Description
Sweet corn, tangy lime, creamy dressing, and a hint of spice come together in this vibrant and flavorful Mexican Corn Salad. Perfect as a side dish, taco topping, or standalone snack, it’s an easy-to-make dish that’s sure to impress at barbecues, potlucks, or family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 cups corn kernels (from 4 large ears or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or yogurt
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1 tablespoon jalapeño, deseeded and chopped (optional)
- 1 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1 cup green onion, finely sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
Optional Garnishes:
- 60g (2 oz) Cotija or Feta cheese, crumbled
- Jalapeño slices
- Cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Corn:
- If using fresh corn, cut the kernels off the cob. For a mess-free method, stand the cob upright in a large bowl and slice downward.
- If using frozen corn, cook straight from the freezer without thawing.
- Brown the Corn:
- Melt butter in a large skillet over high heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 10 seconds until fragrant.
- Toss in the corn and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the kernels are golden brown with caramelized edges. Season with salt and pepper halfway through cooking.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream (or yogurt), lime juice, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well to create a smooth dressing.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the browned corn to the bowl with the dressing.
- Toss in chopped cilantro, red onion, green onion, and jalapeño (if using). Stir until the corn is well coated.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Transfer the salad to a serving dish.
- Sprinkle crumbled Cotija or Feta cheese on top, along with any additional garnishes like lime wedges or jalapeño slices.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Browning the Corn: Caramelizing the corn adds a smoky depth of flavor. Don’t skip this step!
- Adjust the Lime: Start with 2 tablespoons of lime juice and add more to taste.
- Spice Level: Customize the heat by adjusting the amount of jalapeño or adding chili powder.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican