Description
A quick and easy street corn salad with a creamy, spicy twist featuring roasted corn, cotija cheese, lime, and chili powder. Perfect as a side dish or snack with bold flavors and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups fresh corn kernels (from 4–5 ears) or thawed frozen corn
- 1 tablespoon butter (for roasting)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably full fat)
- 3/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (substitute with feta if needed)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1 large lime)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (chipotle powder recommended)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the corn by husking and removing silk if using fresh ears. If using frozen corn, ensure it is fully thawed and drained.
- Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn kernels in a single layer and let sit without stirring for 3-4 minutes to develop a char.
- Stir occasionally and cook for a total of 8-10 minutes until the corn is golden and slightly crispy. Increase heat if no browning occurs after 3 minutes.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, chili powder, lime juice, and minced garlic. Stir until smooth and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Add the warm roasted corn to the dressing and toss gently to coat all kernels evenly.
- Fold in crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions carefully to keep cheese in pockets.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add extra lime juice if desired.
- Serve immediately while warm or chill for 15-20 minutes to meld flavors. Both serve well.
Notes
For a smokier flavor, add smoked paprika or grill the corn on a charcoal grill. Avoid over-mixing after adding cheese to preserve texture. Can be made ahead by roasting corn and preparing dressing separately, then combining before serving. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; stir in lime juice or water if thickened before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup per serv
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 280
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 5
Keywords: street corn salad, esquites, creamy corn salad, spicy corn salad, Mexican side dish, roasted corn, cotija cheese, lime, chili powder