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Creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad

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A vibrant and comforting salad featuring smoky charred corn kernels tossed in a creamy, spicy, and tangy dressing with queso fresco and fresh cilantro. Perfect for quick weeknight meals or festive gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh corn kernels (from about 5–6 ears)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1 large lime)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
  • 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

Instructions

  1. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the kernels off 5-6 fresh ears of corn, aiming for about 4 cups (600g).
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels in a single layer and cook, stirring occasionally, until they develop a nice char and start to blister, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. While the corn is roasting, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  4. Once the corn is roasted and slightly cooled, add it to the dressing along with chopped cilantro and crumbled queso fresco. Gently fold everything together until each kernel is coated.
  5. Give it a final taste and add more lime juice, salt, or chili powder if needed. Let the salad sit at room temperature for 10 minutes if possible to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Dry corn kernels on a paper towel before roasting to ensure a good char. Adjust chili powder to control heat. Use frozen corn if fresh is unavailable, roasting longer to achieve char. Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and avocado mayo for mayonnaise for dairy-free options. Feta cheese can replace queso fresco.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican street corn salad, creamy corn salad, smoky corn salad, spicy corn salad, easy side dish, summer salad

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/creamy-mexican-street-corn-salad-recipe-easy-spicy-smoky-flavor/