Denton-Inspired Tex-Mex Street Corn Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fresh and tangy salad combining grilled corn with creamy, spicy, and zesty flavors inspired by Texas street food. This mexican-inspired salads ready in about 17 minutes pairs olive oil, mayonnaise, lime juice into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 7 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Toss 4 cups of fresh corn kernels with 2 tbsp olive oil until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Grill the corn kernels in the pan for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until some kernels are charred and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 3 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Whisk until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Add the grilled corn to the bowl along with 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 finely chopped small jalapeño (if using). Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
  5. Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lime juice if desired. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Denton-Inspired Tex-Mex Street Corn Salad take to make?

Total time is about 17 minutes (10 min prep + 7 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Denton-Inspired Tex-Mex Street Corn Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Denton-Inspired Tex-Mex Street Corn Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Denton-Inspired Tex-Mex Street Corn Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Denton-Inspired Tex-Mex Street Corn Salad?

Mexican salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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