Street Corn Chopped Salad Recipe – Fresh, Flavorful, and Easy to Make

When it comes to vibrant, refreshing, and mouthwatering salads, Street Corn Chopped Salad is a showstopper. With its delightful combination of crisp romaine lettuce, sweet corn kernels, and the creamy tang of cotija cheese, this salad offers the same delicious flavors you love in traditional Mexican street corn, known as “Elote,” but in a more convenient and refreshing chopped salad form.

The best part? It’s a breeze to make! Whether you’re preparing for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun summer gathering, this salad is sure to impress your guests. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a colorful and satisfying dish that’s not only healthy but packed with flavor.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the Street Corn Chopped Salad, exploring its ingredients, preparation methods, and variations. By the end, you’ll be equipped with everything you need to make this irresistible salad in your own kitchen!

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Ingredients for Street Corn Chopped Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious Street Corn Chopped Salad:

For the Salad:

• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce – Romaine lettuce is perfect for this salad because of its crispness and freshness. It adds a crunchy texture that complements the sweetness of the corn.
• 2 cups fresh corn kernels – You can use fresh corn, or if it’s not in season, frozen corn can be a great substitute. Make sure to cut the kernels off the cob for the best flavor and texture.
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes – Cherry tomatoes add a burst of juiciness and a hint of sweetness to the salad.
• ¼ cup chopped red onion – Red onion offers a slight sharpness that balances the sweetness of the corn and tomatoes.
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro – Cilantro brings a fresh, citrusy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the salad.
• 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese – Cotija cheese is a traditional Mexican cheese that’s both salty and creamy, adding depth of flavor to the salad.

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup sour cream – Sour cream is the base of this creamy dressing. It provides a cool, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the corn.
• 2 tablespoons salsa – Salsa adds a zesty kick and enhances the flavor of the dressing, giving it a delightful punch.
• 2 tablespoons lime juice – Lime juice gives the salad a burst of freshness and acidity that cuts through the richness of the sour cream and balances the flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Salt is a key ingredient to bring out the natural flavors of the vegetables and the cheese.
• ¼ teaspoon pepper – Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice that ties the flavors together.
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder – Garlic powder is an essential ingredient for adding a mild garlic flavor to the dressing.

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Step-by-Step Directions to Make Street Corn Chopped Salad

Creating the Street Corn Chopped Salad is a quick and easy process that can be done in just 15 minutes! Here’s how you can prepare it step by step:

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients

Start by washing and chopping your romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Romaine is sturdy and crunchy, which gives this salad the perfect base. Add the chopped lettuce to a large mixing bowl.

Next, prepare the corn kernels. If you’re using fresh corn on the cob, simply remove the husk and cut the kernels off the cob with a sharp knife. If you’re using frozen corn, thaw it before using. Add the corn kernels to the bowl with the lettuce.

Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the bowl for a burst of juicy sweetness. Cherry tomatoes are the perfect size for a chopped salad, offering pops of flavor in every bite.

Chop the red onion into small pieces and add them to the mix. Red onions provide a mild, slightly sweet sharpness that balances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Finally, chop your cilantro and sprinkle it over the top of the salad. Cilantro adds a refreshing, herbaceous note that’s essential to this dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a separate mixing bowl, combine sour cream, salsa, lime juice, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The combination of sour cream and salsa makes the dressing rich and flavorful, while the lime juice adds the perfect amount of acidity to balance out the richness.

Step 3: Combine the Salad and Dressing

Once you’ve prepared the salad ingredients and the dressing, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the crumbled cotija cheese to the salad mixture. Cotija cheese is an essential ingredient in this dish as it adds a salty and creamy flavor that pairs perfectly with the corn and the rest of the fresh ingredients.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently until the salad is evenly coated. Make sure every piece of lettuce, corn, and tomato gets a little bit of that creamy, tangy dressing.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Once everything is well mixed, your Street Corn Chopped Salad is ready to serve! Garnish with additional cotija cheese or cilantro if desired, and enjoy immediately. This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, tacos, or just about any meal that could use a refreshing side dish.

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Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Chopped Salad

There are several reasons why this salad stands out. First, it’s an exciting twist on the classic Mexican street corn (Elote), which is typically served on the cob. The salad version offers the same bold, sweet, and savory flavors, but in a fresh and easy-to-eat form.

Healthy and Fresh Ingredients

The salad uses romaine lettuce, fresh corn, and other healthy vegetables, making it not only delicious but nutritious as well. Fresh ingredients are packed with essential vitamins and nutrients that make this salad a great addition to any meal.

Crisp and Creamy Texture

The crunchiness of the romaine lettuce, the sweetness of the corn, and the creaminess of the sour cream dressing create a perfect balance of textures that’s satisfying with every bite.

Customizable

One of the best things about this salad is that it’s customizable! You can easily adjust the recipe by adding more vegetables, spices, or proteins to suit your tastes. For example, you could add avocado for extra creaminess or grilled chicken for a heartier meal.

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Variations and Substitutes for Street Corn Chopped Salad

This Street Corn Chopped Salad recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few variations and substitutes you can try:

1. Add Protein:

To make this salad more filling, consider adding some protein. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even black beans can be tossed in to make this dish more substantial.

2. Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Sour Cream:

For a lighter version, you can swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is rich in protein and provides a creamy texture with a slightly tangier flavor.

3. Spice it Up:

If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding some jalapeños to the salad or mixing in a dash of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the dressing. This will give your salad a spicy kick.

4. Make it Vegan:

To make this salad vegan, you can substitute the cotija cheese with vegan cheese or omit it altogether. You can also swap the sour cream for a plant-based alternative.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance. However, it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to avoid wilting the lettuce.

What other toppings can I add to this salad?

Feel free to add avocado, grilled chicken, or even crispy bacon for extra flavor and texture.

Can I use frozen corn?

Yes, you can use frozen corn if fresh corn isn’t available. Just make sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the salad.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this Street Corn Chopped Salad is gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free salsa and check the labels of other ingredients.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, Street Corn Chopped Salad is a vibrant, flavorful, and refreshing dish that takes the traditional flavors of Mexican street corn and transforms them into a light, easy-to-make salad. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying it as a side dish or making it the star of your meal. With its balance of textures and bold flavors, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try, and enjoy the delightful combination of sweet corn, creamy dressing, and crumbled cotija cheese in every bite!

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