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Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad

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A vibrant and healthy twist on Mexican street corn, this kale salad combines massaged kale, sweet grilled or boiled corn, creamy avocado, tangy cotija cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips, all tossed with a zesty cilantro lime dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings, light lunches, or as a flavorful barbecue side.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

1 bunch green kale, leaves removed from stems and chopped

2 ears corn, shucked and silk removed

1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup red onion, chopped

12 avocados, sliced or diced

Crushed tortilla chips, for garnish

1/21 lime, juiced (for massaging the kale)

Olive oil (for massaging the kale)

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (leaves and stems)

2 garlic cloves

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp chipotle powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dressing: Combine Greek yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, salt, and chipotle powder in a food processor. Blend until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  2. Cook the corn: For grilling, preheat grill to medium-high and grill corn for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly charred. For boiling, bring water to a boil, add corn, cover, and cook for 1–2 minutes. Cool, then cut kernels from cobs.
  3. Massage the kale: Place chopped kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice. Massage with your hands for about 5 minutes until softened and reduced in size.
  4. Assemble the salad: Add corn kernels, cotija cheese, red onion, and avocado to the kale. Toss with desired amount of dressing.
  5. Serve: Top with crushed tortilla chips and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For extra tang, substitute feta cheese for cotija.
  • Swap Greek yogurt with sour cream for a richer dressing.
  • Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans for extra protein.
  • For more heat, mix in diced jalapeños.
  • To make ahead, store kale mixture and dressing separately; add avocado, chips, and dressing before serving.
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook or Grilled
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 260
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg