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Creamy Grilled Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe Easy Zesty Lime Flavor

creamy grilled mexican street corn salad - featured image

A quick and easy creamy grilled Mexican street corn salad with smoky charred corn, zesty lime dressing, and a touch of spice. Perfect for summer barbecues or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 ears fresh corn, husked and cleaned
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (about 120 ml)
  • 1/2 cup Mexican crema or sour cream (120 ml) – Greek yogurt can be substituted
  • Juice of 2 limes (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • A handful cilantro, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (ancho chili powder preferred)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup queso fresco or cotija cheese, crumbled
  • Optional: finely chopped jalapeño for extra heat

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C), about 10 minutes.
  2. Husk the corn and remove all silk. Lightly brush each ear with oil to prevent sticking and promote even charring.
  3. Grill the corn directly on the grill grates for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes until golden-brown and blackened spots appear. Avoid burning.
  4. Let the corn cool slightly, then carefully slice the kernels off the cob into a large mixing bowl.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Mexican crema (or sour cream), fresh lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  6. Pour the dressing over the warm grilled corn kernels. Add chopped cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, and optional jalapeño. Gently fold to coat evenly.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.
  8. Serve immediately for warm flavor or chill for an hour to let flavors meld.

Notes

Do not rush the grilling step to get the perfect charred bits which add smoky flavor. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. Mix dressing last to keep corn crisp. Salad can be served warm or chilled. Adjust chili powder and jalapeño for desired heat. Cheese can be swapped with feta or omitted for dairy-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican street corn salad, grilled corn salad, creamy corn salad, zesty lime corn, summer salad, BBQ side dish