Tex-Mex Grilled Corn Salad with Cotija and Cilantro-Lime Dressing
Char-grilled corn kernels tossed with creamy Cotija cheese and a zesty cilantro-lime dressing for a vibrant side dish. This Mexican-inspired salad recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 22 minutes, pairs fresh corn on the cob, olive oil, mayonnaise 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 240 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.
Ingredients
- 4 ears, husked fresh corn on the cob
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1, minced garlic clove
- 1/3 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 cup, crumbled cotija cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush 4 husked ears of fresh corn with 2 tbsp olive oil and place directly on the grill. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes until kernels are charred and tender.
- Step 2: Remove corn from grill and let cool slightly. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut kernels off the cob into a large mixing bowl.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the cilantro-lime dressing over the grilled corn kernels and toss to combine thoroughly.
- Step 5: Gently fold in 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese and serve immediately or chilled, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.









