Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Thaw the frozen corn completely and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. While fresh corn provides the best crunch, frozen corn is a convenient year-round alternative that still delivers great flavor.

Is there a dairy-free option for this salad?

Yes, you can make this dairy-free by using plant-based sour cream for the dressing and replacing the cotija with a dairy-free feta alternative or simply increasing the amount of other toppings like avocado for creaminess.

How can I make this salad more filling?

Turn this into a complete meal by adding protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans. You could also add diced avocado for healthy fats that make the salad more satisfying.

What's the best way to cut corn off the cob?

Stand the corn upright in a wide, shallow bowl. Using a sharp knife, cut downward along the cob to remove the kernels. The bowl will catch the kernels and prevent them from scattering across your counter.

Street Corn Chopped Salad Recipe

Name: Street Corn Chopped Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce; 2 cups corn kernels (fresh-cut, grilled, or sautéed); 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes; 1/4 cup chopped red onion; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons salsa; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

This vibrant Street Corn Chopped Salad brings all the irresistible flavors of Mexican street corn to your table in salad form. Crisp romaine, sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and tangy cotija cheese come together with a creamy, zesty dressing that will make your taste buds dance. Ready in just 15 minutes, this refreshing salad is perfect for busy weeknights, summer gatherings, or anytime you’re craving something deliciously different without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Effortless: From start to finish in just 15 minutes—no cooking required unless you want to grill your corn!
Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet corn, tangy cotija, fresh vegetables, and creamy dressing creates an incredible flavor profile that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
Versatile: Works beautifully as a main dish, side salad, or even as a topping for tacos—perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Crowd-Pleaser: Even salad skeptics will be reaching for seconds of this colorful, texture-rich dish that’s inspired by everyone’s favorite street food.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Romaine Lettuce: Provides the perfect crispy base with just the right amount of crunch to hold up against the other ingredients.
Corn Kernels: The star of the show! Fresh corn delivers a sweet, crisp texture that makes this salad special. Trust me, the raw crunch makes all the difference.
Cherry Tomatoes: These little flavor bombs add juicy brightness and a beautiful pop of color.
Red Onion: Brings that essential sharp bite that balances the sweetness of the corn and the creaminess of the dressing.
Cilantro: Adds that distinctive herbal freshness that’s quintessential in Mexican-inspired dishes.
Cotija Cheese: This crumbly, salty Mexican cheese is absolutely non-negotiable for authentic street corn flavor—it’s what ties everything together.
Sour Cream: Forms the creamy base of the dressing, bringing tanginess and richness.
Salsa: A brilliant shortcut that adds complex flavor to the dressing without needing tons of ingredients.
Lime Juice: Provides essential acidity and brightness that makes the whole salad sing.
Seasonings: The combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder brings depth and rounds out the dressing perfectly.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Additions

Transform this salad into a heartier meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans for a vegetarian option.

Corn Preparations

While raw corn gives a delightful crunch, try charring your corn for that authentic street corn smokiness. Simply grill it or toast it in a dry skillet until lightly browned in spots.

Spice it Up

Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing if you like a kick. A sprinkle of chili powder or tajin on top would also be fantastic.

Avocado Lover’s Version

Dice up a ripe avocado and gently fold it in just before serving for extra creaminess and healthy fats.

How to Make Street Corn Chopped Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Base

In a large bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce as your foundation. This crisp green creates the perfect backdrop for all the colorful ingredients to follow.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

Scatter the corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, red onion, and freshly chopped cilantro over the romaine. The combination of sweet, juicy, sharp, and herbal elements creates a beautiful harmony of flavors.

Step 3: Incorporate the Cheese

Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese over the vegetable mixture. The salty, tangy cheese is essential to capture that authentic street corn experience.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a separate mixing bowl, combine sour cream, salsa, lime juice, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk until smooth and well-blended. This simple dressing packs tremendous flavor with minimal effort.

Step 5: Dress the Salad

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. The creamy dressing should lightly coat each component without overwhelming them.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Corn Selection: When using fresh corn, look for plump kernels that release a milky liquid when pierced—this indicates peak sweetness.
Make-Ahead Strategy: Prep all components separately and combine just before serving to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
Dressing Thickness: If the dressing seems too thick, add a touch more lime juice. If it’s too thin, add another spoonful of sour cream.
Cheese Alternative: If you can’t find cotija, feta makes a decent substitute, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
Romaine Prep: Make sure your romaine is thoroughly dried after washing to allow the dressing to cling properly instead of sliding off.

How to Serve

Main Course

Serve a generous portion in a wide, shallow bowl with warm tortilla chips on the side for scooping.

Side Dish

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, particularly carne asada, grilled chicken, or fish tacos.

Entertaining

Set up a “build your own” street corn salad bar with the base salad and additional toppings like avocado, jalapeños, and different cheeses for guests to customize.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the dressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The romaine will soften slightly but the flavors will meld beautifully.

Meal Prep Option

Prepare all components separately and store in individual containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Combine and dress just before serving.

Dressing Storage

The dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Give it a good whisk before using if separation occurs.

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Thaw the frozen corn completely and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. While fresh corn provides the best crunch, frozen corn is a convenient year-round alternative that still delivers great flavor.
Is there a dairy-free option for this salad?

Yes, you can make this dairy-free by using plant-based sour cream for the dressing and replacing the cotija with a dairy-free feta alternative or simply increasing the amount of other toppings like avocado for creaminess.
How can I make this salad more filling?

Turn this into a complete meal by adding protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans. You could also add diced avocado for healthy fats that make the salad more satisfying.
What’s the best way to cut corn off the cob?

Stand the corn upright in a wide, shallow bowl. Using a sharp knife, cut downward along the cob to remove the kernels. The bowl will catch the kernels and prevent them from scattering across your counter.

Final Thoughts

This Street Corn Chopped Salad brings the beloved flavors of Mexican street food right to your dining table with minimal effort. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something vibrant and delicious without a complicated cooking process. The contrast of textures and balance of flavors make this so much more than just another salad—it’s a celebration in a bowl! Whether you’re serving it as a refreshing side or a light main course, this salad is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.