Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad is a vibrant dish that combines the smoky, sweet flavors of traditional elote with the hearty crunch of kale. Imagine biting into a salad that dances on your taste buds with every forkful, melding creamy dressing, zesty lime, and the unmistakable taste of grilled corn. Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet It’s like summer in a bowl, and believe me, you’ll want to savor this beauty at every BBQ or potluck.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I make this Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad ahead of time?
- What other toppings work well with this salad?
- Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Let’s not kid ourselves; we all have those moments when we crave something fresh yet satisfying. Picture yourself at a sun-soaked picnic surrounded by friends, laughter echoing around you as you dig into this delightful concoction. This salad not only brings joy but also makes everyone wonder how you managed to make greens taste so good!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad is easy to whip up and packs a flavor punch
- The colorful ingredients will brighten any table setting
- It’s versatile enough for meal prep or a fancy dinner party
- Plus, who doesn’t love a salad that can double as a main course?
I remember one summer BBQ where my cousin brought her version of this salad. Everyone was hovering around it like bees to honey! The best part? Nobody even noticed I had snuck in extra kale for some added nutrition. Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Kale: Choose fresh, dark green leaves for the best flavor and nutrients. Look for crisp leaves without any yellowing.
- Grilled Corn: Freshly grilled corn adds that smoky sweetness; frozen works too if you’re short on time.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Ripe and juicy cherry tomatoes provide a pop of color and freshness.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion gives a lovely crunch; soak them in water first to mellow their sharpness.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess; feel free to substitute with cotija cheese for an authentic touch.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens the dish; don’t skimp on this key ingredient!
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives an aromatic lift; chop it finely for bursts of flavor throughout the salad.
- Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for rich flavor in your dressing.
- Chili Powder: A sprinkle of chili powder adds warmth and depth; adjust based on your spice preference.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; taste as you go for perfect balance!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Kale: Rinse the kale thoroughly under cold water, then remove the tough stems. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl.
Grill the Corn: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill corn on all sides until charred and tender, about 10-15 minutes. Allow it to cool before cutting off kernels.
Mix Your Dressing : In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning according to taste!
Combine Ingredients : Add grilled corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, feta cheese crumbles, and chopped cilantro to the kale bowl. Toss gently but thoroughly to combine everything.
Toss it All Together : Drizzle dressing over your salad mix while tossing everything together until evenly coated with deliciousness.
Serve & Enjoy!: Transfer your colorful Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. Garnish with extra feta or cilantro if desired—dig in while it’s fresh! For more inspiration, check out this Savory Mexican Birria Tacos recipe.
This recipe will have everyone singing its praises! Enjoy your culinary adventure with this unique twist on street food classics!
You Must Know
- This Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad combines fresh flavors and textures
- The tangy lime and creamy avocado make it a delightful dish, perfect for any gathering
- Its vibrant colors and crunchy elements create an irresistible centerpiece for your table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by grilling the corn until charred. While it cools, prepare the dressing and chop kale. Combine everything for a fresh, zesty salad that will wow your guests.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out kale for spinach or add black beans for extra protein. A sprinkle of feta cheese can elevate the flavor even further, making it even more irresistible.
Storing & Reheating
Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To maintain freshness, keep the dressing separate until serving time.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh corn for the best sweetness; frozen corn lacks that crisp texture
- If you’re short on time, canned corn works as a quick alternative but may not be as flavorful
- Don’t skip the lime juice; it brightens all the flavors beautifully!
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of summer barbecues with friends, where we laughed over too much corn on the cob and debated how best to dress our salads!
FAQ
Can I make this Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep ingredients a day in advance but add dressing just before serving.
What other toppings work well with this salad?
Try adding grilled shrimp, crumbled queso fresco, or diced jalapeños for extra flavor. Steak Queso Rice for a fiesta. Cheesy Steak Rice pairing.
Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely! Just keep components separated until it’s time to eat for optimal freshness.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad is a lively and nutritious dish that captures the essence of summer in every bite. This vibrant salad combines smoky grilled corn, fresh kale, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tangy lime dressing, making it an irresistible addition to any BBQ or potluck. With its bright colors and satisfying crunch, this salad not only delights the palate but also elevates your dining experience. Perfect as a side or main course, it’s a delicious way to enjoy healthy ingredients while impressing your guests.
Ingredients
- 6 cups kale, chopped
- 2 ears grilled corn, kernels removed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the kale under cold water and remove tough stems. Tear into bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl.
- Grill corn over medium-high heat until charred (about 10–15 minutes), then cool and remove kernels.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, feta cheese crumbles, and cilantro to the kale. Toss gently.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad while tossing to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately or chill for later enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
