Grilled Mexican Street Corn Salad

The tantalizing aroma of grilled corn wafts through the air, bringing memories of summer gatherings and festive barbecues. This Grilled Mexican Street Corn Salad combines sweet corn with creamy dressing and tangy lime, transforming a simple vegetable into a delightful side dish in just a little over four hours—perfect for any occasion. The blend of textures and flavors works harmoniously, making it a crowd-pleaser.

This recipe is ideal for gatherings, picnics, or potlucks where you’re looking to impress without spending all day in the kitchen. You can easily prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, as it benefits from chilling to enhance the flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet and smoky grilled corn brings depth to the salad.
• The creamy dressing perfectly complements the fresh ingredients.
• Tangy lime juice adds brightness and enhances the flavors.
• Quick to prepare with minimal hands-on time.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to create your flavorful dish:

For the Salad

• 6 large ears of corn
• 1 tsp salt

For the Dressing

• 1/3 cup Kraft Mayo (reduced fat is fine)
• 1/2 cup Kraft Sour Cream (reduced fat is fine)
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1 tsp chili powder

For Serving

• 8 oz. cotija or Athenos Feta Cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

Substitute feta for cotija if preferred.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
• Swap lime for lemon if needed.
• Fresh cilantro can be replaced with parsley.
• Any cheese can work in place of cotija.

How to Make It

Follow these steps for a delicious salad.

Remove husks

Remove the outer husks from the corn and then grill over medium heat for 15-20 minutes. Turn the corn frequently to prevent burning.

Strip corn from cobs

When finished, remove the rest of the husks and then strip corn from the cobs.

Combine ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the corn, mayo, sour cream, lime juice, and salt. Mix well.

Chill the salad

Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow flavors to meld.

Add cheese and cilantro

Right before serving, mix in the cheese and the cilantro. Taste and check for seasonings and add more if desired. Serve cold.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: No, because it affects texture.
Reheat: Not necessary; serve cold.

Tips for Best Results

• Grill the corn until lightly charred for the best flavor.
• Chill longer than 4 hours for a stronger flavor infusion.
• Adjust lime juice for more or less tang as desired.
• Use fresh corn rather than frozen for optimal sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with grilled meats for a complete BBQ meal.
• Serve alongside tacos or burritos for a festive dinner.
• Perfect as a refreshing side dish at summer picnics.