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Fresh Charred Corn Salad with Zesty Lime Cotija Dressing

fresh charred corn salad - featured image
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A smoky, sweet, and tangy summer salad featuring charred corn, creamy cotija cheese, and a bright lime dressing. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a light lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn, husked and cleaned
  • ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
  • Juice of 2 large limes (about 4 tablespoons)
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise (vegan mayo optional)
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional, seeds removed for less heat)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 5 minutes).
  2. Brush each ear of corn lightly with olive oil.
  3. Grill corn, turning every 2-3 minutes, until kernels are slightly blackened and smoky, about 10-12 minutes total.
  4. Allow corn to cool enough to handle, then stand upright and carefully slice kernels off the cob.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning and add a teaspoon of water if dressing is too thick.
  6. In a larger bowl, toss charred corn kernels with diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and jalapeño.
  7. Pour dressing over salad and mix until evenly coated.
  8. Just before serving, sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese on top and gently toss once more.
  9. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed.

Notes

For dairy-free, substitute cotija cheese with crumbled tofu or vegan cheese. Frozen corn can be used if thawed and dried before charring. Mayonnaise can be swapped with Greek yogurt or avocado puree for a lighter dressing. Prepare onions and cilantro ahead, but char corn and mix dressing fresh for best texture. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and stir gently before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: charred corn salad, summer salad, lime dressing, cotija cheese, grilled corn, easy salad, potluck recipe, barbecue side dish

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/fresh-charred-corn-salad-recipe-easy-zesty-lime-cotija-dressing-for-summer/