Mexican Street Corn Salad

Introduction:

Transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Mexico with our tantalizing Mexican Street Corn Salad recipe. Bursting with vibrant flavors and zesty spices, this refreshing salad is a celebration of traditional Mexican cuisine. In this SEO article, we’ll explore the essence of Mexican street food, the sensational ingredients used in our recipe, and easy-to-follow steps to recreate this culinary masterpiece at home.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups sweet corn, (fresh, frozen thawed, or canned drained)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup green onion, chopped
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 cup cojita cheese
• 2 1/2 tablespoons sour cream
• 2 tablespoons mayo
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice, from 2 limes
• garnish (optional): extra chopped cilantro, extra cojita cheese

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add corn and cook for 8-10 minutes or until it starts to brown. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled corn, red onion, green onion, jalapeno, cilantro, garlic, cojita cheese, sour cream, mayo, salt, cumin, chili powder, and lime juice. Mix well.
3. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and extra cojita cheese if desired. Serve cold and enjoy!
4. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4-5

Note About The Recipe:

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad, known as ‘Esquites’, is a delightful blend of charred corn kernels mixed with creamy, spicy, and tangy elements that bring out a burst of flavors in every bite. This salad version of the traditional ‘Elote’ offers a convenient and enjoyable way to savor the essence of Mexican street food at home. Perfect as a side dish for BBQs or as a standalone snack with tortilla chips.

Serving Suggestions:

1. Chilled Presentation: Serve the Mexican Street Corn Salad chilled or at room temperature for optimal flavor. This refreshing dish is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a vibrant side dish for any Mexican-inspired meal.
2. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, garnish the salad with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley. Not only does it add a pop of color, but it also enhances the flavor profile with its bright and herbaceous notes.
3. Accompaniments: Offer lime wedges on the side for a squeeze of fresh citrus juice, adding a tangy kick to each bite. Additionally, consider serving the salad with tortilla chips or warm corn tortillas for a complete Mexican street food experience.
4. Individual Servings: For a stylish presentation, serve the Mexican Street Corn Salad in individual bowls or cups. This allows guests to enjoy their own portion of the salad without the need for additional serving utensils.
5. Layered Salad: Create a visually appealing layered salad by alternating the corn mixture with layers of avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, and black beans. This adds variety to the dish and showcases the vibrant colors of the ingredients.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover Mexican Street Corn Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it can be kept for up to 2-3 days. However, keep in mind that the texture of the salad may change slightly due to the moisture content of the ingredients.
2. Avoid Freezing: Due to the creamy dressing and fresh vegetables, Mexican Street Corn Salad is not suitable for freezing. Freezing can cause the vegetables to become mushy and compromise the overall texture of the dish.
3. Rejuvenate Before Serving: If the salad has been refrigerated for a while, give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors. You may also need to adjust the seasoning with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve Cold: Ensure that the Mexican Street Corn Salad is served chilled, especially if it has been stored in the refrigerator. The refreshing chill enhances the flavors and makes it a delightful accompaniment to any meal.

FAQs:

1. Can I use frozen or canned corn for this salad? While fresh corn is preferred for its sweet, crisp texture, you can use frozen or canned corn as a convenient alternative. Just be sure to thaw frozen corn and drain canned corn before adding it to the salad.
2. Is cotija cheese necessary, and can I substitute it with another cheese? Cotija cheese adds a distinct salty and tangy flavor to the salad, but if unavailable, you can substitute it with crumbled feta or grated Parmesan cheese for a similar savory kick.
3. Can I make this salad ahead of time for a party or gathering? Yes, you can prepare the components of the salad ahead of time and assemble it just before serving. However, it’s best to add the avocado and dressing right before serving to prevent them from browning and keep the salad fresh.
4. Is this salad spicy? The level of spiciness can be adjusted to your preference by controlling the amount of chili powder or cayenne pepper added to the dressing. You can also omit the chili powder entirely if you prefer a milder flavor profile.
5. Can I grill the corn instead of boiling it? Absolutely! Grilling the corn adds a smoky flavor and charred texture that enhances the overall taste of the salad. Simply grill the corn on a hot grill until charred, then remove the kernels and proceed with the recipe as directed.