Mexican Corn Salad is a must-try side dishes now that grilling season is in full swing. Freshness and richness join forces in this delightful combination of fresh corn on the cob, crumbled cheese, and a creamy dressing.

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.

Mexican corn salad in a bowl with jalapenos as garnish

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.

Dressing for Mexican corn salad in a clear bowl with a whisk

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!

  1. Pull back the husk on each ear, but leave attached, and rub off the silk.
  2. Using the husk as a handle, place whole cobs on the grill, turning every couple of minutes for about 10 minutes.
  3. When about a third of the kernels are partially charred, remove and use a sharp knife to slice them off the cob.

Assembly

  1. Combine dressing ingredients.
  2. Combine the charred corn kernels (reserve a little for garnish) with remaining ingredients in a large bowl.
  3. Toss with dressing and refrigerate.

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.

 

Mexican corn salad ingredients in a bowl

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

image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text
plated Mexican Street Corn Salad
5 from 22 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
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Mexican Corn Salad

This Mexican street corn salad is made with chargrilled corn, Cojita cheese, and a creamy mayonnaise-sour cream dressing!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 22 minutes
Servings 8
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Ingredients  

  • 3 corn on the cob
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • ¼ cup diced red onion
  • 2 tablespoons finely diced jalapeños
  • cup crumbled Cotija cheese or feta
  • 8 lime wedges for serving

Dressing

  • cup mayonnaise
  • cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
  • ½ teaspoon ancho chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin

Instructions 

  • Combine all dressing ingredients and set aside.
  • Preheat grill to medium-high. Brush corn cobs with olive oil and grill for 7-10 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly charred. Cool completely.
  • Cut corn kernels off the cob and place in a bowl.
  • Add remaining ingredients except lime and toss. Add dressing and toss to combine.
  • Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. Top with additional cheese, cilantro and lime wedges if desired.

Notes

Leftover Mexican corn salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 
For best results, do not freeze.
5 from 22 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 128 | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 139mg | Potassium: 99mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 276IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 0.4mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Mexican Corn Salad shown with a title
Mexican corn salad ingredients in a white bull from Mexican corn salad in a bowl with jalapenos on top with writing
Mexican corn salad in a bowl with a title

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Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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Comments

  1. I made this yesterday. It sounded a little strange but it was really delicious! I had 4 ears of corn so I used all of them and substituted smoked paprika for the chili powder. I will definitely be using this recipe again. When it was time to eat I forgot the limes. Looking forward to including them today!5 stars