Street Corn Chopped Salad

Street Corn Chopped Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that brings the flavors of summer to your table. This salad combines sweet corn, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty chipotle dressing, making it perfect for picnics, barbecues, or family dinners. Its unique blend of textures and tastes will surely impress your guests or make for a delightful weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh corn, jalapeño, and a smoky chipotle dressing creates an explosion of taste in every bite.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe can be ready in just 30 minutes.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a side or add grilled chicken for a complete meal. It suits any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and wholesome ingredients, this salad is both nutritious and delicious.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spice level or swap out ingredients based on your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Street Corn Chopped Salad smoothly, gather the essential tools you’ll need. These will help in preparing the croutons, dressing, and salad efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Blender
• Large skillet
• Salad bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Essential for evenly baking the croutons to achieve the perfect crunch.
• Blender: Makes preparing the chipotle dressing quick and easy by mixing everything into a smooth consistency.

Ingredients

For Ranch Croutons

• 2 cups sourdough bread, cut into cubes
• 1 & 1/2 tbsp olive oil
• 1.5 tsp ranch seasoning, I used Trader Joe’s but Hidden Valley will also work

For Chipotle Dressing

• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayo
• 1 chipotle in adobo sauce
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• Zest of half a lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Salad

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2.5 cups fresh corn kernels, about 3-4 ears
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 a jalapeño, finely diced, seeds and ribs removed
• 2 heads of romaine, chopped
• 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
• 3-4 green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup cotija cheese, grated or crumbled

How to Make Street Corn Chopped Salad

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.

Step 2: Prepare the Croutons

1. Add the cubed sourdough bread to a baking sheet in a single layer.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and toss until well-coated.
3. Sprinkle ranch seasoning over the bread cubes (you can use between 1 tsp to 1 & 1/2 tsp) and toss again to coat evenly.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 3: Make the Chipotle Dressing

While the croutons bake:
1. In a blender, combine sour cream, mayo, chipotle in adobo sauce, lime juice, lime zest, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 4: Cook the Corn

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add olive oil once heated enough to coat the pan.
3. Spread corn kernels evenly in the skillet; season with salt and pepper.
4. Cover with a lid and cook for about 5-7 minutes until slightly charred on the bottom.
5. Reduce heat to medium; add minced garlic and stir for an additional minute before removing from heat.

Step 5: Assemble Your Salad

In a large salad bowl:
1. Combine chopped romaine lettuce, cooked corn with garlic, diced jalapeño, cilantro leaves, sliced green onions, cotija cheese, and baked ranch croutons.
2. Drizzle with your desired amount of chipotle dressing.
3. Toss everything together until fully coated.

Serve immediately for maximum freshness! Enjoy your delightful Street Corn Chopped Salad!

How to Serve Street Corn Chopped Salad

Street Corn Chopped Salad is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side, there are plenty of options to enhance its flavor.

As a Main Dish

• Serve it chilled for a refreshing summer meal.
• Add grilled chicken or shrimp on top for added protein.

As a Side Dish

• Pair with tacos for a perfect Mexican-inspired feast.
• Serve alongside grilled meats like steak or chicken to complement the flavors.

For Meal Prep

• Store in airtight containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
• Divide into portions and keep the dressing separate until ready to eat.

How to Perfect Street Corn Chopped Salad

To make your Street Corn Chopped Salad truly exceptional, consider these tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn and crisp romaine will elevate your salad’s texture and taste.
• Customize Your Dressing: Adjust the chipotle dressing’s spice level by adding more or fewer chipotles based on your preference.
• Add Extra Crunch: Include additional toppings like chopped bell peppers or crispy bacon bits for a delightful crunch.
• Serve Immediately: For the best flavor and texture, serve the salad as soon as it’s tossed with the dressing.

Best Side Dishes for Street Corn Chopped Salad

This salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers add protein and complement the salad’s flavors perfectly.
2. Black Bean Tacos: These hearty tacos provide a satisfying vegetarian option that goes well with the salad.
3. Queso Dip: A creamy queso dip served with tortilla chips creates a fun appetizer before enjoying your salad.
4. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with cilantro and lime enhances the fresh tastes of the salad.
5. Avocado Toast: Crisp toasted bread topped with ripe avocado offers a delicious contrast in textures and flavors.
6. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables adds warmth and nutrition to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a delicious Street Corn Chopped Salad is easy, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Skipping the Croutons: Many people overlook making ranch croutons, thinking store-bought will do. Homemade croutons add a fresh crunch and flavor that enhances the salad. Don’t skip this step!
• Overcooking the Corn: Cooking corn for too long can make it mushy instead of retaining its crunch. Aim for a nice char while keeping it slightly crisp for texture.
• Not Chilling the Dressing: Serving warm dressing can alter the salad’s freshness. Make sure to chill the chipotle dressing before adding it to your salad for the best flavor.
• Using Too Much Salt: It’s easy to over-season as you prepare each component. Remember, you can always add more salt later, so start small and adjust as needed to avoid overpowering flavors.
• Neglecting Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or wilted vegetables can diminish your dish’s quality. Always choose fresh produce for a vibrant and tasty Street Corn Chopped Salad.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• The salad stays fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain crispness.

Freezing Street Corn Chopped Salad

• Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as it affects texture and flavor.
• If necessary, freeze individual components like corn or croutons separately.

Reheating Street Corn Chopped Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, spread out any components like croutons on a baking sheet, and heat for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place portions in a microwave-safe container. Heat in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring in between until warm.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add components with a splash of water or oil. Stir occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Street Corn Chopped Salad unique?

The combination of charred corn, fresh veggies, and zesty chipotle dressing sets this salad apart from traditional salads. It captures the essence of street food in every bite!

Can I customize my Street Corn Chopped Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like black beans, avocado, or grilled chicken for added protein and flavor variations that suit your taste.

How do I store leftovers of my Street Corn Chopped Salad?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat again.

Is Street Corn Chopped Salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Prepare all components ahead of time and combine them just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Final Thoughts

The Street Corn Chopped Salad is not only vibrant and flavorful but also versatile enough to suit various occasions. Whether served as a side dish or main course, its customizable nature allows you to adapt it according to your preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy experimenting with different toppings and ingredients!