This Mexican corn salad recipe takes its inspiration from elote, an ear of cheesy and spicy grilled corn on the cob in Mexican street food.
What is Corn Salad?
Mexican street corn salad is made with char-roasted corn as the foundation. Other ingredients include cotija cheese, olive oil, cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion and jalapenos.
Dressing for Corn Salad
Corn salad dressing is spiced with cumin, fresh chopped cilantro, and ancho chili powder (you can use whatever chili powder you have on hand). Smoked paprika is also a nice spice to toss in if you have it in your cupboard. You have lots of options for other additions or substitutions in grilled Mexican corn salad.
Toppings: Add some diced fresh poblano peppers, black beans or roasted red peppers to the salad. Cheese: A salted, aged crumbling cheese, is ideal, but Cotija might be hard to find, feta or queso fresco can be used instead.
How to Make Corn Salad
This recipe is quick and simple to put together. Even quicker when using leftover grilled corn from last nights barbecue! If you don’t have any leftover corn, start by char grilling corn on the cob. Toss some jalapeño cheddar burgers on as well!
Assembly
Cold Mexican corn salad should be served chilled, keep in the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow flavors to blend. It will keep for several days in the refrigerator but does not do well in the freezer.
Do You Have to Cook Frozen Corn for a Salad?
If you don’t have fresh corn on the cob, you can use frozen corn or microwave corn on the cob to make an easy Mexican corn salad. Frozen corn, like all freezer veggies, has been blanched in advance, so typically only requires thawing for use in a salad. You could give it both of these a char treatment if you want by placing kernels on a parchment-lined cookie sheet and placing under the broiler for a minute or until the edges start to get some color. Serve it alongside grilled BBQ chicken and an ice cold mango margarita for a tasty summer meal!
More Tasty Mexican Inspired Dishes
Easy Taco Salad – a fresh and filling salad Salsa Chicken Casserole – 30 min meal! Ground Beef Enchiladas – a classic Mexican dish Cilantro Tomato Rice – made with a few ingredients already in your cupboard! Frito Corn Salad – ready in 10 mins!
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