Description
A vibrant, creamy, and zesty corn salad that balances sweet corn with tangy lime, fresh cilantro, and spicy jalapeño. This no-cook side dish is perfect for BBQs, potlucks, and summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 ears fresh sweet corn (husked and cut from cob) OR 2 cups thawed frozen corn
- 1/2 medium red onion, finely diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced small
- 1 fresh jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely diced
- 1/2 cup high-quality mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the corn: If using fresh corn, slice kernels off the cob into a bowl to catch the juice. If using frozen corn, thaw completely and drain excess water.
- Dice the vegetables: Finely dice the red onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeño. For milder onion flavor, soak diced onion in ice water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
- Make the dressing: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry: In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn, diced vegetables, and shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the dressing over the mixture.
- Add the cilantro: Fold in the chopped fresh cilantro gently to combine everything evenly without crushing the corn kernels.
- Chill and serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are cold or room temperature before mixing to prevent the cheese from melting and the dressing from becoming oily. If making ahead, add fresh cilantro right before serving to keep it bright. This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 8
Keywords: corn salad, creamy corn salad, zesty corn salad, BBQ side dish, summer salad, no cook recipe, jalapeño corn, lime corn salad