Zesty Mexican Corn Salad with Cotija Cheese
This salad is a fresh, creamy, and zesty mix of sweet corn, lime, chili, and crumbly cheese, with just the right amount of heat and crunch. Perfect for BBQs, tacos, or as a refreshing side dish.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Serves: 3–4
Ingredients
For the salad:
3 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
1 tbsp olive oil
½ cup red bell pepper, diced
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
1 small jalapeno, finely chopped
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
⅓ cup crumbled cotija cheese
For the dressing:
¼ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cook corn:
Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add corn and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly charred for extra flavor. Let cool slightly.
Prepare dressing:
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Assemble salad:
Add cooked corn, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro to the bowl.
Mix:
Toss everything together until evenly coated with dressing.
Add cheese:
Gently fold in crumbled cotija cheese.
Serve:
Garnish with extra cheese, chili powder, or a squeeze of lime. Serve warm or chilled.
Notes & Tips
Best corn flavor: Fresh grilled corn adds a smoky, authentic taste.
Cheese substitute: Use feta if cotija isn’t available.
Make it lighter: Swap mayo for Greek yogurt.
Extra crunch: Add diced cucumber or shredded cabbage.
Spice level: Adjust jalapeño and chili powder to taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! It tastes even better after chilling for 1–2 hours.
Q: Can I serve it cold?
A: Absolutely—it’s delicious both warm and chilled.
Q: How long does it last?
A: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Q: Is it gluten-free?
A: Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 220–260 kcal
Protein: 6–8 g
Carbohydrates: 20–24 g
Fiber: 3–4 g
Fat: 14–16 g
Sugar: 5–6 g
Sodium: 350–400 mg