Make Mexican Street Corn Salad at Home Today

Posted on November 9, 2025

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Make Mexican Street Corn Salad at Home Today

Master the Art of Making Mexican Street Corn Salad

If you’re looking to spice up your summer barbecues or potlucks with a vibrant and flavorful side dish, Mexican street corn salad is the perfect choice! This delightful salad combines the smokiness of grilled corn with creamy dressing and fresh herbs, creating a lively twist on traditional favorites like potato salad and coleslaw. With its colorful ingredients and zesty flavors, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, pairing wonderfully with grilled meats or even alongside baked beans for a complete meal that celebrates the season.

For an authentic flavor boost, grill the corn on the cob until slightly charred before cutting the kernels off for your salad; this enhances the sweetness and adds a smoky depth to your dish.

Gather Your Ingredients & Tools

mexican street corn salad
Ingredient Quantity Notes
Potatoes 2 lbs Ideal for potato salad; use waxy potatoes for better texture.
Mayonnaise 1 cup Essential for creamy potato salad; adjust to taste.
Celery 1 cup, diced Adds crunch to potato salad and coleslaw.
Carrots 1 cup, grated Great for coleslaw and adds sweetness.
Red Cabbage 2 cups, shredded Perfect for a vibrant coleslaw; can also add color to baked beans.
Corn on the Cob 4 ears Great for grilling; serves well alongside baked beans.

Tips

  • Use feta cheese instead of cotija cheese for a similar tangy flavor, or try a dairy-free version with nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
  • Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, add any dressing just before serving.

Essential tools: nonstick pan, medium pot, oven or air fryer, and a blender if needed.

These essentials keep the mexican street corn salad balanced and consistent every time.

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Salad Step by Step

mexican street corn salad
  1. Boil the corn until tender, similar to how you would prepare pasta or rice for a delicious side dish; this method ensures a sweet flavor that can elevate any dish, including a creamy potato salad.
  2. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to achieve that perfect char on the corn, enhancing the smoky flavor that complements the freshness of the coleslaw in your Mexican street corn salad.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the kernels from the grilled corn with diced red onion, chopped cilantro, crumbled feta cheese, and a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh and vibrant salad.
  4. Taste the Mexican street corn salad and adjust the seasoning as needed; a hint of lime or a sprinkle of chili powder can elevate its flavors, making it a perfect side dish alongside baked beans for a delicious summer barbecue.
  5. To add a vibrant finish to your Mexican street corn salad, garnish it with crumbled queso fresco, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of chili powder, creating a delightful contrast to traditional potato salad.
  6. In a medium saucepan, simmer the corn, stirring occasionally, until it reduces slightly and the flavors meld together, creating a creamy consistency reminiscent of a tangy coleslaw dressing.
  7. Plate the vibrant Mexican street corn salad in a large serving bowl, ensuring to include the sweet and smoky grilled corn for that authentic flavor, and garnish with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of queso fresco before serving.
mexican street corn salad: aim for balanced texture and color.

Chef tip: Season in layers and adjust to taste.

Flavor & Texture Secrets

mexican street corn salad
Flavor Element Ingredient Role
Creamy Mayonnaise Base for potato salad
Crispy Cabbage Main component of coleslaw
Sweet Grilled corn Flavor enhancer
Smoky Bacon Flavor booster for baked beans
  • Add-ins: herbs, spices, citrus zest, and dressings.

This fiber-rich combo makes it both filling and nutritious.

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Salad

mexican street corn salad
  • Meal prep friendly.
  • Brunch-ready bowl.
  • Family dinner crowd-pleaser.
Occasion Pairing Dish Beverage
Casual Dinner Grilled Salmon Sauvignon Blanc
Holiday Celebration Roast Turkey Chardonnay
Romantic Evening Steak with Garlic Butter Cabernet Sauvignon

Explore related ideas here: more recipes. This reinforces mexican street corn salad enjoyment.

Serving Size Adjustments

Ingredient x1 x2 x4
Base Grain 1 cup 2 cups 4 cups
Protein 1 serving 2 servings 4 servings
Veggies 2 cups 4 cups 8 cups

Scaling preserves the nutrition balance of mexican street corn salad and its components (e.g., fiber/protein ratio). Try a batch cook for weeklong ease.

Allergy-Friendly & Diet Swaps

Variant Swap Notes
Standard As written Balanced texture and flavor
Vegan Use tofu or legumes Plant protein emphasis
Gluten-Free Use GF grains Check labels for cross-contamination
Keto Swap grains for greens Keep fats moderate
  • Swap smartly to maintain structure.
  • Adjust seasoning to fit each variant.

This ensures mexican street corn salad fits your dietary needs.

Troubleshooting: Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Issue: Potato salad turns brown too quickly — Fix: Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to the potatoes while they cool to maintain their color.
  • Issue: Coleslaw becomes soggy after a few hours — Fix: Toss the cabbage and vegetables with salt and let them drain for 30 minutes before adding the dressing.
  • Issue: Grilled corn kernels stick to the grill — Fix: Brush the corn with oil before grilling to create a non-stick surface.
  • Issue: Baked beans are too sweet for some palates — Fix: Balance the sweetness by adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of vinegar for acidity.

