Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad

This Mexican street corn kale salad is the perfect summer side dish! With its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients, it’s a delightful addition to any gathering. Tender massaged kale is combined with sweet corn, creamy cotija cheese, and avocado, all tossed in a zesty cilantro lime dressing. This salad shines at barbecues, potlucks, or as a refreshing meal on its own during hot days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Whip up this salad in just 15 minutes with minimal effort. Perfect for those busy summer days.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh ingredients and a creamy dressing creates a mouthwatering taste sensation.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a side dish or make it a light main course by adding protein like grilled chicken or beans.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins from kale and avocados, this salad is both delicious and good for you.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The colorful presentation and unique flavors are sure to impress your guests.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Mexican street corn kale salad seamlessly, having the right tools will enhance your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Salad serving bowl
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Mixing Bowl: A spacious bowl allows for easy mixing of all ingredients without spilling.
• Sharp Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for vegetables, making preparation quicker and safer.
• Salad Serving Bowl: Presenting your salad in an attractive bowl makes it more appealing to guests.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 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
– 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

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped kale.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and juice from half a lime.
3. Massage the kale gently for about 2 minutes until it’s tender.

Step 2: Cook the Corn

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

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. In the bowl with kale, add cooked corn kernels, crumbled cotija cheese, chopped red onion, and diced avocado.
2. In a separate small bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and chipotle powder.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

1. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture.
2. Toss everything together gently until well combined.

Step 5: Serve

1. Transfer to a serving bowl.
2. Top with crushed tortilla chips for added crunch before serving.

Enjoy this vibrant Mexican street corn kale salad at your next meal!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad

This Mexican street corn kale salad is a versatile dish that can complement many meals. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

As a Standalone Dish

• Perfect for lunch or dinner, this salad can be enjoyed on its own. The combination of kale, corn, and avocado provides a filling yet refreshing option.

Accompanying Tacos

• Serve alongside your favorite tacos for a delightful contrast. The creamy dressing and crunchy tortilla chips will balance well with spicy fillings.

At Summer Barbecues

• This salad is an ideal side for summer cookouts. Its bright flavors will brighten up any barbecue spread and impress your guests.

With Grilled Chicken

• Pair it with grilled chicken for a hearty meal. The protein complements the fresh ingredients of the salad beautifully.

As a Quick Lunch Prep

• Pack it in meal prep containers for an easy work lunch. The flavors meld together over time, making it even tastier!

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad

To ensure your Mexican street corn kale salad is as delicious as possible, consider these tips.

• Massage the Kale: Gently massage the kale with lime juice and olive oil to soften its texture and enhance flavor.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh corn and ripe avocados to bring out the best taste in your salad.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference; add more lime juice or salt as needed.
• Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill in the fridge before serving allows the flavors to meld nicely.
• Customize Add-Ins: Feel free to add black beans or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve immediately after assembling to keep the tortilla chips crunchy.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad

This salad pairs well with various side dishes, enhancing your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Shrimp Tacos – Juicy shrimp seasoned with spices make a delightful pairing with this refreshing salad.
2. Black Bean Quesadillas – These cheesy quesadillas offer a satisfying contrast to the crispness of the salad.
3. Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice cooked with spices can provide a hearty base alongside your light salad.
4. Roasted Vegetables – A mix of seasonal veggies adds color and nutrition that complements this dish perfectly.
5. Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins bring a comforting element that balances the freshness of the salad.
6. Chips and Salsa – A classic combo; serve with tortilla chips and fresh salsa for added crunch and flavor.
7. Cilantro Lime Quinoa – This nutty grain dish enhances the flavors found in your kale salad while adding protein.
8. Stuffed Bell Peppers – Colorful peppers filled with grains or meat make for a hearty side that pairs wonderfully with this light dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes can significantly enhance your experience when preparing a Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not massaging the kale: Failing to massage the kale makes it tough and less flavorful. Take a few minutes to massage the leaves with lime juice and olive oil until they soften.
• Using canned corn: Canned corn can lack the fresh flavor that this salad needs. Opt for fresh or grilled corn for the best taste and texture.
• Skipping the dressing: Skipping or skimping on the creamy cilantro lime dressing can lead to a bland salad. Be generous with it; it ties all the flavors together beautifully.
• Overloading on ingredients: Adding too many extra ingredients can overwhelm the dish. Stick with the key components for a balanced flavor profile.
• Ignoring ripeness of avocados: Using unripe avocados can result in an unpleasant texture. Choose ripe avocados for creaminess and richness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container.
• It remains fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Keep dressing separate if possible to maintain crunchiness.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad

• Freezing is not recommended due to avocado and dressing components.
• If necessary, freeze without dressing for up to a month.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before use.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad

• Oven: Preheat and warm at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Sauté gently over low heat, stirring frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making a Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad:

What makes this salad a perfect summer dish?

This salad is refreshing and light, combining fresh corn, creamy avocado, and zesty lime dressing, making it ideal for hot weather.

Can I customize my Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add proteins like grilled chicken or black beans, or swap out cotija cheese for feta.

How can I make this salad vegan?

To make it vegan, simply replace Greek yogurt with plant-based yogurt and omit cotija cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.

What should I serve with Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad?

This salad pairs well as a side dish with tacos, grilled meats, or as part of a picnic spread.

Final Thoughts

The Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Its fresh ingredients and zesty dressing make it perfect for summer gatherings or as a healthy lunch option. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins to suit your taste!