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- 4 ears of fresh corn, husked and cleaned - 1 small red onion, finely diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 avocado, diced - ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped - ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta) - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt - 1 tablespoon lime juice - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste You need fresh corn for this dish. It brings a sweet crunch. The red onion adds a nice bite. Cherry tomatoes bring color and a tangy flavor. Avocado gives it creaminess. Cilantro adds freshness, while cotija cheese gives a salty kick. For the dressing, we use mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. This mix gives a creamy texture. Lime juice adds brightness. Chili powder gives that signature smoky heat. Salt and pepper round out the flavors. - Additional lime wedges - Extra cilantro for garnish - Sprinkle of paprika or chili powder Garnishes make your dish pop. Lime wedges add zest. Extra cilantro enhances freshness. A sprinkle of paprika or chili powder adds flair. You can find the full recipe below. Enjoy building your Mexican street corn salad! Grilling the Corn: How to Achieve Perfect Grill Marks Grilling corn is easy. Start by husking and cleaning four ears of fresh corn. Heat your grill to medium-high. Place the corn on the grill for about 8-10 minutes. Turn it every few minutes for even cooking. You want those nice char marks. They add flavor and visual appeal. Once cooked, take it off and let it cool. Cutting Corn Kernels Off the Cob After cooling, it's time to cut the kernels. Hold the cob upright in a large bowl. Use a sharp knife to slice down the sides. The kernels will fall right into the bowl. This method keeps your workspace clean and makes it easy to grab the corn for the salad. Combining Ingredients in a Mixing Bowl Now, let’s bring the salad together. Add the diced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro to the bowl of corn. Mix these ingredients well. The colors will brighten your dish and the flavors will blend beautifully. Creating the Dressing: Balancing Creaminess with Tang For the dressing, mix together two tablespoons of mayonnaise, two tablespoons of Greek yogurt, one tablespoon of lime juice, and one teaspoon of chili powder in a small bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir until it is smooth and creamy. This dressing offers the perfect balance of tangy and rich flavors. How to Gently Toss the Salad Pour the dressing over the corn and veggies. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together. Be careful not to mash the avocado. You want the salad to look fresh and bright, not mushy. Best Serving Suggestions Serve the salad in a large, colorful bowl. Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese on top. You can also add extra cilantro and a sprinkle of chili powder for flair. For individual servings, use small cups and add a lime wedge on the side for a pop of color. Enjoy this fresh dish with friends and family. For the full recipe, check the complete instructions above. - Ensuring the Corn is Fresh and Sweet Always pick corn that feels firm. Look for bright green husks. When you peel back the husk, the kernels should be plump and shiny. Fresh corn tastes best and gives your salad that sweet crunch. - Adjusting Seasoning to Taste After mixing your salad, taste it! You might want more lime juice for tang. If you like heat, add more chili powder. Don’t be shy about tweaking the flavors until it sings. - Presentation Ideas for Special Occasions Use a large, colorful bowl to show off the salad. Sprinkle extra cilantro on top for a fresh look. For parties, serve in small cups with a lime wedge. It makes for a fun, easy grab-and-go option. - Best Pairings for a Side Dish This salad goes great with grilled meats or tacos. It balances spicy dishes very well. You can also serve it with chips for a crunchy bite. - Proper Storage Techniques Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. Place it in the fridge right after serving to keep it safe. - How to Refresh Leftovers Leftovers can lose some crunch. Add a splash of lime juice and a bit more cilantro before serving again. This will bring back some of the freshness and flavor. For the full recipe, check out the Zesty Mexican Street Corn Salad. {{image_2}} You can easily swap some ingredients to fit your taste or needs. - Alternative Cheeses: If you can't find cotija cheese, try feta or parmesan. Both add a nice salty flavor. Feta gives a creamier touch, while parmesan adds a nutty taste. - Dairy-Free Versions: For a dairy-free salad, replace mayonnaise and yogurt. Use avocado or cashew cream. These options keep the salad creamy without dairy. Adding more spices or veggies can make this salad even better. - Adding Spices for Extra Kick: Want some heat? Add cayenne pepper or paprika. These spices boost flavor and add warmth. