The sun-drenched streets of Mexico come alive with the aroma of grilled corn, spicy chili, and a hint of lime. Imagine biting into a juicy ear of corn slathered in creamy goodness, followed by a zesty kick that dances on your taste buds. Colorful corn taco salad Now picture this delight transformed into a vibrant Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad that’s not only healthy but also downright irresistible.
As I remember the first time I tried this salad at a summer cookout, my taste buds were singing louder than my neighbors’ karaoke machine. The unexpected combination of sweet corn, crunchy kale, and that tangy dressing had everyone raving. This dish is perfect for backyard barbecues or just when you want to impress your friends with your culinary prowess while keeping things light and fresh.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- Bursting with flavor, it’s visually stunning with its colorful ingredients
- Enjoy it as a side dish or make it the main event for lunch or dinner
- The delightful crunch and zesty dressing will keep you coming back for more
Sharing this vibrant salad with friends left them asking for seconds and thirds—it’s that good!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Kale: Choose fresh, dark green leaves; they add a delightful crunch and are packed with nutrients.
Sweet Corn: Freshly grilled or canned; both work wonderfully here for that classic street corn flavor.
Red Onion: Finely chopped to provide a mild bite without overpowering the other flavors.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro elevates the dish with its bright flavor; feel free to adjust based on personal preference.
Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess; try using a lighter version if you’re watching calories.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brings zesty brightness that ties all the flavors together beautifully. Tequila lime chicken marinade.
Chili Powder: A sprinkle adds warmth and depth—feel free to adjust based on your heat tolerance.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta lends creaminess and saltiness; you can swap it for cotija for an authentic touch.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Kale: Start by washing and removing the tough stems from the kale leaves. Chop them into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Cook the Corn: If using fresh corn, grill it until charred and tender, about 10 minutes. If using canned corn, simply drain well before adding to the salad.
Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust seasoning according to taste.
Add Ingredients Together: Toss the chopped kale with grilled corn, red onion, cilantro, and feta cheese in your mixing bowl.
Toss with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Use tongs to gently mix everything until evenly coated.
Serve Immediately or Chill Out**: You can serve right away or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
Enjoy creating this scrumptious Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad! Your taste buds will thank you as they experience an explosion of flavors that’s sure to become a new favorite at any gathering! Hearty almond Greek salad.
You Must Know
- This vibrant Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad brings together the crunch of kale and sweet corn, all dressed in a zesty lime vinaigrette
- It’s a feast for your eyes and taste buds, perfect for summer picnics or cozy dinners
- The salad’s colors and aromas will brighten any table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by grilling the corn for that smoky flavor, then chop the kale while it cools. Mix the dressing while you prep the other ingredients for maximum efficiency.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap kale for spinach or add black beans for extra protein. You can also sprinkle with feta cheese or avocado to elevate this salad further.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best taste, do not reheat; enjoy it cold.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For ultimate freshness, prepare the dressing just before serving
- Adjust seasoning based on your preference; don’t skimp on lime!
- Using fresh herbs can enhance flavor complexity dramatically
The first time I made this salad, my friends devoured it and begged for seconds! We laughed as we tried to guess each ingredient in the flavorful dressing—such a fun evening!
FAQ
What is the main flavor profile of Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad?
For more inspiration, check out this Mexican Corn Chicken Soup recipe.
Expect a mix of smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors that are incredibly satisfying. Turkey taco stuffed sweet potatoes.
Can I make this salad vegan-friendly?
Absolutely! Skip any cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey for sweetness.
How can I add protein to this salad?
Adding grilled chicken or chickpeas will boost protein without compromising taste or texture.

Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexico with this Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad, a delightful blend of fresh kale, sweet corn, and zesty dressing. This dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect addition to any summer picnic or barbecue. The combination of crunchy textures and tangy flavors will have your taste buds dancing!
Ingredients
- 4 cups kale, chopped
- 1 cup sweet corn, grilled or canned (drained)
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Prepare the kale by washing and removing tough stems. Chop into bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
- If using fresh corn, grill for about 10 minutes until charred; if using canned corn, drain well.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Add grilled corn, red onion, cilantro, and feta to the bowl with kale. Toss gently to combine.
- Pour dressing over the salad and mix until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: - For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas. - Swap kale for spinach for a different flavor profile. - To keep it vegan-friendly, omit cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey.