Dinner

Healthy Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe

Name: Healthy Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned); 1 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp reduced fat mayonnaise; 3 tbsp nonfat Greek yogurt (or more mayo); 1 lime (juice only); 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp chili powder; 1/4 tsp smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup Cotija cheese; 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced; 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Bylina moretti January 27, 2026January 27, 2026

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Introduction

This Healthy Mexican Street Corn Salad is a fresh and flavorful twist on the classic elote. It combines charred corn with a creamy, tangy dressing and a hint of spice, making it a perfect side dish for any meal or gathering.

A white bowl filled with three layers of food: the main layer is a mixture of grilled yellow corn kernels with small green herb pieces spread evenly, topped with scattered slices of bright green jalapeño rings, thin white radish slices with pink edges, and a few fresh green cilantro leaves placed near the center. On the left side of the bowl, two lime wedges with yellow-green flesh rest against the corn mix. A silver spoon with a textured handle is partially inserted into the bowl, angled towards the top left. The bowl sits on a slightly wrinkled beige cloth over a white marbled surface, with a small glass bowl of green herbs and a white square dish with additional radish slices blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp reduced fat mayonnaise
3 tbsp nonfat Greek yogurt (or more mayo)
1 lime (juice only)
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 cup Cotija cheese
1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Add the corn and cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the corn becomes lightly charred and browned on the edges. Remove from heat and set aside. Note that canned or frozen corn may take a bit longer to char.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
Step 3: Stir the charred corn, Cotija cheese, jalapeno, and chopped cilantro into the dressing. Gently mix until everything is evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Cover and refrigerate the salad until chilled, about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Step 5: Just before serving, garnish with a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra color and flavor.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh corn for the best texture and flavor, but frozen or canned corn works well too—just be sure to drain and dry canned corn before cooking.
For extra heat, leave the jalapeno seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
Swap Cotija cheese with feta or queso fresco if Cotija is unavailable.
To make it vegan, replace mayonnaise and Greek yogurt with avocado or a plant-based yogurt alternative.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving. This salad is best enjoyed chilled but can be brought to room temperature if preferred. Avoid freezing as it can affect the texture of the creamy dressing.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with about three layers of roasted corn kernels mixed with finely chopped herbs creating a golden yellow and green speckled texture. The top layer includes vibrant green sliced jalapenos and thin, light pink radish slices. Bright green cilantro leaves sit in the center for garnish. Two lime wedges with pale yellow-green flesh rest on the left side of the bowl. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl on the left, partially buried in the corn. The bowl is set on a white marbled textured surface with a white cloth underneath, and scattered cilantro leaves around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad actually benefits from some time in the fridge to allow flavors to meld. Prepare it a few hours ahead or the night before and keep it covered and chilled.

Is it possible to make this dish spicier or milder?

Absolutely. To increase heat, include the jalapeno seeds or add extra chili powder or cayenne. For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the jalapeno and chili powder.