Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad

This Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a side for your favorite Mexican meals. With its tender massaged kale, sweet corn, creamy avocado, and tangy cilantro lime dressing, this salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The addition of cotija cheese adds a rich flavor that elevates this dish to the next level. It’s an excellent choice for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a barbecue or looking for a healthy lunch option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh Ingredients: This salad features fresh corn and ripe avocados, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.
• Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delightful dish in no time.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side or a light main course, it complements various cuisines beyond Mexican.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins from kale and healthy fats from avocado, it’s both satisfying and nourishing.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of textures and flavors makes it irresistible to family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Mexican street corn kale salad effortlessly, gather the following tools. Having the right equipment on hand will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Whisk
• Grater (for cheese)
• Zester (for lime)

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients without spilling.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy.
• Whisk: Useful for blending the creamy dressing ingredients smoothly.

Ingredients

This Mexican street corn kale salad is packed with fresh flavors.

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 the Dressing

• ½ – 1 lime, juiced (for massaging the kale)
• Olive oil, for massaging the kale
• 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

Begin by washing the kale thoroughly. Remove the stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.

1. Place the chopped kale in a large mixing bowl.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and squeeze half a lime over it.
3. Massage the kale gently with your hands until it softens; this takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Corn

While massaging the kale, prepare the corn.

1. Bring water to a boil in a pot.
2. Add shucked corn ears and cook for about 5-7 minutes until tender.
3. Remove from water and let cool before cutting kernels off.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring everything together.

1. In the bowl with massaged kale, add cooked corn kernels, crumbled cotija cheese, chopped red onion, and diced avocados.
2. Mix gently to combine all ingredients without mashing avocados.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

Prepare a creamy dressing to enhance flavors.

1. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic cloves, salt, and chipotle powder until smooth.

Step 5: Toss Salad with Dressing

Finish your salad by combining everything nicely.

1. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture.
2. Toss gently until all ingredients are well-coated.
3. Serve immediately topped with crushed tortilla chips for added crunch!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad

This vibrant Mexican street corn kale salad is a fantastic choice for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners. Its fresh ingredients and zesty dressing make it a versatile dish that pairs well with various meals.

As a Standalone Dish

• This salad can be enjoyed on its own as a light lunch or dinner option, offering a refreshing taste and satisfying crunch.

With Grilled Proteins

• Serve alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak for a hearty meal. The salad’s flavors complement the smokiness of grilled meats beautifully.

In Tacos or Burritos

• Use this salad as a filling for tacos or burritos. Its crunchy texture and zesty dressing add an exciting twist to traditional fillings.

On Top of Quesadillas

• Add a generous scoop of the salad on top of cheese quesadillas. The creaminess of the cheese combined with the salad creates a delightful contrast.

As Part of a Picnic Spread

• Bring this salad to your next picnic. It’s easy to transport and will surely impress your friends with its vibrant colors and flavors.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad

To elevate your Mexican street corn kale salad, consider these simple tips for the best results.

• Massage the Kale: Gently rub the kale leaves with lime juice and olive oil for about 2-3 minutes. This softens the leaves and enhances their flavor.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh corn when possible. Grilling or roasting it brings out its natural sweetness and adds depth to the salad.

• Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add extras like cherry tomatoes, black beans, or jalapeños based on your preferences for additional flavor and texture.

• Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to sit in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before serving lets the flavors meld together beautifully.

• Adjust Seasoning: Always taste before serving! You can tweak the salt, lime juice, or chipotle powder to suit your palate.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad

This colorful Mexican street corn kale salad pairs nicely with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Grilled Vegetables: A mix of bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus seasoned and grilled until tender makes for a perfect complement.

2. Mexican Rice: Flavorful cilantro-lime rice adds heartiness and pairs well with the fresh ingredients in your salad.

3. Black Bean Salsa: A refreshing salsa made from black beans, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro enhances the meal’s overall flavor profile.

4. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful contrast in texture; they’re great for soaking up any leftover dressing!

5. Chips and Guacamole: Classic tortilla chips served with creamy guacamole offer crunch and richness that balance out the freshness of the salad.

6. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with quinoa or rice mixed with spices create a filling side that complements the vibrant flavors of your main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Mexican street corn kale salad, it’s easy to overlook a few details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Boldly skip massaging the kale: Massaging kale with lime juice and olive oil helps make it tender and flavorful. Don’t rush this step; take a few minutes to really massage the leaves.
• Boldly forget fresh ingredients: Using stale or canned ingredients can diminish the salad’s vibrant flavors. Always opt for fresh corn, ripe avocados, and bright cilantro.
• Boldly skip seasoning: The right seasoning is essential for taste. Make sure to include salt and chipotle powder in your dressing to enhance all the flavors in your salad.
• Boldly neglecting the dressing balance: Too much or too little dressing can ruin the salad. Start with a small amount of dressing, toss, and adjust to your preference.
• Boldly ignoring texture: The crunch from crushed tortilla chips adds a delightful contrast. Don’t skip this garnish; add it just before serving for maximum crunch.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for optimal freshness.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad

• Freezing is not recommended as it can change the texture of kale and other ingredients.
• However, you can freeze leftover dressing in an ice cube tray for future use.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread the salad on a baking sheet until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until warm, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet on low heat, stirring occasionally until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad?

Mexican street corn kale salad is a fresh and vibrant dish featuring tender kale, sweet corn, creamy avocado, and cotija cheese, all dressed with a zesty cilantro lime sauce.

Can I customize my Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad?

Absolutely! You can add black beans for protein, substitute feta for cotija cheese, or include additional veggies like bell peppers or tomatoes based on your preference.

How do I keep my kale salad from wilting?

To prevent wilting, massage the kale with lime juice and olive oil right before serving. Also, store any leftovers without dressing until you’re ready to eat them.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time but keep them separate from the dressing until just before serving to maintain freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican street corn kale salad is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. With its mix of textures and flavors, you can easily customize it to suit your tastes. Try it at your next gathering or as a satisfying lunch option!