Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad

This Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad is a delightful summer side dish that brings fresh flavors and vibrant colors to your table. With tender massaged kale, sweet corn, creamy cotija cheese, and creamy cilantro lime dressing, this salad is perfect for barbecues, picnics, or as a healthy lunch option. Topped with crunchy tortilla chips, it offers a satisfying texture and a burst of flavor that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This salad can be made in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh corn and kale makes this dish not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a side dish or add protein to make it a complete meal.
• Flavorful Dressing: The creamy cilantro lime dressing elevates the taste, bringing together all the ingredients beautifully.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Perfect for gatherings, this salad is sure to impress your guests with its colorful presentation and taste.

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Tools and Preparation

To make this Mexican street corn kale salad, you will need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can make preparation easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows ample space for tossing all the ingredients without spilling.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for vegetables like the onion and avocado.
• Cutting board: Protects your countertops while providing a stable surface for chopping ingredients.
• Whisk: Useful for mixing the dressing thoroughly to achieve a creamy consistency.

Ingredients

This Mexican street corn kale salad features fresh and flavorful ingredients that come together perfectly.

For the Salad

• 1 bunch green kale, leaves cut off the stem and chopped
• 2 ears of corn, shucked & silk removed
• ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup red onion, chopped
• 1-2 avocados, sliced or diced
• Crushed tortilla chips, for garnish

For Massaging the Kale

• ½ – 1 lime, juiced
• Olive oil

For the Dressing

• ½ cup plain greek yogurt
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped (leaves & stems are fine)
• 2 garlic cloves
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp chipotle powder

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Kale

1. In a mixing bowl, add chopped kale.
2. Drizzle olive oil and lime juice over the kale.
3. Massage the kale gently until it starts to soften and darken in color.

Step 2: Cook the Corn

1. Bring water to a boil in a pot.
2. Add shucked corn and cook for about 4-5 minutes until tender.
3. Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then cut kernels off the cob.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. In the bowl with massaged kale, add cooked corn, crumbled cotija cheese, chopped red onion, and diced avocado.
2. In another bowl, combine greek yogurt, lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and chipotle powder to create the dressing.
3. Pour dressing over the salad ingredients; toss gently to combine.

Step 4: Serve

1. Transfer salad to a serving dish or individual plates.
2. Top with crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch before serving.

This easy-to-make Mexican street corn kale salad is sure to become a favorite at your summer gatherings!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad

This vibrant salad is not only delicious but also versatile. It can be enjoyed as a side dish or a main course. Here are some creative ways to serve your Mexican street corn kale salad.

As a Standalone Meal

• A filling lunch option that combines healthy greens and protein-rich ingredients.

With Grilled Proteins

• Pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak for a hearty meal that’s perfect for summer barbecues.

As a Taco Filling

• Use the salad as a fresh topping for soft or hard tacos. The crunch complements the meat beautifully.

Alongside Tacos and Burritos

• Serve it next to your favorite tacos or burritos to add freshness and color to your plate.

At Potlucks or Picnics

• Bring this salad to gatherings; it’s easy to prepare and always a hit among guests.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad

To elevate your Mexican street corn kale salad, consider these helpful tips for achieving the best flavor and texture.

• Massage the kale – This helps soften the leaves, making them more palatable and flavorful.

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh corn and ripe avocados will enhance the overall taste of your salad.

• Adjust the dressing – Feel free to tweak the lime juice and yogurt levels according to your preference for creaminess and tanginess.

• Experiment with toppings – Try adding more crunch with chopped nuts or seeds if you want extra texture.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad

Pairing your Mexican street corn kale salad with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn brushed with lime and chili powder enhances the Mexican theme.
2. Black Bean Salsa – A refreshing mix of black beans, tomatoes, and onions adds protein and flavor.
3. Spanish Rice – Fluffy rice cooked with spices brings warmth to your meal.
4. Guacamole – Creamy avocado dip that pairs perfectly with tortilla chips.
5. Chips and Salsa – Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for an irresistible snack.
6. Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned veggies provide a hearty complement to the freshness of your salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the massaging step: Massaging the kale helps soften the leaves and makes them more enjoyable to eat. Always take a few minutes to massage your kale with lime juice and olive oil.
• Using uncooked corn: Freshly shucked corn adds sweetness and crunch. Make sure to cook the corn briefly if using frozen or canned varieties for better flavor.
• Overdressing the salad: It’s tempting to add extra dressing, but too much can make it soggy. Start with a small amount, then add more as needed.
• Ignoring ingredient freshness: Fresh ingredients enhance flavor and texture. Always choose ripe avocados, crisp onions, and vibrant cilantro for your salad.
• Not tasting before serving: Flavors develop over time, so taste your salad before serving. Adjust seasoning or add a touch more lime juice if needed.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 3 days for optimal freshness.
• Keep avocado separate if possible to prevent browning.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad

• Not recommended for freezing due to the texture changes in kale and avocado.
• If necessary, freeze without avocado; add fresh avocado after thawing.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals (30 seconds) until warmed through; avoid overheating to preserve texture.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making this delicious Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad.

What is Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad?

Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad is a vibrant dish combining fresh corn, kale, cotija cheese, and a creamy cilantro lime dressing. It’s perfect as a side dish or light meal.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the salad up to 24 hours in advance; just keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for best results.

How can I customize my Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad?

Feel free to add other ingredients like black beans, cherry tomatoes, or grilled chicken for added protein and flavor!

Is this salad healthy?

Absolutely! This salad is packed with nutrients thanks to fresh vegetables and healthy fats from avocado. It’s a great addition to any balanced diet.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect for summer barbecues or as a refreshing lunch option, you can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients. Try it today and enjoy its vibrant flavors!