Sweet Corn Salad is a perfect summer salad for all occasions!

This easy, but delicious charred corn salad is inspired by Mexican street corn (Elote) and a bit by a recipe my aunt makes. It’s packed with crunchy, grilled corn; fresh cherry tomatoes; sweet shallots; salty queso fresco; spicy jalapeños – all tossed in a tangy dressing.

How do you char corn on the grill?

The base of this salad is the fresh sweet corn. It’s grilled for a few minutes on each side to add a bit of smokiness and cook out a bit of the starch.

How do you char corn without a grill?

If you don’t want to break out the grill you can also stick the cobs under the broiler for a few minutes until they begin to char a bit. Or if you have a propane stove, you can hold the corn over the open flame.

Can you eat raw corn in a salad?

Absolutely! If you don’t want to char or cook the corn, you don’t have to. Simply follow the steps below.

What is Corn Salad Made Of?

Once the corn is done, allow it to cool and then remove the kernels using a knife or kernel remover. Add this to a large bowl and set aside while you prepare the rest of the salad.

Next, add the shallot, garlic, mayo, white wine vinegar, lime juice, olive oil, jalapeños, queso fresco, salt, pepper and chile powder to a small bowl and mix well. Pour the dressing over the corn and stir to combine.

Feel free to adjust the amount of jalapeños you mix into the salad to reflect your spice preference. You can always serve extra jalapeños on the side for those that like more spice. Additionally, with jalapeños a lot of the spice comes from the seeds so you can also adjust the spice level by either leaving the seeds in on or de-seeding the peppers.

Lastly, add the halved cherry tomatoes and gently fold them into the salad. Chill for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld. Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper and paprika if necessary.

Health Benefits of Charred Corn Salad

Corn on the cob is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits:

Rich in Nutrients: Corn is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, thiamine (vitamin B1), folate (vitamin B9), and pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). It also provides minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese.

Dietary Fiber: Corn contains both soluble and insoluble fiber, which are beneficial for digestive health. Fiber helps promote regular bowel movements, prevents constipation, and supports a healthy digestive system.

Antioxidants: Corn contains various antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin, which are important for eye health. These antioxidants may help protect against age-related macular degeneration and cataracts by reducing oxidative stress in the eyes.

Heart Health: The fiber, folate, and potassium found in corn contribute to heart health. Fiber helps lower cholesterol levels, while folate reduces homocysteine levels, which are associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and may reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.

Weight Management: Corn is relatively low in calories and fat but high in fiber, making it a filling and satisfying addition to meals. Including corn in your diet can help you feel full for longer periods, which may aid in weight management by reducing overall calorie intake.

Energy Source: Corn provides carbohydrates, which are the body’s primary source of energy. Carbohydrates from whole grains like corn provide sustained energy and help fuel physical activity and mental function.

May Support Blood Sugar Control: Despite its natural sweetness, corn has a moderate glycemic index (GI), meaning it doesn’t cause sharp spikes in blood sugar levels when consumed in moderation. Including corn as part of a balanced meal may help support blood sugar control, especially when paired with protein and fiber-rich foods.

Gluten-Free Option: Corn is naturally gluten-free, making it a suitable alternative for people with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.

While corn on the cob offers numerous health benefits, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

How to Serve Elote Inspired Corn Salad

Serve this salad with extra queso fresco, jalapeños and cilantro on the side or sprinkled over the top!

My Sweet Corn Salad is perfect to bring along to picnics or pot lucks, but is also wonderful for a backyard family barbecue. It goes well alongside burgers, hot dogs, bbq ribs, steaks, etc.

This corn salad also makes a great side dish for my Pork Carnitas. Or try elevating the dish by serving with my Seared Scallops!

How to Pair

White Wine

A un-oaked Chardonnay, a crisp Viognier or Pinot Gris would pair beautifully with the sweet fresh corn.

Red Wine

If you are in the mood for a red try a Malbec or light Pinot Noir.