Description
A zesty, fresh, and creamy grilled corn salad that comes together in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-bowl side dish balances smoky char with tangy lime and cilantro.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups corn kernels (from 3–4 ears of fresh grilled corn or a 16-ounce bag of frozen corn)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended)
- 3–4 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the corn: If using fresh corn, grill ears over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes until charred and tender. Cool for 5 minutes, then slice kernels off the cob. If using frozen corn, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook corn for 5-7 minutes until thawed and browned.
- Make the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Combine: Add the cooked corn to the bowl with the dressing. If the corn is hot, let it cool slightly. Add the diced red onion, jalapeño, and chopped cilantro.
- Toss and Chill: Toss everything together until the corn is evenly coated. Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
This salad improves after sitting in the fridge for an hour. It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Do not freeze as the texture will become watery. For a dairy-free version, substitute sour cream with coconut cream. For extra richness, add crumbled cotija or feta cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 3
Keywords: corn salad, grilled corn, lime salad, side dish, 5pm dinner, easy recipes, creamy corn, Mexican side, gluten-free side, dairy-free option