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Mexican Street Corn Quinoa Salad

Mexican Street Corn Quinoa Salad


  • Author: Rosa Martinez
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4 as a main, 6 as a side
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Get ready to fall in love with this Mexican Street Corn Quinoa Salad! This quick and healthy recipe brings together all the bold flavors of elote—sweet corn, creamy cheese, zesty lime, and smoky spices—tossed with protein-rich quinoa for a nutritious, crowd-pleasing dish. Perfect for meal prep, easy lunches, potlucks, or as a vibrant side, this salad is gluten-free, bursting with fresh herbs, and fits right into your favorite list of easy recipes, dinner ideas, and healthy snacks. Enjoy this dish as a complete vegetarian meal or a flavorful side for summer barbecues.


Ingredients

1 cup quinoa, uncooked

2 cups water

2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup Cotija or feta cheese, crumbled

1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper


Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water. Combine with water in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer (covered) for 15 minutes, or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let cool.

2. Heat a dry skillet over medium-high. Add corn kernels and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly charred. Let cool.

3. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, charred corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and crumbled cheese.

4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

5. Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine and adjust seasoning to taste.

6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days for best flavor.

Notes

For extra smoky flavor, grill the corn on an outdoor grill or gas burner before adding to the salad.

If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeño to the dressing.

This salad keeps well—store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; the flavors develop even more overnight!

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: About 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 260
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 385mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: easy recipe, healthy salad, street corn, quinoa salad, gluten-free, vegetarian, summer salad, dinner ideas