Corn Salad

A Fresh and Flavorful Side Dish

Corn salad is the ultimate summer side dish—fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a quick salad idea for a BBQ, a side dish for tacos, or a light and refreshing addition to your summer meal rotation, this corn salad recipe is a must-try. Packed with sweet corn, crisp bell peppers, a touch of heat from jalapeño, and a creamy, zesty dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together in minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Corn Salad

• Easy to Make – Uses simple ingredients and comes together in one bowl.
• Perfect for BBQs – A great side dish for grilled meats, tacos, or even as a dip with chips.
• Refreshing & Creamy – The combination of corn, lime juice, and cotija cheese creates the perfect balance of flavors.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep it in advance and refrigerate for an easy side dish when you need it.

Elote vs. Corn Salad: What’s the Difference?

If you love Mexican street corn, also known as elote, then you’re going to love this corn salad. Elote is a classic street food made with grilled corn on the cob, slathered in a creamy mixture of mayo, lime juice, cotija cheese, and spices. It’s smoky, tangy, and completely irresistible.

This corn salad takes all those amazing elote flavors and transforms them into an easy-to-serve dish. The key differences? Instead of grilling whole cobs, we use frozen corn for convenience. We also keep it fresh by tossing everything together in a bowl, making it perfect for serving at a gathering or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients for Corn Salad

Salad:

• 4 cups frozen corn kernels – No need to cook! The frozen corn will thaw quickly in the salad.
• 1 red bell pepper, diced – Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color.
• 1 jalapeño, diced – For a touch of heat (remove seeds for a milder salad).
• 1 small red onion (or ½ large), diced – Gives a sharp, slightly sweet bite.

Dressing:

• 3 tbsp light sour cream – Creates a creamy base without being too heavy.
• 2 tbsp mayo – Adds richness and helps the dressing cling to the ingredients.
• Juice of 1 lime – Provides acidity and brightness.
• ¼ tsp each: cumin, paprika, chili powder – Brings warmth and a hint of smokiness.
• Salt, to taste – Enhances all the flavors.

Topping:

• ½ cup cotija cheese – A crumbly, salty cheese that completes the dish.

How to Make Corn Salad

*printable recipe card is available at the bottom of this page

Step One: Prep the Corn & Veggies

Add the frozen corn to a large bowl (it will quickly defrost as you prepare the other ingredients). Dice (I like to use my chopper for uniform pieces) the bell pepper, jalapeño, and onion, then add them to the bowl. Wash and chop the cilantro, and mix it in.

Step Two: Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayo, lime juice, spices, and salt until smooth.

Step Three: Combine Everything

Pour the dressing over the salad and stir to evenly coat all the ingredients.

Step Four: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle cotija cheese over the top for a delicious finishing touch.

Step Five: Serve & Enjoy

Serve chilled and enjoy as a side dish for tacos, BBQ meats, or even as a dip for tortilla chips!

Serving & Storage Tips

• Serving: This salad is best served chilled, making it a great make-ahead dish for gatherings.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving as the dressing may settle.
• Make It a Meal: Add grilled shrimp, shredded chicken, or black beans for a protein boost.

What to Serve with Corn Salad

Looking for meal inspiration? Pair this corn salad with some of these delicious recipes:

• BBQ Favorites: Serve alongside Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, Flank Steak Salad, or Baby Back Ribs for a refreshing contrast.
• Taco Night: This salad makes the perfect side dish for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos or Flank Steak Tacos.
• Patio Fiesta: Invite some friends over, grab a bag of chips, and serve on the patio with Pico de Gallo and a Margarita Pitcher – Classic Margarita.

Final Thoughts

This easy corn salad is a game-changer for summer meals. It’s quick to prepare, full of flavor, and pairs well with just about anything. Whether you’re making it for a BBQ, taco night, or just a casual weeknight dinner, it’s sure to be a hit. Try it out and let me know how you like it in the comments below!