5 Street Corn Salad

Summer is all about bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and minimal time in the kitchen. And nothing quite captures the spirit of warm-weather eating like street corn salad. Inspired by the beloved Mexican elote, this vibrant dish is sweet, smoky, spicy, and creamy all at once. Whether you’re grilling out, hosting a potluck, or craving a flavorful lunch, these five street corn salad recipes will absolutely hit the spot.

In this article, you’ll find step-by-step instructions, tools you’ll need, creative variations, and answers to frequently asked questions. Let’s dive into the colorful world of street corn salad!

Why Street Corn Salad:

Street corn salad captures all the magic of traditional Mexican street corn but makes it easier to serve, share, and customize. It’s refreshing yet hearty, loaded with bold flavors and textures. Whether served warm or cold, street corn salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any summer event.

Necessary Tools:

Before you begin, gather these kitchen essentials:

• Grill or stovetop skillet
• Large mixing bowls
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Tongs (for grilling)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small whisk (for dressing)

5 Street Corn Salad:

1: Classic Street Corn Salad (Esquites Style)

Ingredients:

• 4 ears fresh corn, grilled and kernels removed
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Grill the corn until lightly charred. Let cool, then cut kernels off the cob.
2. In a large bowl, combine corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija, cilantro, lime juice, and chili powder.
3. Mix well and season with salt.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

This version is closest to traditional street corn salad, rich and satisfying with just the right amount of spice.

2: Street Corn Salad with Avocado and Bacon

Ingredients:

• 4 ears grilled corn
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/4 red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine grilled corn, avocado, bacon, and onion in a large bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over salad and gently toss.
4. Chill before serving.

This indulgent take on street corn salad adds creamy avocado and smoky bacon for an irresistible twist.

3: Spicy Chipotle Street Corn Salad

Ingredients:

• 4 cups grilled corn
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup cotija cheese
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Instructions:

1. Whisk together Greek yogurt, chipotle, lime juice, and garlic.
2. Combine corn, cheese, and green onions in a bowl.
3. Add chipotle dressing and toss.
4. Serve warm for a spicy-sweet experience.

Perfect for spice lovers, this street corn salad packs heat with smoky chipotle and zesty lime.

4: Grilled Street Corn Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 3 ears grilled corn
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup black beans
• 1/4 cup feta cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Salt, pepper, and cumin to taste

Instructions:

1. Grill the corn and slice off the kernels.
2. In a large bowl, mix quinoa, corn, pepper, beans, and feta.
3. Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, and seasonings.
4. Toss dressing into the salad and chill.

Nutritious and hearty, this twist on street corn salad makes a great light meal or side dish.

5: Vegan Street Corn Salad

Ingredients:

• 4 cups grilled corn
• 1/4 cup vegan mayo
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine corn, red onion, and cilantro in a bowl.
2. In another bowl, mix vegan mayo, lime juice, nutritional yeast, and chili flakes.
3. Pour dressing over corn mixture and stir.
4. Garnish with extra cilantro and serve.

A dairy-free, plant-based take on the classic that keeps all the flavor of street corn salad.

Make-Ahead Tips:

• Grill in advance: Corn can be grilled and refrigerated up to 2 days ahead.
• Keep dressing separate: For best texture, store dressing separately and mix right before serving.
• Serve chilled or warm: Most versions of street corn salad are great either way.
• Avoid soggy avocado: Add avocado just before serving to maintain freshness.

Take Away:

There you have it—five exciting ways to enjoy street corn salad, from classic to vegan to quinoa-loaded.

This versatile dish can be customized in endless ways to suit your tastes and dietary needs.

Whether you’re firing up the grill or using frozen corn for convenience, each version delivers bold, craveable flavor. Don’t forget to pin this article and keep it handy all summer long.

Want to remember these amazing street corn salad recipes? Save this post to your favorite Pinterest board so you can return whenever you need quick, tasty salad ideas.

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FAQs:

Q: Can I use canned or frozen corn?
Yes! Just drain canned corn or thaw frozen corn and char it in a skillet for a similar effect.

Q: How long do these salads keep in the fridge?
Most versions last 2–3 days if stored in an airtight container.

Q: Can I make these recipes dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use vegan mayo and skip the cheese or use dairy-free alternatives.

Q: What goes well with street corn salad?
Grilled meats, tacos, BBQ dishes, or even served on nachos.

Q: Is it gluten-free?
Yes! All recipes are naturally gluten-free.