This Mexican Street Corn Salad brings the bold and vibrant flavors of Mexican street food to your plate in a fresh and creamy form. The combination of sweet corn, tangy lime, and savory cheese creates a Perfect Mexican Corn Salad for Mexican Independence Day, balance of flavors that will excite your taste buds. It’s an ideal side dish for any summer BBQ, potluck, or casual dinner, adding a refreshing touch to your meal.
What makes this salad truly special is its versatility. You can easily adjust the spice level to your preference, whether you like it mild with a hint of lime or crave the full heat with extra chili powder. The creamy dressing complements the sweetness of the corn, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare yet bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving it as a side or enjoying it as a light main, this salad will surely become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup sour cream
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1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
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1/2 teaspoon chili powder
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon onion powder
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1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
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1/4 cup crumbled feta or cotija cheese
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: Hot sauce or extra chili powder for a spicy kick
Directions:
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In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to combine.
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Add the corn kernels to the bowl and mix until evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
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Gently fold in the chopped cilantro and crumbled cheese.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add hot sauce or additional chili powder for extra heat.
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Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with extra cilantro or cheese if desired before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes | Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Mexican Corn Salad: A Perfect Dish for Mexican Independence Day Celebrations
Mexican Independence Day is one of the most important and festive holidays in Mexico, celebrated with parades, music, vibrant colors, and, of course, delicious food. Among the many mouthwatering dishes that grace Mexican tables during this national holiday, Mexican Corn Salad stands out as a flavorful, refreshing, and easy-to-make choice. Also known as “Esquites” when served on the cob or “Elote en vaso” in a cup, this dish captures the essence of Mexican street food and brings it to your dining table in a fun and accessible way. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a family meal, this dish is perfect for any occasion and a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of Mexico.
A Taste of Mexican Street Food
Mexican corn salad is a delightful variation of the classic street food, elote, or Mexican street corn. Elote is traditionally served on the cob, slathered in mayonnaise, sprinkled with cheese, chili powder, and a squeeze of fresh lime. This familiar combination of ingredients delivers a mouthwatering balance of flavors that Mexicans and food lovers around the world have grown to adore. The Mexican corn salad takes these same elements and transforms them into a salad form, making it easy to serve at large gatherings and giving everyone a chance to enjoy a bite of the same vibrant taste.
The beauty of Mexican Corn Salad is its simplicity. The core ingredients sweet corn, creamy mayo, zesty lime, savory cheese, and spicy chili powder are staples in Mexican cuisine. The dressing brings all these elements together in a creamy, tangy, and spicy mix that enhances the natural sweetness of the corn. It is versatile, too whether you use fresh corn or frozen kernels, the dish is just as delightful and satisfying. You can even make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to develop and meld, making it a perfect option for a stress-free celebration.
Mexican Independence Day: A Time for Celebration
Mexican Independence Day, or “Día de la Independencia,” is celebrated on September 16th each year to mark Mexico’s fight for independence from Spanish rule, beginning in 1810. The holiday is a time of national pride, as people across the country gather to celebrate their rich cultural heritage, history, and unity.
Festivities usually begin on the night of September 15th with the “Grito de Dolores,” a reenactment of the moment when Miguel Hidalgo, a Catholic priest, called for Mexico’s independence. This is followed by parades, music, fireworks, and a great deal of socializing. One of the most enjoyable parts of these celebrations is the food rich, flavorful, and abundant. Mexican Corn Salad fits right in with the holiday’s culinary traditions.
When preparing for Mexican Independence Day celebrations, food plays a central role. From tacos to tamales, to salsas, and street foods, the spread is as vibrant and colorful as the festivities themselves. But no Mexican Independence Day feast is complete without a delicious, refreshing side dish like Mexican Corn Salad. It’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with the rich, savory flavors of grilled meats, spicy salsas, and classic Mexican dishes like enchiladas or fajitas.
Versatility and Customization
One of the best aspects of Mexican Corn Salad is its versatility. This dish can easily be customized to suit your preferences and dietary needs. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the mayonnaise for a more health-conscious dressing, such as Greek yogurt or a plant-based version. For those who love extra heat, you can increase the amount of chili powder, add diced jalapeños, or drizzle with hot sauce to elevate the spice level.
Additionally, the choice of cheese in this dish can be tailored to suit different tastes. Cotija, a crumbly Mexican cheese, is the traditional choice, as it provides a salty contrast to the sweetness of the corn. However, feta cheese is a great alternative for a tangy flavor, and queso fresco offers a milder taste. The use of fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and freshness, which is a hallmark of Mexican cuisine.
Another great variation of Mexican Corn Salad is to add roasted vegetables, such as peppers or tomatoes, for extra depth of flavor. You can even incorporate a handful of diced avocado to introduce creamy richness and a smooth texture. This makes the dish even more filling and brings a twist on the classic recipe that will leave your guests asking for more.
Perfect Pairings for Mexican Corn Salad
While Mexican Corn Salad can undoubtedly stand on its own, it shines when paired with other traditional Mexican dishes. The fresh, creamy, and slightly spicy flavors of the corn salad are an ideal complement to grilled meats, such as carne asada or pollo al pastor. Its tangy profile helps balance out the richness of the meats, offering a refreshing contrast to the savory and smoky flavors.
If you’re serving a spread of appetizers, Mexican Corn Salad also pairs beautifully with chips and guacamole, fresh salsa, or even mini tacos. For a lighter meal, consider pairing it with a tangy citrus-marinated chicken or grilled fish. It also works well alongside a simple rice dish or a Mexican-style bean salad, creating a delicious and well-rounded feast.
A Crowd-Pleaser for Any Occasion
Whether you’re celebrating Mexican Independence Day or simply looking for a tasty dish to bring to a summer BBQ or family get-together, Mexican Corn Salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The dish is incredibly easy to make, even for those with minimal cooking experience, and it can be prepared in advance, saving you time and stress on the day of your gathering.
Another reason why this dish is perfect for large groups is its ability to be scaled up or down. You can easily double or halve the ingredients depending on the size of your crowd. Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner party or a large outdoor event, this salad fits seamlessly into any menu.
Its vibrant colors, creamy texture, and bold flavors make it a showstopper at any party, and it can be enjoyed by guests of all ages. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as a light main course, Mexican Corn Salad is sure to bring a festive touch to your table.
Conclusion:
Mexican Corn Salad is more than just a dish it’s a celebration of flavor, culture, and community. Its vibrant ingredients reflect the spirit of Mexican cuisine, while its refreshing and creamy nature makes it a perfect side dish for any occasion. This dish is especially fitting for Mexican Independence Day, a time to gather with loved ones, share delicious food, and celebrate the rich traditions of Mexico.
By adding this Mexican Corn Salad to your Mexican Independence Day menu, you are embracing the true essence of the holiday honoring Mexico’s history while enjoying the flavors that have defined its culinary culture for centuries. Its versatility, simplicity, and crowd-pleasing nature make it a must-try recipe for anyone looking to elevate their celebration with a flavorful and festive dish.