![To make this tasty Mexican corn salad, you need: - 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 6 ears of corn) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1 ripe avocado, diced - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat) - Juice of 2 limes - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Crumbled cotija cheese for garnish (optional) You can change some ingredients if needed. For corn, you can use frozen corn. It’s quick and easy! Cherry tomatoes can be swapped for diced regular tomatoes. If you want heat but no jalapeño, try a dash of hot sauce. For a vegan option, skip the cotija cheese. You can add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Measuring ingredients helps keep the flavors just right. Use a measuring cup for liquids and a food scale for solids if you have one. When chopping, keep your knife sharp for safe and easy cutting. Grill the corn until it’s lightly charred. This adds a nice smoky flavor. After grilling, let the corn cool before cutting off the kernels. This will keep your fingers safe! Grilling corn is easy and fun. First, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the corn on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes. Turn the corn often. You want it to be lightly charred and smell great. After grilling, let the corn cool for a few minutes. Then, carefully cut the kernels off the cob and put them in a big mixing bowl. Now, it's time to mix! In the bowl with the corn, add the halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and jalapeño. The jalapeño gives a nice kick, but you can leave it out if you want a milder taste. Gently stir everything together so each ingredient is mixed well. Next, let's make the dressing. Grab a small bowl and whisk together the juice of two limes, extra virgin olive oil, smoked paprika, and a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. This dressing adds a refreshing zing to your salad and makes it pop! Pour the dressing over the corn and veggie mix. Use a gentle folding motion to combine everything. Be careful not to mash the avocado, as you want it to stay chunky and delicious. Taste your salad. If you need more salt, pepper, or lime juice, feel free to add it. Now, transfer the salad to a nice serving platter or bowl. For a special touch, sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese on top. This adds a creamy flavor that everyone will love. To make it look extra nice, add some cilantro sprigs and lime wedges around the platter for guests to squeeze on their portions. Enjoy this flavorful delight! To grill corn well, pick fresh ears. Look for bright green husks and plump kernels. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the corn for about 10 minutes. Turn it often to get even charring. This gives the corn a sweet, smoky flavor. Once it’s done, let it cool before cutting the kernels off. This method brings out the best taste. Taste as you go! After mixing the salad, try a bite. If it needs more flavor, add a pinch of sea salt or black pepper. Want more zing? Squeeze in extra lime juice. If you like heat, toss in more jalapeño. Each person’s taste is unique, so adjust until it’s perfect for you. Make your salad look great! Use a colorful bowl to show off the bright ingredients. Garnish it with fresh cilantro sprigs. Add lime wedges around the platter for a pop of color. If you use cotija cheese, sprinkle it on top just before serving. This adds a nice touch and extra flavor to your dish. For full details on making this salad, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can make a vegan Mexican corn salad easily. Simply leave out the cotija cheese. Use more fresh herbs or add avocado for creaminess. You can also include ingredients like bell peppers or radishes for crunch. Adding protein makes this dish more filling. Black beans are a great choice for a plant-based option. They add fiber and nutrients. If you prefer meat, grilled chicken works well. Just chop it into bite-size pieces and mix it in. Want to spice things up? Try adding more jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. For a fresh twist, mix in herbs like dill or basil. These flavors brighten the dish and keep it interesting. You can find the full recipe for more ideas! To store leftover Mexican corn salad, first let it cool down. Next, transfer the salad into a clean container. Cover it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents drying out. I suggest using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. These materials help maintain the salad's taste and texture. Choose a container that fits the amount of salad you have. If you have a large batch, a bigger container is better. For smaller portions, use smaller containers. Mexican corn salad lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. After this time, it may lose its crunch and flavor. Always check for any strange smells or changes in color before eating. If you want to enjoy it longer, consider freezing the salad. However, some fresh ingredients, like avocado, may not freeze well. For the best taste, enjoy the salad fresh. If you need the full recipe, check [Full Recipe]. Yes, you can use frozen corn. Just thaw it first and drain excess water. Fresh corn gives the best flavor, but frozen corn works well in a pinch. The key is to ensure the corn is dry before mixing it into the salad. To spice it up, add more jalapeños or include diced serrano peppers. You can also mix in some hot sauce or cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Adjust the heat to your liking for a bold flavor. Mexican Corn Salad pairs nicely with grilled meats like chicken or steak. It also goes well with tacos, quesadillas, or burritos. For a lighter option, serve it with a simple green salad or grilled fish. Yes, you can make this salad in advance. Prepare it a few hours ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. Just wait to add the avocado until right before serving. This keeps it fresh and prevents browning. For the full recipe, check out the details above. This Mexican corn salad is easy and fun to make. You learned about ingredients, preparation tips, and serving ideas. You also saw ways to adapt the dish for your taste. Whether you go vegan or add proteins, there’s a version for everyone. Store any leftovers well to keep them fresh. With these tips, your salad will shine at any meal. Enjoy making this bright and tasty dish!](https://tastednest.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/8ca819fb-9b9c-4ae0-b2eb-b771c7a48463-300x300.webp)
Mexican Corn Salad
Fresh and flavorful, this Sizzling Mexican Corn Salad is a must-try for your next gathering! With sweet grilled corn, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a zesty dressing, it's a perfect side dish that bursts with color and taste. This easy recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, ideal for any occasion. Click through to explore how to make this delightful salad and impress your guests with bold flavors!