Lime Garlic Corn Salad (Print Version)
Charred corn tossed with creamy lime garlic dressing, cotija, cilantro, chili, and jalapeño for a bright, scoopable side.
# Ingredients:
For the corn
01 -
6 ears fresh corn, shucked, or 6 cups (900 g) thawed frozen corn kernels
02 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
03 -
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
For the lime garlic dressing
04 -
1/4 cup (60 g) mayonnaise
05 -
1/4 cup (60 g) sour cream
06 -
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
07 -
1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
08 -
2 cloves garlic, finely grated or minced
09 -
1 teaspoon chili powder
10 -
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For finishing
12 -
1/2 cup (60 g) crumbled cotija cheese, divided
13 -
1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
14 -
3 scallions, thinly sliced
15 -
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for serving
16 -
Lime wedges, for serving
17 -
Extra chili powder or Tajín, for serving, optional
# Instructions:
01 -
Brush fresh corn with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Grill over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, turning often, until tender with browned spots. For frozen kernels, cook them in a hot skillet in a thin layer for 6-8 minutes until lightly charred.
02 -
Let grilled ears cool for about 5 minutes. Stand each cob upright in a wide bowl and slice downward to remove the kernels.
03 -
In a large bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper until smooth.
04 -
Add the warm corn, jalapeño, scallions, cilantro, and half of the cotija to the dressing. Fold until the kernels are evenly coated.
05 -
Taste and adjust with more lime juice, salt, or chili powder. Top with the remaining cotija, extra cilantro, and lime wedges. Serve warm, room temperature, or chilled.
# Notes:
01 -
Fresh grilled corn gives the deepest flavor, but frozen corn works well when thawed and dried first.
02 -
Resting the salad for 15 minutes helps the lime, garlic, and chili settle into the corn.
03 -
Serve as a side dish, taco topping, or dip with tortilla chips.