Delicious Mexican Street Corn Chopped Salad Recipe

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Mexican street corn chopped salad is a vibrant, fresh dish that bursts with flavor. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for gatherings, making it a family-friendly favorite. This salad combines sweet, charred corn with a creamy dressing that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Table of Contents

Mexican street corn chopped salad bursting with flavors.

Mexican Street Corn Chopped Salad Overview

What Makes This Salad Unique

This Mexican street corn chopped salad is a delightful twist on traditional elote. It offers all the rich flavors of grilled corn, cilantro, and a zesty lime dressing, but in a fresh, mixed salad format. The combination of textures—from crunchy lettuce to creamy dressing—keeps every bite exciting.

Mexican street corn chopped salad in bowl with lime and cilantro.

Flavor Profile and Ingredients

The flavor profile is a wonderful mix of sweet, savory, and spicy. Grilled sweet corn brings sweetness, while jalapeño adds a kick. The creamy dressing, made with sour cream and lime, ties everything together beautifully, creating a refreshing bite that’s perfect for warm weather.

Ingredients for Mexican Street Corn Chopped Salad

Dressing Ingredients

1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lime juice
1 teaspoon grated lime zest
2 medium cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Salad Ingredients

4 ears sweet corn, husked and silk removed
2 medium boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 1 lb)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 medium jalapeno
1/4 cup firmly-packed fresh cilantro
3 cups romaine lettuce, torn into medium pieces
1/4 cup cotija cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dressing

Begin by whisking together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, and chili powder in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then refrigerate the dressing until you are ready to assemble the salad.

Grilling the Corn and Chicken

Next, brush the corn and chicken thighs with vegetable oil, seasoning with salt and pepper. Grill them over medium-high heat, turning occasionally. The corn should become slightly charred and the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, allow them to cool slightly.

Assembling the Salad

Finely mince the jalapeño and cilantro on a cutting board and transfer them to a large bowl. On the same board, remove the corn kernels and chop the corn, chicken, and romaine lettuce. Combine everything in the bowl with jalapeño and cilantro. Toss with cotija cheese and the creamy dressing until evenly coated. Serve immediately for the best flavor and freshness!

Tips for the Perfect Salad

Using Fresh Ingredients

For the best taste, use fresh lime juice and zest in the dressing. Fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference, enhancing the overall flavor of the salad.

Customizing Heat Levels

If you prefer less heat, you can omit the jalapeño or opt for a milder pepper. Adjusting the spice level ensures that everyone can enjoy this dish!

Vegetarian Variations

This salad can easily be made vegetarian by omitting the chicken. Feel free to add other vegetables like sweet peppers or cucumber for extra crunch and flavor.

Storage Tips

Grilled corn and chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, while the dressing stays fresh for about 6 days. However, it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to maintain its freshness.

FAQs

What ingredients are needed for Mexican street corn chopped salad?

You will need sweet corn, chicken thighs, jalapeno, cilantro, romaine lettuce, cotija cheese, and a creamy dressing made with sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic, and chili powder.

How do you make the creamy lime dressing?

Whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, chili powder, and seasoning in a bowl. Chill until ready to use.

Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

Absolutely! You can include vegetables like sweet peppers or cucumber to enhance the flavor and texture of the salad.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, the salad components can be prepped ahead of time and stored separately. Assemble right before serving for freshness.

How can I make it vegetarian?

Simply omit the chicken from the recipe, and feel free to add more veggies like sweet peppers or cucumber for added texture.

Conclusion

This Mexican street corn chopped salad is not only delicious but also quick to prepare. For more inspiring recipes, check out my boards on Pinterest where you can find plenty of healthy and easy meal ideas. Your family will love this fresh twist on a classic!