Mexican Street Corn Salad (Ready-to-Print Version)

Sweet corn, Cotija cheese, and creamy dressing come together for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing side dish.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 cups corn kernels, fresh cut from cob or equivalent canned or thawed frozen corn
02 - 1 medium red onion, finely diced
03 - 2 jalapeño peppers, seeds removed and finely chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Cheese

06 - 3/4 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled

→ Dressing

07 - 1/3 cup mayonnaise
08 - 1/3 cup sour cream
09 - 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
10 - 2 teaspoons hot sauce
11 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
12 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
13 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
14 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Cooking Fats

16 - 1 tablespoon avocado oil
17 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
18 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, for sautéing corn

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Heat avocado oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and season with kosher salt. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until lightly charred and tender.
02 - Add minced garlic, diced red onions, and chopped jalapeños to the skillet with corn. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 1-2 minutes.
03 - In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, hot sauce, chili powder, garlic salt, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth.
04 - Transfer the cooled corn mixture to a large bowl. Add chopped cilantro and pour the dressing over the top. Toss thoroughly to coat.
05 - Fold in crumbled Cotija cheese. Transfer to a serving bowl. Serve immediately warm, or refrigerate up to 1 day and serve chilled.

# Handy Tips:

01 - For best flavor, use peak-season fresh corn when available. The salad can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 1 day prior to serving.
02 - Cotija, queso fresco, feta, or parmesan cheese can be used based on availability.
03 - Optional add-ins include diced avocado, black beans, green onions, or crisp bacon.

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