Street Corn Salad Recipe

This Street Corn Salad recipe transforms grilled sweet corn into a vibrant, creamy side dish packed with bold Mexican-inspired flavors. Featuring charred corn, crisp bell peppers, spicy jalapeño, fresh cilantro, tangy lime juice, Cotija cheese, and a creamy seasoned dressing, this colorful salad delivers the irresistible taste of classic Mexican street corn in an easy-to-share bowl. Featured on Feed My Soul, V!, this recipe is perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, potlucks, taco nights, or casual family dinners.

The Inspiration

Mexican street corn, often known as Elote, is one of the country’s most beloved street foods. Traditionally served on the cob, grilled corn is generously coated with creamy mayonnaise, tangy cheese, chili spices, and fresh lime juice to create an unforgettable combination of smoky, sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors. This Street Corn Salad recipe takes inspiration from those iconic flavors while transforming them into a convenient salad that’s perfect for sharing.

On Feed My Soul, V!, Vanessa Gianfrancesco & Stefania Gianfrancesco focus on recipes that celebrate fresh seasonal ingredients while remaining approachable for everyday home cooks. Their recipes blend comforting family favorites with globally inspired flavors, encouraging cooks to create memorable meals using simple techniques and quality ingredients. This street corn salad captures that spirit perfectly, offering bold flavor, beautiful presentation, and effortless preparation.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable oil
6-8 ears of corn
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 jalapeño, diced
½ red onion, diced
1 bunch cilantro, chopped plus a few leaves to garnish
3 tablespoons (45 ml) sour cream
2 tablespoons (30 ml) mayonnaise
¼ cup (60 ml) lime juice
½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) cumin
¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) chili powder
Salt
⅔ cup (160 ml) cotija cheese, shredded or crumbled

Method

Char the ears of corn on the grill then put an upside-down bowl inside a bigger bowl and cut kernels off.
Transfer the corn to a large bowl and set aside.
Once the corn is room temperature, add the bell pepper, jalapeño, red onion, and chopped cilantro. Mix well.
In a smaller bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, cumin, and chili powder. Season with salt and whisk together.
Add the dressing mixture to the corn mixture and toss to coat. Add half of the cotija cheese and mix again.
Garnish the salad with the remaining cheese and cilantro leaves and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

This Street Corn Salad is the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, barbecue chicken, burgers, steaks, ribs, tacos, fajitas, or grilled seafood. Its creamy, smoky, and citrusy flavors also pair beautifully with pulled pork sandwiches, roasted vegetables, and Mexican-inspired dishes like enchiladas or burrito bowls. For summer entertaining, serve it alongside tortilla chips as a hearty dip or include it as part of a picnic or potluck spread where its vibrant colors and fresh flavors will stand out.

A refreshing lime sparkling water, homemade lemonade, or a crisp Mexican lager complements the salad wonderfully, making it an ideal addition to outdoor gatherings, family cookouts, and festive celebrations.

Final Thoughts

This Street Corn Salad recipe is a celebration of everything that makes summer cooking so enjoyable—sweet grilled corn, fresh vegetables, bright citrus, creamy dressing, bold spices, and savory Cotija cheese coming together in one colorful, satisfying dish. Every spoonful delivers layers of texture and flavor that are both comforting and refreshing, making it a recipe you’ll want to prepare throughout barbecue season and beyond.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply looking for an easy side that showcases seasonal corn, this recipe delivers outstanding flavor with minimal effort. Featured on Feed My Soul, V! with Vanessa Gianfrancesco & Stefania Gianfrancesco, it reflects the show’s passion for approachable recipes inspired by fresh ingredients and joyful family dining.

Find more recipes from Feed my Soul, V! here!