Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad in a ceramic bowl with lime and Cotija — Creamy, tangy, and bursting with flavor Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad made simple.

If you’re craving something zesty, crunchy, and just a little creamy, this Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad is your next must-make dish. It’s everything you love about elote roasted corn, tangy lime, Cotija cheese tossed with hearty kale for a fresh and nourishing twist.

This isn’t your average side salad. It’s bold, smoky, a little spicy, and totally satisfying. Perfect for summer BBQs, weeknight dinners, or meal prep lunches that don’t feel like a chore. And the best part? It comes together in minutes.

🌽 Why You’ll Love This Corn and Kale Salad

Sweet roasted corn
Hearty chopped kale
Tangy lime crema dressing
Crumbles of Cotija or feta
A sprinkle of chili powder and paprika to bring it all home

It’s a kale and corn salad with personality and people will ask for the recipe.

📋 Ingredients You Need To Make Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad

4 cups finely chopped curly kale (massaged)
2 cups corn (roasted, grilled, or charred frozen corn works great)
⅓ cup crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta)
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
1 tbsp chili powder or Tajín
Salt & pepper to taste

For the Dressing:

3 tbsp mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
1 tbsp sour cream
Juice of 1 lime
1 clove garlic, grated
Pinch of cumin

Ingredients for Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad on wooden board — Fresh, colorful ingredients kale, corn, lime, and all the elote fixings.

🥄 Instructions

Prep the kale: Remove stems, chop finely, and massage with a drizzle of olive oil until tender.
Cook the corn: Roast in a skillet or grill pan until slightly charred. Let cool.
Make the dressing: Whisk together mayo, sour cream, lime juice, garlic, cumin, and salt.
Combine: In a large bowl, toss kale, corn, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and cheese.
Dress and finish: Add the dressing and mix until coated. Sprinkle with chili powder or Tajín and extra cheese before serving.

Mixing kale and corn with lime dressing for salad — Tossed to perfection every bite coated in creamy lime-spiced dressing.

⏱️ Quick Info

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes (if roasting corn)
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~260 per serving

💚 Why This Kale Corn Salad Recipe is a Keeper

✅ Easy to prep, great for make-ahead meals
✅ A fun and bold spin on classic kale corn salad
✅ Sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy in one bite
✅ Balanced and nutrient-packed greens + veggies + healthy fats
✅ A refreshing new way to enjoy corn and kale salad

🥣 Serving Suggestions

Add grilled shrimp or chicken to turn it into a full meal
Serve it cold as a potluck side dish
Spoon it into tacos or tostadas
Pack it into mason jars for meal prep lunches

👩‍🍳 Pro Tips

Massage the kale well it breaks down the fibers and makes it tender
If using frozen corn, roast it in a dry skillet for extra flavor
Make the dressing ahead it tastes even better the next day
Want it spicy? Add extra jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne in the dressing

Served bowl of Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad with lime and chili — Ready to serve fresh, flavorful, and full of texture.

Love bold salads? Try my Grilled Veggie Wraps for a fresh and filling meatless dinner!

🥰 Final Thoughts from Emma

This Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad hits every note crunchy, creamy, tangy, and just a little smoky. It’s proof that salads don’t have to be boring, and kale doesn’t have to be chewy or bitter. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dish or bringing something fresh to the table, this one always steals the show.

💛 Follow me on Pinterest for more fresh and flavorful recipes like this kale corn salad recipe that feel as good as they taste!