The sun sets, casting a golden glow over the bustling street vendors of Mexico. The spicy aroma of roasted corn fills the air, mingling with the sound of laughter and chatter. delicious skirt steak bowls This is the essence of Mexican street corn kale salad—a vibrant explosion of flavors that brings joy to every bite.
Picture yourself at a lively summer fiesta, surrounded by friends and family. There’s something magical about this salad—it makes even the simplest gathering feel like a grand celebration. Get ready for a flavor-packed adventure that will have you reminiscing about those warm, sun-soaked days.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Mexican street corn kale salad combines fresh ingredients and bold flavors while remaining super easy to prepare
- Its colorful presentation makes it an eye-catching centerpiece for any meal
- Enjoy it as a side dish or add protein to transform it into a filling main course
- Perfect for summer cookouts or cozy family dinners!
I remember the first time I made this salad for my friends. They were skeptical at first, but one bite in and they were hooked!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: For more inspiration, check out this Delicious 7 Layer Taco Dip recipe.
Kale: Choose fresh, vibrant leaves; curly kale adds great texture and nutritional value.
Sweet Corn: Use fresh or frozen corn; grilled corn enhances the smoky flavor.
Cherry Tomatoes: Opt for ripe cherry tomatoes for sweetness and color; halving them allows their juices to mingle beautifully.
Red Onion: Thinly slice red onion for sharpness; soaking in cold water helps mellow its flavor.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up the salad; it’s essential for that zesty kick!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds an aromatic touch; adjust according to your taste preference—some love it, some don’t!
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta brings creaminess and tang; feel free to substitute with avocado for a dairy-free option.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor; drizzle generously as you mix everything together.
Chili Powder: A sprinkle of chili powder gives this salad its signature spice; adjust based on your heat tolerance.
Salt & Pepper: Always season to taste; it’s the secret ingredient that elevates all dishes!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Gather Your Ingredients
First things first: gather all your ingredients on the kitchen counter. This makes the process smoother and ensures you have everything ready.
Prepare the Kale
Wash and dry your kale thoroughly. Remove the tough stems and chop it into bite-sized pieces. The rough texture will soften once dressed, making it delightful.
Cook the Corn
If using fresh corn, grill or roast until charred and sweet—about 10 minutes should do it! For frozen corn, sauté in a skillet until warmed through and lightly caramelized.
Mix It Up
In a large bowl, combine chopped kale, corn, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Toss everything gently to mix without bruising the kale.
Dress It Up
Drizzle olive oil and lime juice over your colorful mixture. Sprinkle with chili powder, salt, pepper, and crumbled feta cheese if you’re using it. Toss again until everything is well-coated.
Serve & Enjoy
Scoop generous portions onto plates or serve in a big bowl at gatherings. Watch as everyone digs in—this Mexican street corn kale salad will become an instant favorite!
This Mexican street corn kale salad isn’t just food; it’s an experience filled with vibrant colors and flavors that dance on your tongue! The smokiness from grilled corn paired with zesty lime creates a refreshing dish perfect for any occasion—cookouts or casual dinners alike! So go ahead, whip up this recipe today because who wouldn’t want a fiesta on their dinner plate? Enjoy! perfect pair for your salad. another refreshing salad option.
You Must Know
- This Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad is a vibrant blend of flavors and textures
- The smoky, sweet corn pairs beautifully with the crisp kale, making it a feast for your taste buds
- Perfect for summer barbecues or as a side dish for any meal
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by grilling or roasting the corn to enhance its natural sweetness, then chop it up while mixing in the kale and dressing. This sequence maximizes flavor and ensures everything is perfectly combined.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap kale for spinach or add avocado for creaminess. You can also try different cheeses like feta or cotija to give it your unique twist. cornbread poppers for a twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To enjoy later, serve it cold or at room temperature; no reheating necessary!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When grilling corn, ensure it’s charred but not burnt; this brings out amazing flavors
- Always wash kale thoroughly to remove grit
- Dressing should be added just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crunchy
The first time I made this Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad, my friends raved about it! They even insisted I make it for every potluck after that; who knew greens could spark such joy?
FAQ
What can I substitute for kale in this salad?
You can use spinach or arugula for a different flavor and texture profile.
How do I make this salad vegan?
Simply omit cheese and use a plant-based dressing to keep it vegan-friendly.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans can enhance its heartiness and flavor. For more inspiration, check out this Salsa Chicken Crockpot recipe.
Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that combines the smokiness of grilled corn with the freshness of kale, zesty lime, and creamy feta. Perfect for summer cookouts or cozy dinners, this salad is not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether served as a side or a main course with added protein, it will bring joy to any gathering. Get ready to indulge in a delightful culinary experience that celebrates the essence of Mexican street food!
Ingredients
- 4 cups kale, chopped
- 1 cup sweet corn, grilled or frozen
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (or avocado for a dairy-free option)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients.
- Wash and dry kale; remove stems and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Grill or sauté corn until charred (10 minutes for fresh; sauté until warmed through for frozen).
- In a large bowl, combine kale, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice; sprinkle with chili powder, salt, pepper, and feta cheese.
- Toss gently until well coated and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Substitute kale with spinach or arugula for a different texture. Add grilled chicken or black beans for added protein. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.