Even though I live in a big city (38th largest in the U.S.), it can have kind of small town feel. Now I’ve never actually lived in a small town, so maybe it’s just what I imagine a small town to be like. For example, if I go to Starbucks, Target, Home Depot or Costco, I am almost 100 percent guaranteed to run into someone I know. Especially if I’m looking extra grungy/greasy, and double especially if my boys dressed themselves, have Greek yogurt crust around their mouths, and look like they slept in a headstand position. Maybe I always run into people I know because I have lived here since I was four, but for whatever reason, I get that small town vibe.
One time I sat down to get a pedicure, heard the lady next to me talking, and realized it was my 5th grade teacher. And she totally remembered me!
I also get that small town vibe when I can drive 5 minutes north to the edge of the city and buy a bag of freshly picked sweet corn at a little road side stand from the friendly faced, teenage son of the farmer. Their corn has been especially good this season, and the word is getting around, so their little stand is hopping. I say good for them, you know?
If you are able to get your hands on some especially good corn on the cob, I hope you spare a few ears to make this Chili Lime Sweet Corn Salad. The flavor combo will knock your socks off! Sweet, spicy, tangy, crunchy, creamy- YES PLEASE! You should’ve seen how fast I devoured this bowl after I finished my photo shoot. Cory loved it too, but the boys like theirs straight off the cob with butter and salt.
When you are buying corn on the cob, try to buy it and cook it the same day. The sugars that are in the kernels will quickly turn to starch after it’s picked, and this makes the corn taste tough, chewy, or gummy. And here’s a little tip for cutting your corn off the cob without having kernels fly all over your kitchen. If you own a tube or Bundt pan, stand the ear of corn straight up in the center of the pan, and cut the kernels off so they fall right into the pan. I thought about taking a picture to demonstrate this for you, but it absolutely requires two hands and I’ve not yet made friends with a tripod so you’ll have to just take my word for it. It was one of those rare moments I was alone in the kitchen.
So whether you live in a small town or a big one, or just a big one that can sometimes feel small, go buy some really good corn on the cob and enjoy!
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- 6 ears of corn, husk and silk removed
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco*
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Boil the corn for 3 minutes, then remove and allow to cool slightly so that they can be handled.
- Cut kernels off the cob into a large bowl. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together butter, lime juice, chili powder, and chopped cilantro.
- Pour the chili lime mixture over the corn and mix to coat.
- Add the crumbled queso freso and stir. Season with salt to taste.
- Serve at room temperature. Refrigerate leftovers.
Consuelo - Honey & Figs says
I live in quite a small town and I always ALWAYS bump into people when I’m wearing baggy yoga pants and haven’t brushed my hair :'( Sooo I feel your pain!
This salad looks amazing. Corn on the cob must make it taste terrific and the flavor combo sounds delicious! xx
Julie says
Thank you Consuelo!
Brenda says
I have been using the microwave which removes the hair completely and it cooks the corn. Would this system work?
Julie says
Yes, that’s a great way to cook corn, especially when you don’t need too much. Thanks for reminding me about that method.
Brenda says
My question wasn’t clear. Are we supposed to cook the corn before making the salad? How long should it cook to be ready to eat? For future reference , are you able to can this salad?
Julie says
Yes, the corn is cooked for just a few minutes before it is cut off the cob.
Lindsay @ The Local Taste says
It never fails the one time I leave the house looking super grungy I see everyone I know!! ha. I can’t wait to try this recipe! My husband LOVES corn, so he will be thrilled.
Julie says
So true Lindsay! Hope you guys love this recipe!
Pammy Sue says
Lordie, you have the best-lookin’ food! I’ve got to try this one too.
Julie says
Thanks so much!
Valerie | From Valerie's Kitchen says
I love everything about this post…from the big town that feels like a small town to the queso fresco! Absolutely lovely, Julie!
Julie says
Thanks Valerie!
