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Easy No-Cook Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe 5-Minute Perfect Side Dish

no cook mexican street corn salad - featured image
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A quick and easy no-cook Mexican street corn salad that combines creamy, tangy, spicy, and sweet flavors. Ready in just 5 minutes, it’s perfect for hot days and last-minute gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (450g) frozen sweet corn kernels, thawed in cold water
  • ½ cup (120ml) mayonnaise (Hellmann’s recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • ½ cup (60g) cotija cheese, crumbled (substitute feta if unavailable)
  • ¼ cup (15g) fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Place 3 cups (450g) of frozen sweet corn kernels in a large bowl. Pour cold water over them just enough to cover, and let sit for 5 minutes. Drain thoroughly using a fine mesh strainer to avoid watery salad.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine ½ cup (120ml) mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  3. Add the drained corn to the dressing bowl. Gently fold with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon until every kernel is coated, being careful not to mash the corn.
  4. Sprinkle in ½ cup (60g) crumbled cotija cheese and ¼ cup (15g) chopped fresh cilantro. Fold gently again to distribute evenly.
  5. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with more salt, chili powder, or lime juice if needed.
  6. Serve immediately for a fresh, crisp texture or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to meld the flavors.

Notes

Avoid microwaving frozen corn to keep kernels crisp. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. Fold gently to avoid crushing corn. Salad holds well refrigerated up to 24 hours but is best fresh. For vegan version, substitute mayo with vegan mayo or mashed avocado and omit cheese or use vegan cheese alternative. Add jalapeño or cayenne for extra heat. Mayonnaise can be swapped with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican street corn salad, no-cook salad, easy side dish, summer salad, quick salad, creamy corn salad, cotija cheese salad

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/easy-no-cook-mexican-street-corn-salad-recipe-5-minute-perfect-side-dish/