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

Description

This Street Corn Chopped Salad is a refreshing and zesty take on the classic Mexican street corn. Loaded with crisp romaine, sweet corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy cotija cheese, this salad offers a delightful crunch and zest. The lime-infused dressing ties together all the vibrant flavors, making it a perfect side dish or light meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Salad

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

Dressing

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

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Instructions

Prepare the base of the salad.
In a large bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce as the base. Then, toss in the fresh corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro. Stir everything together to combine evenly.
Add the cheese.
Crumble the cotija cheese and sprinkle it over the salad mixture. Gently stir again to ensure the cheese is incorporated with the other ingredients.
Make the dressing.
In a separate mixing bowl, combine sour cream, salsa, lime juice, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk these ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
Dress the salad.
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated in the creamy dressing

Notes

Using raw corn adds a crunchy texture, but grilling or sautéing the corn can bring out a smoky, caramelized flavor that enhances the salad.
Swap sour cream with mayonnaise if you’d like a flavor closer to traditional Mexican street corn.
You can also add a dash of chili powder or smoked paprika to the dressing for a spicier kick.
Fresh lime wedges on the side make a great garnish and can add even more tanginess.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 210
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg