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

| 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

- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Chef tip: Season in layers and adjust to taste.
Flavor & Texture Secrets

| 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

- 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 |
|
|---|---|
| dinner-recipes.store | |
| 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.