Hey y'all! If you're craving the bold, zesty flavors of Mexican street corn but want something a bit easier to serve at parties, picnics, or weeknight dinners, this Loaded Street Corn Salad with Cotija is your new go-to. Packed with juicy, charred corn, creamy dressing, a kick of spice, and plenty of tangy Cotija cheese, it's a salad that steals the show every time. Whether you're making it for a backyard BBQ or a potluck, everyone will be coming back for seconds. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Loaded Street Corn Salad with Cotija
- Loaded with vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors in every bite.
- Quick and simple to prepare with fresh or frozen corn.
- Perfect for meal prep—holds up well for picnics and parties.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and heat level.
- Deliciously creamy yet fresh, thanks to lime and Cotija cheese.
Loaded Street Corn Salad with Cotija: Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh (about 5 ears) or frozen corn kernels
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ cup Cotija cheese, crumbled (plus extra for garnish)
- ⅓ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ small red onion, finely diced
- 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Juice of 2 limes
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Directions: How to Make Loaded Street Corn Salad with Cotija
Step 1: Char the Corn
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn and cook for 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the kernels are charred and golden brown. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Add the charred corn, chopped red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and Cotija cheese to the bowl. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the salad to a serving platter or bowl. Sprinkle with extra Cotija cheese, a pinch of chili powder, and additional fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately, or chill for 30 minutes for even bolder flavor.
Notes & Tips for Loaded Street Corn Salad with Cotija
- For the best char, use a cast-iron skillet or grill the corn directly on the grates (see tips here).
- If fresh corn isn't in season, frozen corn works great—just thaw and pat dry first for maximum caramelization.
- Try a squeeze of extra lime just before serving for a fresh, zingy kick (learn more here).
Loaded Street Corn Salad Variations with Cotija
- Avocado Street Corn Salad: Add 1 diced ripe avocado for creamy richness.
- Spicy Street Corn Salad: Increase jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne for more heat.
- Grilled Chicken Corn Salad: Toss in grilled chicken breast pieces for a hearty main dish.
Required Equipment for Loaded Street Corn Salad with Cotija
- Large skillet or grill pan (preferably cast iron)
- Mixing bowls
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Zester or juicer (for limes)
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Loaded Street Corn Salad with Cotija in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving; if the salad thickens, loosen with a little extra lime juice or sour cream. Do not freeze as the texture may suffer.
Serving Recommendations & Pairings
- Serve as a side with grilled meats or tacos.
- Pair with tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing dip.
- Enjoy it alongside burgers, BBQ chicken, or as part of a summer potluck spread.
Pro Tips for Best Loaded Street Corn Salad with Cotija
- Don’t skip charring the corn—it adds essential smoky flavor (see how-to here).
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
- Let the salad sit for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
FAQ: Loaded Street Corn Salad with Cotija
- Can I make Loaded Street Corn Salad with Cotija ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Prepare it up to a day in advance and store in the fridge. Stir well before serving.
- What can I use instead of Cotija cheese?
- Feta cheese is a great substitute for Cotija—it’s similarly tangy and crumbly.
- Is this salad spicy?
- It has a mild kick from jalapeño and chili powder, but you can adjust the spice level to your taste.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (about 5 ears)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
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2In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, lime juice, salt, and black pepper.
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3Add the charred corn, Cotija cheese, cilantro, green onions, and jalapeño to the bowl. Toss until everything is well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.
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4Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice as desired.
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5Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with extra Cotija cheese and cilantro. Serve immediately or chilled.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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