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Grilled Corn Salad with Cotija Cheese

Grilled Corn Salad with Cotija Cheese
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Grilled Corn Salad with Cotija Cheese is a vibrant, fresh, and easy summer dish that combines smoky grilled corn, tangy Cotija cheese, fresh herbs, and a zesty lime dressing. Perfect for BBQs, picnics, or quick weeknight meals, this salad offers a refreshing and flavorful way to enjoy summer’s best corn.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 4 ears fresh sweet corn, husked and silk removed
  • 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (seeded if less heat desired)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Grill the Corn: Start by heating your grill to medium-high. Husk the corn and remove the silk, then place the ears directly on the grill grates. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn develops a nice char with some blackened spots that add smoky flavor.
  2. Cut Kernels Off the Cob: Once grilled and cooled slightly, stand each ear vertically on a cutting board and slice the kernels off with a sharp knife. Be careful to get close to the cob to maximize the amount of corn for your salad.
  3. Combine Fresh Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the grilled corn kernels, finely diced red onion, chopped jalapeño (seeded if you want less heat), and chopped fresh cilantro. Toss these fresh veggies together for a burst of color and flavor.
  4. Make the Dressing and Toss: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), fresh lime juice, salt, and pepper. Pour this tangy dressing over the corn mixture and toss gently to combine.
  5. Add Cotija Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled Cotija cheese generously over the salad and fold it in lightly to distribute the salty, creamy goodness without breaking it down completely.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately for the freshest experience or chill for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully.

Notes

  • Use fresh corn for the sweetest and most flavorful salad.
  • Allow the corn enough time to char well to develop smoky flavor.
  • Taste the salad after dressing and adjust salt, lime juice, or heat as needed.
  • Hand-crumble Cotija cheese for better texture than pre-crumbled.
  • Chill briefly before serving to let flavors meld, but avoid over-chilling to keep freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled corn salad, cotija cheese salad, summer salad, BBQ side dish, Mexican salad, fresh corn salad, cilantro lime salad

Find it online: https://elenaglam.com/grilled-corn-salad-with-cotija-cheese/