This Mexican-inspired corn salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that captures the essence of summer any time of year with its charred, sweet corn and a medley of fresh vegetables.

Featuring grilled corn kernels, crunchy red onion, green pepper, and the bright flavors of cilantro and lime, this salad is a delightful blend of textures and tastes.

Topped with soft, crumbled Mexican cheese, such as cotija, it offers a delightful creaminess that complements the zesty lime dressing.

This corn salad is perfect for barbecues, picnics, or as a fresh side dish to any meal, bringing a burst of color and flavor to your table.

Prep Time: 20 minutes + 30 minutes chill time
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

5 ears of corn, husks and silks removed
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
Juice of 2 limes
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or another soft Mexican cheese like queso fresco)

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Instructions

Grill the corn (15 minutes): Preheat your grill to high heat. Grill the corn, turning occasionally, until charred and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from the grill and let cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, cut the kernels off the cob.
Prepare the salad components (10 minutes): In a large bowl, combine the grilled corn kernels, chopped red onion, diced green bell pepper, and chopped cilantro.
Make the dressing (5 minutes): In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Combine and refrigerate (5 minutes): Pour the dressing over the corn mixture and toss to coat evenly. Gently fold in the crumbled Mexican cheese.
Chill and serve (30 minutes): Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

This Mexican-inspired corn salad is as delicious as it is easy to prepare. For the best flavor, use fresh corn and grill it just before assembling the salad to maximize the smoky, charred notes.

The lime dressing adds a fresh zestiness that is perfectly balanced by the creamy cotija cheese. If desired, add a pinch of chili powder or sliced jalapeño for an extra kick.

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own for a light, satisfying meal.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.