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The Ultimate Recipe for Flavorful Mexican Corn Salad

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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:
  • 60 g 2 oz Cotija or Feta cheese, crumbled
  • Jalapeño slices
  • Cilantro leaves
  • Lime wedges

Method
 

Prepare the Corn:
  1. 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.
  2. If using frozen corn, cook straight from the freezer without thawing.
Brown the Corn:
  1. Melt butter in a large skillet over high heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 10 seconds until fragrant.
  3. 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:
  1. 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:
  1. Add the browned corn to the bowl with the dressing.
  2. Toss in chopped cilantro, red onion, green onion, and jalapeño (if using). Stir until the corn is well coated.
Serve and Garnish:
  1. Transfer the salad to a serving dish.
  2. Sprinkle crumbled Cotija or Feta cheese on top, along with any additional garnishes like lime wedges or jalapeño slices.
  3. 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.