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Flavorful Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe with Creamy Spicy Dressing

mexican street corn salad - featured image

A quick and easy Mexican street corn salad featuring smoky grilled corn, a creamy spicy dressing with chipotle, and fresh lime for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 45 ears), or frozen corn thawed and drained
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 avocado, diced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 12 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta if unavailable)
  • Extra cilantro leaves for garnish
  • Additional lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove husks and silk from fresh corn, or thaw frozen corn and pat dry.
  2. Place corn directly on grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning frequently until kernels are charred and smoky. If using a pan, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  3. Let grilled corn cool slightly, then carefully slice kernels off the cob using a sharp knife.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, minced chipotle peppers, lime juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning or heat as desired.
  5. In a large bowl, add grilled corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, and cilantro. Fold in avocado gently if using.
  6. Pour creamy spicy dressing over corn mixture and toss gently but thoroughly until evenly coated.
  7. Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese and extra cilantro leaves over the top. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
  8. Optional: Refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to meld flavors before serving. Stir gently before serving again.

Notes

Char the corn well for smoky flavor. Use fresh lime juice for brightness. Fold avocado in gently to keep chunks intact. Dressing can be made ahead and stored in fridge. For dairy-free, substitute mayo and yogurt with vegan alternatives and omit cheese or use dairy-free cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican street corn salad, elote salad, creamy spicy dressing, chipotle corn salad, grilled corn salad, summer salad, easy corn salad