may brown if mixed too early. Adding a little extra lime juice to the avocado can help keep it vibrant for longer.

Ingredients

For the Salad

4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

For the Dressing

3 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Corn

If using fresh corn, char the corn kernels on a grill or in a hot skillet for about 10 minutes until they are slightly crispy. If using frozen corn, simply cook according to package instructions and allow to cool.

Mix the Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the charred corn, red bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and cilantro. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all the ingredients.

Serve

Top the salad with crumbled feta cheese and serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to meld the flavors.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.

Variations to Try

For a twist on this classic recipe, consider adding black beans or corn to increase the protein and fiber content. This not only enhances the salad's nutritional value but also adds more texture and flavor complexity. Additionally, you could include diced jalapeños for an extra layer of spice, but be cautious if you prefer milder flavors.

Another variation is to incorporate fruits like diced mango or pineapple, which can provide a delightful sweetness that pairs well with the corn and lime. This tropical twist adds a refreshing contrast, especially on hot summer days, enhancing the overall experience of the salad.

Serving Suggestions

When serving, I recommend placing the salad in a rustic bowl, garnishing it with a little extra cilantro and lime wedges. This presentation not only looks appealing but also allows your guests to customize their flavor experience by adding more lime juice at their discretion.

For a fun appetizer, consider using small cups to serve individual portions of the salad topped with a sprinkle of chili powder and crumbled feta. This makes it easy for guests to enjoy without needing plates and adds an element of sociability to your gatherings.

Troubleshooting Tips

If the salad turns out too dry after combining, simply add more dressing a tablespoon at a time until you achieve the desired creaminess. This can happen, especially if the ingredients are not fresh or if the corn doesn’t retain enough moisture after cooking.

Moreover, if your avocados are not ripe enough to dice, consider mashing them into the dressing for a creamy alternative. This can help achieve the desired consistency while still providing the avocado flavor throughout the salad.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance. Just add the avocado and feta just before serving to keep them fresh.

→ What type of corn is best for this recipe?

Fresh sweet corn is ideal, but frozen corn works well too, especially when fresh is out of season.

→ Can I substitute the feta cheese?

Absolutely! You can replace feta with cotija cheese or even omit it for a dairy-free version.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but note that the salad may become a bit softer.