Dive into the essence of Mexican cuisine with our vibrant Mexican Corn Salad. This dish masterfully balances sweet corn with a lively spicy kick. Wrapped in creamy dressing and topped with cotija cheese, it’s perfect for tacos or as a dip with chips.
Discover the Charm of Spicy Corn Salad
Firstly, our Mexican Corn Salad is special. It blends sweet corn, spicy onion, creamy dressing, and savory cheese. Secondly, it’s easy to make and adds a gourmet touch to any meal. Therefore, it’s ideal for gatherings or dinners.
How to Serve Your Creamy Corn Salad
Furthermore, serve warm with lime slices for zest. It pairs well with grilled meats or chips. As a result, its versatility suits any event, from lunches to dinners. If you’re looking for another light yet satisfying dish to complement our Mexican Corn Salad, explore our Mexican Tuna Salad recipe. It’s a refreshing blend of tuna, avocado, and vibrant spices, perfect for a wholesome meal.
Perfect Salad Tips
- Opt for Fresh: Importantly, fresh corn is best. Corn isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with health benefits. According to WebMD.
- Adjust Spice: Additionally, tailor the chili to your taste.
- Rest to Blend Flavors: Also, letting the salad sit enhances the taste.
Moreover, let’s explore the cultural significance of corn in Mexican cuisine, enriching the article’s depth.
The Cultural Significance of Corn in Mexican Cuisine
Interestingly, corn isn’t just a staple in Mexican cuisine; it’s a cultural symbol deeply rooted in the country’s history. For thousands of years, corn has been central to Mexican life and revered in indigenous cultures. This reverence is reflected in the diverse culinary uses of corn across Mexico, from tortillas to our delightful Mexican Corn Salad.
This salad celebrates corn’s enduring legacy in Mexican cooking. By incorporating corn, we pay homage to a tradition that has nourished generations. This connection to cultural heritage elevates the Mexican Corn Salad from a simple side dish to a meaningful culinary experience.
Conclusion
In summary, our Mexican Corn Salad is a vibrant celebration of flavors, textures, and traditions. It’s easy to prepare, versatile in serving, and rich in cultural significance. Whether you’re looking to spice up your meal with a side dish that packs a punch or delve into the rich tapestry of Mexican culinary history, this salad is sure to impress. Enjoy the freshness, embrace the spice, and cherish the story of corn in Mexican cuisine with every delicious forkful.
Print
Mexican Corn Salad
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Savor the freshness of Mexican Corn Salad, blending sweet corn with spicy, creamy dressing and cotija cheese for a delightful side dish.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups sweet corn (about 2 cans, drained)
- ½ cup chopped red onion (about 1/2 medium onion)
- 1 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (divided)
- 5 Tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro
- 3 Tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons sour cream
- 2 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (juice of one lime)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Ready a 1 1/2-quart baking dish by setting it aside.
- Combine the Base: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the sweet corn, red onion, half of the cotija cheese, and most of the cilantro until well mixed.
- Create the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and spices until smooth and fully combined.
- Mix and Bake: Gently fold the dressing into the corn mixture until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mix to your baking dish and bake uncovered for 25 minutes.
- Final Touches: After baking, sprinkle the remaining cotija cheese and cilantro over the top. For an extra burst of color and flavor, add a pinch of paprika.
Notes
- Use Fresh Corn: Fresh corn offers the best flavor and texture. If unavailable, frozen corn is the second-best option.
- Cotija Cheese: Essential for authentic taste. Substitute with feta if needed, but expect a slight taste difference.
- Adjust Spices: Tailor the chili powder and flakes to suit your heat preference. Add diced jalapeño for extra spice.
- Creamy Dressing Balance: Aim for a perfect mix of mayonnaise and sour cream, thinned with lime juice for easy coating.
- Marinate for Flavor: Let the salad rest for at least 30 minutes before serving to deepen flavors.
- Chill if Possible: Refrigerating during the marinating period enhances freshness.
- Generous Garnish: Finish with extra cotija, paprika, and fresh cilantro for visual appeal and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Mexican-style corn salad, spicy corn salad
Trying out the Mexican Corn Salad recipe from your website was an absolute delight! I was in search of a great recipe to impress my Mexican friend, and I’m so glad I stumbled upon yours. The zesty flavors in this side dish were a hit, and it was a perfect addition to our meal. The combination of ingredients created a burst of flavors that transported us straight to Mexico! The recipe was easy to follow, and the result was simply delicious. I highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking for a tasty side dish with a Mexican twist. Thank you for sharing such a fantastic recipe.:-)
★★★★★
I’m thrilled to hear that this recipe was a success and that it earned the approval of your friend! It’s always exciting to hear when flavors can bring about a sense of place and enjoyment. Thank you so much for trying out the recipe and for your kind recommendation. If you’re looking for more culinary adventures, keep an eye on our site for more recipes that bring the world to your kitchen. Your feedback is greatly appreciated! 🌽✨