Name: Mexican Corn Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 1 tbs butter; 1 jalapeno; 4 cups fresh corn (approximately 6 corn ears); 3 tbs mayonnaise; 4 tbs cotija cheese; 1/2 lime (juiced); 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp chili powder; salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbs cilantro (chopped); 1 tsp cotija cheese (for garnish)

Spread the love

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

This bright and zesty Mexican corn salad is basically deconstructed Mexican street corn off the cob. It combines a flavorful combination of corn, cotija cheese, and a lime/mayonnaise dressing. You can serve it hot or cold. Make this salad to compliment your next Mexican meal.

There is this amazing Mexican food truck located at our local flea market. Crowds of people will gather around it for lunch everyday. I was so excited when I discovered it. They make authentic Mexican food from scratch. Everything is fresh and delicious.

On their menu is Mexican Street Corn. You can buy it on the cob or have them cut it fresh off the cob. When I tried it for the first time, I ordered it the traditional way (on the cob). I was in HEAVEN!! The salty, creamy flavors mixed with the citrus lime and vibrant cilantro were INCREDIBLE!

Eating it off the cob was a little tricky. The corn would get stuck in my teeth and it was quite messy. I ordered it cut of the cob next. It was just as good. I loved it so much, I had to recreate this Mexican Street Corn off the cob in my home. I am totally addicted!

How do you make Mexican Corn Salad?

Making Mexican Corn Salad is super easy. Follow these easy steps to make Mexican Corn Salad.

First cut corn off the cob. Set corn aside.
Remove seeds from one jalapeno. Dice jalapeno.
Melt butter in a pan.
Cook jalapeno in butter until the jalapeno is softened.
Add corn to pan. Cook on medium heat 3 to 5 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, mix mayonnaise, lime juice, cotija cheese, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Mix dressing with cooked corn.
Top with fresh cilantro and cotija cheese. Serve immediately warm or refrigerate and serve cold.

Do you have to use fresh corn for Mexican Street Corn Salad?

This Mexican street corn salad recipe is AWESOME with fresh summer corn. However, if fresh corn is not in season, or if you don’t want to mess with cutting fresh corn, you can substitute fresh with frozen corn. If you use frozen corn, thaw it first, then follow the same directions in the recipe.

How to cut corn off the cob

My husband hates eating corn off the cob. He loves it when I cut the corn off for him. (He is a little spoiled!) This is why when I created this Mexican corn salad, I deconstructed it off the cob. Cutting the corn off the cob can be a hassle if you don’t know what you are doing. Here are some simple steps to make cutting your corn off the cob a breeze!

Cut off the stalk end of the corn and shuck it.
Pull out your cake bundt pan. Place the corn ear in the center of the cake bundt pan.
Use one hand to hold your corn in place. With your other hand, using a sharp knife, slice the corn off the cob. The corn will fall into your cake pan.
Rotate your corn and repeat cutting until all corn is cut off. The cake pan will continue to catch the kernels. How easy is that?

What is a good substitute for Cotija Cheese?

To keep this Mexican corn salad authentic, I use cotija cheese. Cotija cheese is a salty, sharp, dry, crumbly Mexican cheese similar in taste to feta or parmesan. A good substitute for Cotija cheese is parmesan or feta. However, I love the Cotija cheese the best in the salad.

Here are some more Mexican inspired dishes to try: