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Mexican Street Corn Salad with Cotija Cheese, Cilantro, and Lime

Mexican Street Corn Salad

This Mexican Street Corn Salad is a vibrant mix of charred corn, creamy dressing, zesty lime, cotija cheese, and fresh herbs. A crowd-pleasing side dish for any summer gathering.

  • Total Time: 17 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (about 5 ears)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream or Mexican crema
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (or to taste)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred (5–7 minutes).
  2. In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, lime juice, and chili powder.
  3. Add cooked corn and toss to coat evenly with the dressing.
  4. Fold in crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro. Add jalapeño if using.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm or chilled.

Notes

  • Grill the corn for an extra smoky flavor.
  • Use feta cheese if cotija is unavailable.
  • Add avocado or cherry tomatoes for extra texture and color.
  • Chill for an hour for a more refreshing salad.
  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop or Grill
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Mexican street corn salad, esquites, corn salad, elote in a bowl, easy summer side