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Flavorful Mexican Street Corn Salad with Cotija and Lime

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A quick and easy Mexican street corn salad featuring charred corn, creamy mayo dressing, tangy lime juice, and salty Cotija cheese. Perfect as a flavorful side or a star dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–5 ears of fresh corn, husked (or about 4 cups frozen corn, thawed and patted dry)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended; vegan mayo for vegan option)
  • 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
  • Juice of 2 limes (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (chipotle powder optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until very hot. Place husked corn directly on the pan, turning occasionally to char all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Avoid burning.
  2. Let corn cool slightly, then stand each ear upright and slice kernels off the cob with a sharp knife to yield about 4 cups.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt (if using), minced garlic, chili powder, and lime juice. Stir until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Add corn kernels, crumbled Cotija cheese, and chopped cilantro to the dressing. Gently fold to coat the corn evenly without mashing the kernels.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra lime juice or chili powder if desired. Chill salad in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving or serve immediately.

Notes

Use a very hot pan to get proper char on the corn. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Fold salad gently to keep kernels intact. Fresh lime juice is essential for bright flavor. For vegan version, use vegan mayo and cheese alternatives or omit cheese. Salad tastes best chilled but can be served at room temperature. Store dressing separately if making ahead to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican street corn salad, elote salad, cotija cheese, lime, grilled corn, easy corn salad, smoky corn salad, summer salad

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/flavorful-mexican-street-corn-salad-recipe-with-cotija-and-lime-made-easy/