Keep mexican street corn salad balanced with mindful timing and seasoning.

Nutritional Highlights

Calories ~450
Protein ~20g
Carbs ~55g
Fat ~15g
Fiber ~12g
Key Nutrients Iron, Vitamin C, Folate
  • Fiber-packed and satiating.
  • Protein-rich for recovery.
  • Balanced bowl for daily energy.

Dietitian tip: Keep the mexican street corn salad colorful and balanced for micronutrients.

Key Takeaways

  • Main technique: build layers with mexican street corn salad.
  • Nutritional benefit: emphasize potato salad.
  • Texture/taste: contrast crunchy and creamy elements.
  • Serving flexibility: great for meal prep or sharing.
  • Prep efficiency: use batch-cooked bases.

Faqs

  • Q: How does Mexican street corn salad compare to traditional potato salad in terms of flavor and texture?

    Mexican street corn salad, or “Esquites,” is a vibrant dish made with grilled corn kernels tossed in a creamy mixture of mayonnaise, lime juice, cheese, chili powder, and fresh herbs, offering a refreshing twist on traditional potato salad. This salad captures the essence of street food with its bold flavors and textures, making it a perfect side for barbecues or picnics, similar to how potato salad complements summer gatherings.

  • Q: How does Mexican street corn salad compare to traditional coleslaw in terms of flavor and texture?

    Mexican street corn salad, or “Elote Salad,” is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines roasted corn, lime juice, cotija cheese, cilantro, and spices, offering a fresh twist reminiscent of coleslaw’s crunchy texture. Unlike traditional coleslaw, which is often creamy and cabbage-based, this salad delivers a zesty, bright flavor profile that captures the essence of street food while still providing a satisfying crunch.

  • Q: What is a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of summer with grilled corn? A: Try a Mexican street corn salad that combines charred grilled corn, fresh lime, cilantro, and creamy cheese for a vibrant, tasty dish!Mexican street corn salad, also known as “Esquites,” is a vibrant and flavorful dish made with grilled corn kernels mixed with creamy mayonnaise, tangy lime juice, crumbled cotija cheese, and a sprinkle of chili powder. This refreshing salad captures the essence of traditional Mexican street food, offering a delightful combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that make it a perfect side dish for any summer gathering.

  • Q: How can I enhance my Mexican street corn salad by incorporating baked beans for added protein and flavor?

    Mexican street corn salad, also known as “Esquites,” is a vibrant dish made from roasted or grilled corn mixed with ingredients like lime juice, chili powder, cheese, and cilantro, offering a zesty and creamy flavor profile. This salad can be a delightful side alongside baked beans, as the sweet and smoky elements of the beans complement the spicy, tangy notes of the corn salad, creating a perfect balance on your plate.

  • Q: How does Mexican street corn salad compare to traditional potato salad in terms of flavor and texture?

    Mexican street corn salad, or “Esquites,” is a vibrant dish that combines charred corn with creamy ingredients like mayonnaise, lime juice, and cotija cheese, topped with chili powder for a spicy kick. It’s reminiscent of traditional potato salad in its creamy texture and hearty nature, making it a delightful and flavorful alternative for summer barbecues or potlucks, bringing the essence of Mexican street food to your table.

Mexican Street Corn Salad

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Love it? Save this recipe for future delicious moments!
Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

Ingredient Amount
Potatoes 2 lbs
Mayonnaise 1 cup
Celery 1 cup, diced
Carrots 1 cup, grated
Red Cabbage 2 cups, shredded
Corn on the Cob 4 ears

Directions

Step 1: Boil the corn until tender, similar to how you would prepare pasta or rice for a delicious side dish; this method ensures a sweet flavor that can elevate any dish, including a creamy potato salad.
Step 2: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to achieve that perfect char on the corn, enhancing the smoky flavor that complements the freshness of the coleslaw in your Mexican street corn salad.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the kernels from the grilled corn with diced red onion, chopped cilantro, crumbled feta cheese, and a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh and vibrant salad.
Step 4: Taste the Mexican street corn salad and adjust the seasoning as needed; a hint of lime or a sprinkle of chili powder can elevate its flavors, making it a perfect side dish alongside baked beans for a delicious summer barbecue.
Step 5: To add a vibrant finish to your Mexican street corn salad, garnish it with crumbled queso fresco, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of chili powder, creating a delightful contrast to traditional potato salad.
Step 6: In a medium saucepan, simmer the corn, stirring occasionally, until it reduces slightly and the flavors meld together, creating a creamy consistency reminiscent of a tangy coleslaw dressing.
Step 7: Plate the vibrant Mexican street corn salad in a large serving bowl, ensuring to include the sweet and smoky grilled corn for that authentic flavor, and garnish with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of queso fresco before serving.

Final Thoughts

mexican street corn salad brings comfort and flavor to every table. Save and share your twist with fresh ideas and a mindful balance.

Pin this mexican street corn salad and try your twist with baked beans today.

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