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To make this tasty Mexican Street Corn Salad, gather these ingredients: - 4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) - 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese - 1/4 cup mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons sour cream - 1 lime, juiced - 1-2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients mix well to create a fresh and flavorful salad. You can swap some ingredients based on what you have. If you can't find cotija cheese, try feta cheese. It has a similar taste and texture. Instead of mayonnaise, you can use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. If you prefer a vegan option, use plant-based mayo and skip the cotija cheese. You can customize this salad to fit your taste. Fresh corn gives the best flavor and texture. If you use fresh corn, grill it to enhance the taste. Frozen corn is a great alternative. It also has a nice crunch when cooked. Canned corn is quick and easy. Just drain and rinse it before use. Each type of corn has its perks, so choose what fits your schedule. First, gather all your ingredients. If you use fresh corn, you will grill it. Heat the grill to high. Place the corn on the grill for 8 to 10 minutes. Turn it often until it gets charred. This adds great flavor. When done, let it cool. Slice the kernels off the cob. If using frozen corn, you can sauté it. Heat a pan and cook until warm and a bit charred. For canned corn, just drain and rinse it. Grilling fresh corn gives it a smoky taste. You can also boil or steam it, but that won't add much flavor. Sautéing frozen corn in a hot pan adds some nice browning. This method also makes the corn sweet and tasty. No matter the method, the goal is to get that corn sweet and vibrant. In a large bowl, combine the corn, chopped red onion, and cilantro. Mix them well. In a smaller bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure it is smooth. Pour this dressing over the corn mix. Gently combine everything. Be careful not to mash the corn. Finally, fold in the cotija cheese, saving some for later. Taste your salad to see if it needs more salt or lime. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend. To boost the taste of your Mexican Street Corn Salad, focus on fresh ingredients. Use fresh lime juice for a zesty kick. Add more garlic if you love its bold flavor. Consider mixing in diced jalapeños for a spicy twist. The chili powder and smoked paprika give a unique depth. Taste your salad as you mix. Adjust the seasoning until it makes you smile. Serve your salad cold for the best experience. Chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors blend well. If you're in a hurry, even a quick 10-minute chill helps. Avoid serving it warm, as it changes the taste. Cold salads feel refreshing, especially on warm days. Make your salad look as good as it tastes. Use a large, colorful bowl to catch the eye. Sprinkle extra cotija cheese on top for a creamy touch. Add a dash of chili powder for a pop of color. Garnish with lime wedges, so guests can squeeze more juice. Individual cups can make serving fun and easy at parties. {{image_2}} You can easily give your Mexican street corn salad more kick. Add sliced jalapeños for fresh heat. If you like a smoky flavor, try chipotle peppers. They add a nice depth. You can also sprinkle more chili powder on top. This way, you can control the spice level based on your taste. Cotija cheese is a classic choice, but you can mix it up. Feta cheese works well if you can't find cotija. It still gives that salty taste. Or try queso fresco for a milder flavor. Each cheese brings a unique touch to the salad. You can even use a vegan cheese for a plant-based option. Making this salad vegan is simple and fun. Swap out the mayo and sour cream for vegan versions. Cashew cream is a great alternative for a creamy texture. Also, use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. This way, everyone can enjoy a delicious salad. It's all about finding what works for you! To store leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well. Refrigerate the container right away. This keeps the corn salad fresh and tasty for later. I don't recommend freezing Mexican street corn salad. The texture changes when thawed. The corn may become mushy, and the flavors can fade. If you must freeze it, store in a freezer-safe container. Use within one month for the best taste. Mexican street corn salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, check for any signs of spoilage. If it smells off or has an odd texture, throw it out. Always taste a small amount before serving leftovers. This ensures the flavor is still bright and enjoyable. Remember to stir the salad before serving. This mixes the ingredients again and brings back the fresh taste! Yes, you can use frozen corn. Just sauté it in a pan until it's hot and slightly charred. This helps to bring out the sweet flavor. Frozen corn works well and saves time. Cotija cheese is a crumbly cheese from Mexico. It has a salty and tangy taste. If you can't find cotija, you can use feta cheese as a substitute. Feta has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a great choice. You can keep this salad in the fridge for about three days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. The flavors will blend well, but the corn may lose some crunch. Enjoy it within this time for the best taste! You learned about key ingredients for making Mexican Street Corn Salad. Fresh and canned corn each have perks, and you can swap many ingredients. I shared tips for preparation, cooking, and mixing. Enhancing flavor and serving well can elevate your dish. If you want variety, don’t hesitate to spice things up or try vegan options. Remember to store leftovers properly for best taste. Now, you can enjoy making this dish with confidence and creativity.

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Dive into the deliciousness of Mexican Street Corn Salad with this easy recipe! This vibrant dish combines sweet corn, creamy cotija cheese, and zesty flavors that will delight your taste buds. Perfect for gatherings or as a side dish, this salad is quick to prepare and packed with flavor. Ready to make your own? Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your friends and family with this refreshing treat!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese

1/4 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons sour cream

1 lime, juiced

1-2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

If using fresh corn, grill the corn on high heat for about 8-10 minutes until charred and cooked through, then let it cool before slicing the kernels off the cob. For frozen corn, sauté in a pan until heated through and slightly charred. If using canned corn, just drain and rinse before use.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn kernels, red onion, and cilantro. Mix well to combine.

      In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.

        Pour the dressing over the corn mixture and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.

          Fold in the crumbled cotija cheese, reserving a bit for garnish.

            Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, lime juice, or chili powder to your preference.

              Chill the salad in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large bowl or individual cups, topped with the reserved cotija cheese and a sprinkle of chili powder. Garnish with a lime wedge on the side for an extra pop of color and flavor!