Description
This Mexican Street Corn Salad is the ultimate quick side dish for summer BBQs, taco nights, and potlucks. Packed with sweet corn, creamy mayo and sour cream, zesty lime, crumbly cotija cheese, and a kick of chili powder—it’s like elote in a bowl. Perfect for anyone hunting for quick breakfast ideas, easy dinner sides, or healthy snack recipes that are full of bold flavor. This easy recipe also makes a fun food idea for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
4 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon chili powder or Tajin
1/3 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (plus more for topping)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil. Cook the corn until lightly charred, about 5–7 minutes. Let it cool.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, salt, and chili powder until smooth.
3. Add the cooled corn to the bowl and mix until every kernel is coated in the creamy dressing.
4. Fold in chopped cilantro and most of the cotija cheese. Save some cheese for the top.
5. Transfer to a serving bowl, top with remaining cheese, extra chili powder, and more cilantro. Serve immediately or chill.
Notes
Don’t skip charring the corn—it adds deep, smoky flavor.
Wait to add cilantro and cheese if making ahead to keep them fresh.
Taste and adjust lime or salt depending on the sweetness of your corn.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: mexican street corn salad, elote salad, quick side dish, easy dinner, summer salad, healthy snack, corn recipes, BBQ salad, potluck food, creamy corn salad