Mexican Street Corn Salsa

Mexican Street Corn Salsa is a quick, fresh side dish that comes together in just minutes and works for almost any meal. It combines sweet corn with creamy mayonnaise, tangy lime juice, smoky paprika, and a kick of jalapeño for a mix of flavors that’s both bold and balanced. Cotija cheese adds a salty, savory finish, while red bell pepper and cilantro bring color and freshness. It’s perfect for topping tacos, pairing with grilled meats, or serving as a dip with tortilla chips when you want something easy but full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love Mexican Street Corn Salsa

• Fast and Fresh: Comes together in minutes with no cooking required if using canned or thawed corn.
• Bold Flavor Balance: Combines sweet corn, tangy lime, smoky paprika, and just the right amount of heat from jalapeño.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Feeds a crowd and pairs easily with tacos, grilled meats, or as a party dip.
• Great Make-Ahead Option: Flavors deepen after chilling, making it ideal to prep a few hours early.
• Colorful Presentation: Bright corn, red bell pepper, and green cilantro make for a vibrant, eye-catching dish.

Ingredients Needed To Make Mexican Street Corn Salsa

Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe. 

• Corn
• Jalapeño
• Cotija cheese
• Lime juice
• Salt
• Pepper
• Red bell pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Mayonnaise
• Smoked paprika
• Fresh cilantro

How To Make Mexican Street Corn Salsa

1. Mix the dressing ingredients in a large bowl until smooth.
2. Add the vegetables, cheese, and herbs to the bowl.
3. Stir until everything is coated and evenly combined.
4. Serve right away or chill briefly before serving.

Commonly Asked Questions

How Long Does Mexican Street Corn Salsa Last?

This salsa will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. The flavors may even deepen after a day.

Can I Make This Salsa Ahead of Time?

Yes. You can mix it a few hours before serving and store it in the fridge. Wait to add the cheese and cilantro until just before serving for the best texture.

What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours to maintain freshness.

How Do I Serve Mexican Street Corn Salsa?

It works as a dip with tortilla chips, a topping for tacos or burrito bowls, or as a side dish with grilled meats. It can be served cold or at room temperature.

Can I Use Frozen or Canned Corn?

Yes. If using frozen corn, thaw and drain it well. For canned corn, rinse and drain before adding to remove excess liquid and salt.

Can I Roast the Corn for More Flavor?

Absolutely. Roasting or grilling the corn adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor that makes the salsa even better. Let the corn cool before mixing it in.

Is This Salsa Spicy?

The spice level depends on the jalapeño and whether you keep the seeds in. For less heat, remove the seeds and membrane before dicing.

This is one of those recipes I can eat straight out of the bowl with a spoon. It’s fresh, creamy, a little tangy, and has just the right kick from the jalapeño. I love how it works as a side, a topping, or even the star of the show with a bag of chips. Once you make it, you’ll probably start finding excuses to serve it with everything.