Grilled Corn Salad Recipe: Easy & Delicious Mexican Style

Editor: Maharshi Soni on Feb 14,2025

You may have heard of grilled corn salad, the one definitive must-try summer dish characterized by the warm, fresh, and bold flavors embraced within. The smoky, faintly charred sweetness of corn matches quite well with lime, rich cheese, and fragrant herbs to make it fit for either Mexican celebration feasts or backyard barbecues. On whether one is looking for a fulfilling side dish or a vibrant meal, there are wonderful options on recipes for taking grilled corn into delicious salsa-inspired salads all with a Mexican touch. Every which way you prepare and serve it - warm, chilled, etc., - this grilled corn salad recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It is terrific with grilled meats and tacos or just as a side dish for a summer picnic.

1. Classic Mexican Grilled corn salad

If you have ever walked in the streets of Mexico, then you have probably encountered Esquites-created corn, which serves as one of the most favorite street foods that make extraordinary things from plain corn. This grilled corn salad is a perfect reflection of that good old dish-freshly chared corn cut off the cob and tossed with creamy mayonnaise, crumbled cotija cheese, and a drizzle of lime for some fresh authenticity. The true secret to the astonishing taste of this salad is that the corn should be grilled very well. Their sweetness gets richer while developing smokiness, which is the major part of the deep, richest smoky-sweet flavor flavor. After being grilled, sweet, juicy corn is stripped off the cob and mixed, perhaps, with creamy mayonnaise and zesty lime juice and finished with a sprinkle of chili powder to add a lovely "punch." Cotija cheese adds richness with its salty bite but is more crumby, and fresh cilantro adds herbaceous freshness.

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2. Spicy Chipotle Grilled Corn Salad 

This chipotle flavor is perfect for all the hot eaters who want the smoked taste being incorporated into some grilled corn salad recipe. Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce give you the zing you need and also a complex smokiness that goes well with the sweetness of corn on the cob. After the corn has been grilled, make it even better with some smoky dressing made up of chipotle sauce, alongside some tang-some sour cream and a pinch of cumin. A sprinkle of smoked paprika ensures the perfect layering of flavors, making it such a rich, zestful salad. This grilled corn salad recipe would also enhance a meal, especially when grilling chicken or steak! 

3. Avocado & Grilled Corn Salad

Avocado lovers should respect and savor this creamy and refreshing version on recipes with grilled corn. Its velvety texture balances out the crunch of the grilled corn. The acidity of cherry tomatoes gives a sudden pop of sweet juiciness, whereas, red onions give a good biting kick; fresh lime squeeze all that spit together with a stroke of acidity. It gives very light and healthy smoked corn salad for the summer, making it an attractive choice for lunch. The salsa really can be very versatile for that matter-also serve it up with chips-thin crisp tortillas are the best! Get creative with it-a topping for grill fish is highly recommended; otherwise, enjoy it plain as a tasty side dish.

4. Grilled Corn & Black Bean Salad

For a heartier twist, this grilled corn salad recipe incorporates black beans for a protein boost. The combination of smoky corn and earthy black beans creates a delicious contrast, while diced bell peppers add a vibrant crunch. A cumin-lime dressing ties the flavors together, making this salad both nourishing and delicious. Not only is this dish filling, but it’s also packed with nutrients. Black beans are a great source of fiber and protein, making this salad an excellent choice for vegetarians or anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their diet. Enjoy it as a main dish or as a side to your favorite Mexican entrees.

Mexican black bean corn quinoa salad with caramelized lemon in old vintage clay bowl

5. Mango & Grilled Corn Salsa Salad

If you enjoy the interplay of sweet and spicy flavors, this recipe grilled corn salad with mango will become a favorite. The natural sweetness of ripe mango balances the smokiness of grilled corn, while jalapeño peppers add a fiery kick. Red bell peppers and cilantro enhance the freshness of the dish, and a drizzle of honey-lime dressing ties everything together. This salad is excellent as a side dish for grilled meats or as a topping for fish tacos. It also works beautifully as a vibrant salsa to scoop up with tortilla chips.

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6. Creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad

Inspired by the world-famous elote, or Mexican street corn, this grilled corn salad rests on a creamy sauce of mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime juice. Cotija cheese and Tajín bring it home with all the right flavors of Mexico. Indulgent-tasting because of its rich and tangy dressing, the smokiness from the grilled corn balances the creaminess to make this dish a summer staple. As a side to tacos or grilled shrimp, it makes for a complete meal.

7. Poblano & Grilled Corn Salad

For lovers of smoky flavors, this grilled salad features roasted poblano peppers, which add a mild yet complex smokiness. Paired with grilled corn, cotija cheese, and a light lime vinaigrette, together it gives rise to a dish that has a certain sophistication and profound flavor. This salad is for those who like big flavor without excess heat. The poblanos supply a gentle smokiness, while the fresh lime juice keeps the dish light and refreshing. It is delicious as a side to carne asada or grilled fish. 

8. Grilled Corn & Quinoa Salad

For a hearty angle, this grilled corn salad recipe brings the nutlike flavor and texture of quinoa together with the sweetness of grilled corn. Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh herbs make this salad extremely refreshing, and a lemon-garlic dressing adds just the right kick at the end. Quinoa boosts protein and fiber in this dish, making it a satisfying and nutritious vegetarian option. It is also a great make-ahead meal because its flavor improves after a couple of hours in the refrigerator.

9. Tomato & Grilled Corn Salad with Cotija Cheese

Tomatoes and corn are classic companions, and this grilled corn salad does the trick by accentuating their inherent sweetness. Cherry tomatoes, cotija cheese, and fresh basil combine for an energetic palette that is brilliantly refreshing and summer-appropriate. This salad is terribly versatile- a side, a generous appetizer tossed over greens for heartiness, or perhaps even mixed in with pasta to turn it into something different. Light, fresh, and flavor-intense!

10. Cilantro Lime Grilled Corn Salad

For spicy corn salad, one cannot go wrong with easy cilantro and lime. The lime juice brightens the natural sweetness of corn, while the chopped cilantro brings a fresh, herbaceous note. This salad is easy to make and super chill. It goes with everything: grilled meat, tacos, or burrito toppings. If you're looking for a quick yet awesome way to relish grilled corn, this is the recipe for you.

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Conclusion

Creamy, spicy, sweet, smoky; whatever flavor your heart desires, these grilled corn salad recipes have covered you. All the recipes celebrate the bold and vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine, which means they are excellent additions to summer meals and festive gatherings. So grab some fresh corn, fire up the grill, and treat yourself to these wonderful grilled corn recipes-your taste buds will thank you!


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