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. - Incorporating Other Vegetables or Proteins: You can mix in other veggies, like bell peppers or corn salsa. Adding black beans or grilled chicken gives your salad a protein boost. Try these fun twists to change things up. - Gluten-Free Mexican Street Corn Salad: This salad is already gluten-free. Just ensure all your ingredients are certified gluten-free, like sauces and cheeses. - Spicy Version with Jalapeños: For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños. These peppers bring a fresh burst of heat. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To store leftover salad, put it in an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh. Make sure to cool it before storing. I prefer glass containers, as they do not retain odors. You can also use plastic containers, but ensure they are BPA-free. The salad lasts up to three days in the fridge. Always check for signs of spoilage. If the salad smells off or looks slimy, it’s best to toss it. Freshness is key for both taste and safety. You can freeze Mexican street corn salad, but it changes the texture. To avoid this, freeze ingredients separately. For example, freeze the corn and dressing in different bags. This way, your salad tastes fresh when you thaw it. What is Mexican Street Corn Salad? Mexican Street Corn Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish. It combines grilled corn with rich flavors. You mix in ingredients like cherry tomatoes, avocado, and cotija cheese. This salad has a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. A sprinkle of chili powder adds a nice kick. It’s perfect for parties or as a side dish. Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Prepare it a few hours before serving. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to blend nicely. Just add the dressing before serving for the best taste. How many calories are in Mexican Street Corn Salad? One serving of Mexican Street Corn Salad has about 200-250 calories. This varies based on the ingredients you use. The corn and vegetables add fiber and vitamins. The cheese and dressing add creaminess and flavor. Is this salad healthy? Yes, this salad is healthy. It features fresh veggies and wholesome ingredients. Corn provides fiber and essential nutrients. Avocado adds healthy fats. Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream keeps it lighter. Gluten-Free Options This salad is naturally gluten-free. All the ingredients, like corn and vegetables, are safe for gluten-free diets. Just ensure any store-bought mayonnaise or yogurt is also gluten-free. Vegetarian and Vegan Adaptations To make this salad vegan, swap out the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for a plant-based version. You can use cashew cream or a vegan mayo. For the cheese, replace cotija with a vegan alternative or simply skip it. This way, everyone can enjoy the salad! This blog post covered the key ingredients and steps to make a fresh Mexican Street Corn Salad. We explored preparation methods, tips for storing leftovers, and variations to fit your taste. Remember, fresh ingredients are vital for great flavor. Feel free to mix in your favorite spices or toppings to make it your own. Enjoy sharing this delicious, colorful dish with friends and family. It’s a perfect side for any meal. Now, grab your ingredients and get cooking!

- Mexican Street Corn Salad

Elevate your summer gatherings with this delightful Zesty Mexican Street Corn Salad! Packed with fresh flavors from grilled corn, ripe avocado, and a tangy dressing, this vibrant salad is perfect as a side or a light meal. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip it up in just 30 minutes.
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Ingredients
  

4 ears of fresh corn, husked and cleaned

1 small red onion, finely diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 avocado, diced

½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

½ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

2 tablespoons Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 teaspoon chili powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Start by grilling the corn on a medium-high grill for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until charred and cooked. Remove from the grill and allow to cool.

    Once cooled, cut the corn kernels off the cob into a large mixing bowl.

      To the bowl of corn, add the diced red onion, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and chopped cilantro.

        In a small separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

          Pour the dressing over the corn mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.

            Finally, sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese on top and give it one last gentle toss.

              Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more lime juice or chili powder for extra zest.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large, colorful bowl, garnished with extra cilantro and a sprinkle of chili powder on top. For individual servings, use small cups and top with a lime wedge for an extra pop of color.