Escape the ordinary and elevate your next gathering with this vibrant and flavorful Mexican Corn Salad. This isn't your average side dish; it's a fiesta in a bowl, bursting with the sweet crunch of corn, the zest of lime, the heat of jalapeño, and the creamy richness of cotija cheese. Perfect for Cinco de Mayo celebrations or any occasion that calls for a refreshing and delicious addition to your spread, this salad is easy to customize to your liking. You can adjust the spice level, add your favorite proteins, or experiment with different herbs and toppings.
This recipe delivers a perfectly balanced blend of textures and tastes, promising a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Ready to create this sensational Mexican Corn Salad? Let's dive into the simple, step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Serving dish
Ingredients
- Frozen corn: 1 bag
- Salt
- Black beans: 1 can
- Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies): 1 can
- Red and green bell peppers
- Red onion: 1/2
- Taco seasoning: 1 tablespoon
- Parsley (or cilantro)
- Lime juice: 1 tablespoon (bottled or fresh)
- Feta cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Vegetables and Beans
- Drain one bag of frozen corn. (It doesn't need to be fully thawed)
- Drain and rinse one can of black beans.
- Drain most of the liquid from one can of Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies).
- Chop up red and green bell peppers (fresh or frozen).
- Dice about half a red onion.
Step 2. Combine and Season
- Add the corn, black beans, Rotel, bell peppers, and red onion to a mixing bowl.
- Season with 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning.
- Add parsley (or cilantro) to taste.
- Add 1 tablespoon of lime juice (bottled or fresh).
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 3. Add Finishing Touches
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness.
Step 4. Serve
- Transfer the salad to a serving dish.
- Top with feta cheese.
Read more: Easy Mexican Macaroni Salad Recipe (Cold Salad)
Tips
- Fresh lime juice adds a brighter flavor than bottled.
- This salad is perfect for Cinco de Mayo, Taco Tuesday, picnics, cookouts, or family reunions.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I make this Mexican Corn Salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld. Make it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
2. What can I substitute for cotija cheese?
If you don't have cotija, feta cheese, queso fresco, or even a crumbly cheddar cheese would be good substitutes. The important thing is to have a salty, slightly crumbly cheese.
This vibrant Mexican Corn Salad is the perfect accompaniment to any celebration, bringing a burst of fresh flavor and festive flair to your table. Enjoy the delightful combination of sweet corn, zesty lime, and spicy jalapeño—a true taste of Mexico in every bite. So gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your guests with this simple yet spectacular dish!