Colleen says
Just discovered an easier way to cook corn on the cob. Wrap 1 corn, still in the husk (right from the farm), in a damp paper towel and microwave 3 minutes – or 2 for 6 minutes. Once they’re cool enough to peel, you’ll find the corn silk slides off with the husks! Do it before you start your cooking and they will be ready to eat or de-kernel at dinner. And so tasty! Now we can have corn on the cob every day! Colleen
Julie says
My mother in law told me about this trick, and you are right! The silk comes off so easily. Thanks Colleen!
Julie says
It’s a terrible idea to microwave food. All the nutrients are nuked out!
Katie says
Actually, this is a myth. When done right right (using just a little water to steam the veggies), cooking in the microwave often helps you retain MORE nutrients than boiling. Especially things like spinach, which lose a lot of nutrients into the water if overcooked. There are some more scientific studies supporting this,b but here’s an article that breaks it down more clearly.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/21/health/upwave-microwaving-food/index.html
barbi says
Made this tonight with gorganzala cheese. Its so tasty! thanks for the recipe!
Julie says
You are so welcome Barbi! yUm!
Amy says
Great recipe. I just made it for a friends BBQ tomorrow. I doubled it, cooked half the corn on the stove in a large pot, and the rest in the microwave (in a wet paper towel) while it boiled to save time. I also added a little bit of garlic powder. It is SO good. I tried it and had to quickly put it in the fridge before there was none left for the party 🙂
Julie says
So glad you liked it Amy!
Mary says
Would it be okay to make this the day before and then serve it cold the next day?
Julie says
Hi Mary, thanks for the question. We ate ours at room temperature the first day, and then the little bit that was leftover we ate cold the next day. So either way is delicious, just a matter of personal preference. One tip would be to crumble the cheese over the top just before you serve it. The dressing can sort of cause it to break down a little after a while.
cat says
Thnk u! I made this for dinner last night. Hubby and i really enjoyed it.
Julie says
You’re so welcome! Thanks for letting me know how it turned out!
Nikki says
This recipe sounds sooo good!!!
I live in Alaska so corn on the cob is not really available to me this time of year, and when it is it’s not sweet. – would using canned sweet corn (sacrilege, I know) be an okay substitute or should I put this on the back burner until it comes into season?
Julie says
I think if I were you I would still try it, even with canned corn. Might not be exactly the same flavor, but still good! Thanks for saying hi all the way from Alaska!
Linda C. Sterner says
I think you might get more sweetness from frozen corn. I use a frozen Fire Roasted corn blend with peppers and onions in my Southwest pasta salad. It is so sweet and the peppers and onions are also roasted for sweetness. (by Green Giant)
Gymgirl says
I stopped boiling fresh corn a few years ago. Nuke it on high for 3 minutes per large ear, in the husk. Let rest for 1 minute, then use a paper towel in each hand (careful — it will be hot!) to wipe down the husks and silks in one motion. Voila!
For the six ears in your recipe, I’d stack them in a pyramid and nuke on high approximately 12-15 minutes for the entire batch. Let rest, and proceed.
The corn is so unbelievably sweet and juicy steamed in the husks, that I rarely add salt, pepper, or even butter!
Enjoy!
Linda
Julie says
That is a great tip! Thanks so much for sharing Linda!
Cruz herrera says
Yummy love to cook simple and fast dishes that you present.
Julie says
Thank you Cruz!
Jeannie says
Can I use frozen or canned corn. I know fresh is better.
Sandy says
I tried using frozen corn kernels (Green Giant Extra Sweet) and it is super delicious!
Julie says
Thanks Sandy – glad you liked it!
Kiana says
I made this tonight with our steak tacos and it was over the top delicious! What a great blend of flavors. Thank you for sharing the recipe.
Julie says
Kiana, that sounds so good! Thanks for your comment.
Karen Cassidy says
Made this yesterday for a BBQ it was a huge hit. saved a step cut the corn of the cob and sautee it didn’t have the mexican cheese so I used hollumi cheese yummy.
Julie says
Sounds great Karen! Glad everyone liked it!
Barbara says
This salad is DELISH!!! OMG! My husband made it for me one night… I shared it with a coworker… we are now having “Mexican food day” at work for the weekend and I’m taking this salad! Can’t wait! It’s so good and fresh!!
Julie says
Great review, thanks Barbara!
