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I was super excited to see some fresh corn on the cob at the grocery store earlier this week, and with Cinco de Mayo coming up in just a few days – what a perfect excuse to make this delicious Mexican Corn Salad! We even fired up our grill for the first time this season (brrr…in 45 degree weather) just to make this fantastic salad!
This Mexican corn salad is a great way to enjoy some veggies as part of your Mexican fiesta (or any time of year for that matter) and this salad is chock full of corn, zucchini, peppers, and beans – all tossed together with cheese in a flavorful, light and zesty dressing! This salad also has lots of amazing fresh flavor plus a wonderful smokiness thanks to the smoked paprika that is added along with lime, cilantro and other seasonings!
I should note that typically, Mexican corn salads are made with Cotija cheese – a dry, firm cheese with a distinctive salty flavor. Where we live in New England, we couldn’t find Cotija (according to Wikipedia, it’s a seasonal cheese so perhaps that’s why it was so difficult for us to find it at this time of year) – so we’ve substituted a Farmer’s cheese (or Queso blanco) in this recipe. However, if you are able to find Cotija cheese where you live, we do encourage you to use that so your Mexican corn salad is more authentic!
This Mexican corn salad is a delicious side to just about any Mexican dinner – see some great menu ideas right here!
We love seeing what you made! Tag us on Instagram at @afamilyfeast or hashtag #afamilyfeast so we can see your creations!
Mexican Corn Salad
Ingredients
- 6 ears of corn, husks left on
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 small zucchini, cut into a few thick slices for grilling
- 1 large or 2 small fresh jalapeno’s left whole
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, washed and drained
- 4–6 scallions (1/2 cup), sliced both tops and bottoms
- 1/2 cup chopped sweet red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice from one lime
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 8 ounces Farmer’s cheese (Queso Blanco), broken up and crumbled by hand – or use Cotija cheese if you are able to find it locally
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Peel back corn husks but do not remove and take off all silk from the ears. Fold the husks back up around the ears. Fill a large pot or your kitchen sink with corn, salt and enough water to cover the corn. Place something on top of the corn to keep it submerged and soak for 15 minutes.
- While corn is soaking, heat grill to medium.
- Remove corn from water and drain off excess water. Place corn with husks on grill and cook for about 15 minutes turning every five minutes or so. If the husks burn, don’t worry, they will be discarded. Set aside to cool.
- Turn grill up to high.
- Brush vegetable oil on the zucchini slices and grill on both sides for just a minute or until there is a nice char but the squash still has some bite to it. Do not over cook. Set aside to cool.
- Put the jalapeno on the hot grill and turn until all sides are black and blistered. Remove from grill and put in a paper bag or plastic bag for a few minutes to loosen up skin. Remove skin and discard and then cut down the center and remove and discard stem and seeds. Dice into small pieces and set aside.
- Remove corn husks and discard. Using a bunt pan, place corn point end down into the center of the Bundt pan and with a sharp knife, cut kernels off and let fall into Bundt pan. Place cut corn in a large mixing bowl.
- Cut the zucchini into small pieces and add to corn.
- Add the cooked cut jalapeno pieces.
- Add all other ingredients, taste and add salt and pepper only if it needs it.
- Allow the salad to sit for an hour in your refrigerator so the flavors blend, then serve.
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This was delicious!! We took out the zucchini because of an allergy, but added avocado and it was sooo good! Thank you!
Thanks Colleen! Glad you enjoyed the recipe!
I’ve got my corn soaking now! Found it on Pinterest…Got too lazy to hunt down the cheese at the grocery store-so using feta that I have at home, and using canned jalapeños….and doing the grilling on a pan on the stove bc my hubby isn’t home to light up the girl. Lmao. (Fear of open flames) Thanks for posting this and for the great pics!
I hope you enjoy the recipe Jana!
Delicious. I exluded the mayo, cheese, sriracha sauce, and jalapeno and it was still very tasty. The lime juice makes the difference. I will definitely make it again.
Thanks Kathleen! We’re glad you were able to adapt the recipe to your liking!
This looks so great! Do you think you could possibly use Greek yogurt in place of the mayonnaise? I’m new to your site but so glad to have found! Take care and thanks for all your hard work.
Thank you so much Melissa! We’re glad you found us too! Greek yogurt has a very different taste than mayonnaise, but I think it could work – you might need to adjust the seasonings a bit and I would start with less yogurt and taste to adjust the seasonings. Please let us know how it comes out!
Mayo is authentic since that’s what Mexicans use but plain greek yogurt get the same effect, in my opinion. It’s creamy and tart and mixes very well with the other flavors. I sub with it all the time and love it!
Thanks Jess!
Wow! This looks absolutely fantastic! I will definitely be making this very soon. This is perfect for summer!
Thanks Kate!
WOW! That salad is loaded with some major flavor! Love it!
Thanks Julie!!
Just for your information,
Feta makes a much better substitution for Cotija than any thing else commonly available in the supermarket.
Cheers
John
Thanks John! We considered feta as it has the same texture but was concerned that the flavor would be too different. Appreciate your advice!