Kim says
This recipe is amazing. I needed to make a large quantity and had to add some steamed corn but it worked well.
Thanks for sharing!
Julie says
You’re welcome Kim, so glad you liked it!
Erin says
Sorry but will not make again. Wasted my nice sweet fresh corn on this recipe and all I could taste was the chili powder. Big thumbs down from me and my entire family.
Julie says
I’m sorry to hear that. I’m wondering if your chili powder was more potent than mine. Only 1/2 teaspoon for 6 ears of corn is not very much!
Donna says
LOVE IT!!! Delicious and easy! I crave this!!!
Kelly Null says
This was delicious!!! I added more cilantro and lime juice and actually had to make another batch as i ate most of the first one prior to even serving. My new favorite! Thank you 👍
Julie says
You are very welcome, glad you liked it!
Shelley says
Can you provide a substitute for the butter in the recipe? I can’t eat butter or margarine. Looks so good.
Kathryn says
I use Earth Balance original. It is vegan, non MSG, 0 trans fat, gluten free, non dairy, lactose free and uses Expelier-Pressed oils. Hope this helps. It is really good ad spreads well and you can cook with it.
Leslie says
I use olive oil instead of butter. The butter solidifies and we didn’t care for the clumps of butter after it did.
DiEtta says
How many cups would 6 ears of corn make? I am going to use sweet corn in a can. Thanks for sharing your recipe. 😎
Julie says
Good question – usually you would get about 3/4 cups kernels from each ear. So about 4-5 cups is what you will need for this recipe. Hope you enjoy!
Alisa says
This is absolutely the most tastiest dish ever! Great use for sweet corn. Made for a friend who just got out the hospital and she loved it. I think I am going to add a small dice of sweet red peppers this time for a little additional color.
Julie says
That’s a great idea Alisa. How sweet of you to make it for your friend and I’m glad she enjoyed! I’ve been enjoying leftovers all week here!
Dylan says
This was so delicious. I knew it couldn’t go wrong, but I really didn’t expect it to have such a burst of great flavor. Thank you!
Julie says
Dylan, I’m so glad you loved it as much as we do! I know what you mean, there’s something about that combo of sweet, smokey, and creamy and tangy that is just SO GOOD!
Sandra says
Hi! I can’t wait to make this recipe this weekend. I love the bowl you used. Where did you get it?
Thanks,
Sandra
Julie says
Hi Sandra, hope you enjoy the salad! I believe the bowl is from Crate and Barrel, and I think I have also seen a similar one at Target.
Jane says
Just finished making some home made Queso Fresco, super easy, by the way, just milk and lemon. So this salad seems like the next logical thing on my to-do list! Yummy! I have a fridge full of CORN!!! Ten cents an ear at the store this week!
Vicki says
I bought fresh corn on the cob from a local farm yesterday but want to make this salad for a party next Saturday. Do you think the corn will still be good if left in the fridge for almost a week? Dang I didn’t think about the fact that the party wasn’t until next week.
Julie says
Vicki, sorry just getting to your question. It may be fine since you bought it so fresh!
melissa says
Made it, loved it! Daughter having a party Saturday and requested it. Couldn’t find the queso cheese the first time so I used feta. Got the queso this time, interested to see the difference. Yum
Lori says
Just wondering if I could substitute Cojita cheese?
Julie says
Lori, I think that would be great! I believe Cotija is saltier than Queso Fresco so you may want to taste before adding additional salt. Enjoy!
Lori says
Okay, thanks so much!
Jen Pierce says
Made this the other day and totally loved it! I also subbed feta since I couldn’t find queso fresco locally, and it worked just fine. Such a great summer recipe; I made it with grilled corn and it was super tasty & came together so quickly. I did a little writeup on my blog as well:
https://whatsjenmaking.com/2017/07/13/avocado-toast-with-chili-lime-corn-salad/
Thanks for sharing, definitely going to be making this again!
Julie says
I’m glad you all enjoyed Jen! Good to know that few is an okay substitution.
DS says
I like to char husked ears of corn on my stove top, gas or electric. They barely cook keeping them crisp and tasty. Not over cooked. Ohh the taste of charred fresh corn!