This Mexican Street Corn Quinoa Salad is a zesty, healthy, protein packed salad that’s perfect for your next summer party!
This is a sponsored post on behalf of Bob’s Red Mill. As always, all opinions are 100% my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help make The Beach House Kitchen possible.
Looking for a bold, flavorful salad for your 4th of July shindig?? Look no further friends! This Mexican Street Corn Quinoa Salad is just the ticket!
You guys know how much I love quinoa right? I’ve got a few tasty quinoa dishes here at the BHK. My Southwestern Quinoa Salad with Lime Dressing and Cotija Cheese, my Beef and Quinoa Enchilada Skillet, and the oh so delicious Chipotle Sweet Potato and Quinoa Tacos.
Well, today let’s add this Mexican Street Corn Quinoa Salad to that all-star healthy list of quinoa goodness. Mmmm K? I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
I created today’s recipe with the help of my friends from Bob’s Red Mill. I’m proud to be a Brand Ambassador with Bob’s once again this year. They’ve got an awesome selection of products, all of which are TOP QUALITY. With Bob’s clear packaging, what you see is what you get. I’ve got a few more fantastic recipes to share using their products before the end of the year, so stay tuned. Next month, I’ll be sharing a recipe using farro, another of their ancient grains. You don’t want to miss it! It’ll take your breakfast to a whole new level of deliciousness! Guaranteed!
Now I know we’ve been over this before, but let’s run down the reasons why quinoa, “mother of all grains” dubbed by the Incas, is totally fab, shall we?
A Few Facts About Quinoa:
Quinoa is pronounced keen-wa.
It provides all 9 essential amino acids necessary for good health. One cup of quinoa contains 8g of protein, 5g of fiber, iron, magnesium, folate and heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acids.
Quinoa is a good source of dietary fiber.
Quinoa is naturally gluten free
A Few Cook’s Notes for Mexican Street Corn Quinoa Salad Recipe:
I like to use fresh sweet corn for this recipe. You can use yellow or white corn, or a mix of both. When sweet corn is not in season, I have used frozen corn for this recipe.
If you cannot find Cotija cheese, you can substitute Parmesan which has a similar salty taste.
I know some people are not a fan of cilantro, so if you’re not, just omit.
If you’re new to Mexican street corn, it’s corn on the cob that’s slathered in mayonnaise or crema and then it’s topped with cotija cheese, and dusted with cayenne. So today’s salad is a spin on the popular Mexican street food. It’s a combination of simple, healthy ingredients that make for one delicious salad! Enjoy!
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 Tbsp. butter
- 2 cups corn kernels, about 4 ears
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled plus extra for sprinkling on top
- 1 jalapeno, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
- 1 lime
- 3 Tbsp. good mayonnaise
- 3 Tbsp. sour cream
- 1 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1/8 tsp. cayenne powder
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Add olive oil and butter to a large skillet over medium heat. Add the corn and cook until the corn starts to char, stirring often, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat.
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In a large bowl, combine corn, cooked quinoa, red onion, roasted peppers, cheese, jalapeno and cilantro. Fold in the dressing. Squeeze lime juice over top and toss again. Add to serving bowl. Sprinkle with extra Cotija cheese. Serve.
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In a small bowl, combine all dressing ingredients and whisk until well blended. Serve.
I LOVE these Mexican Street Corn flavors!
Me too Jennifer!
Oh wow, this looks absolutely divine! Lovin the elote corn + quinoa combo!
It’s so fabulous MB! Nice and light for summer!
This is my kind of salad, Mary Ann! We eat a lot of quinoa in our house, but your dressing with all of the flavors of Mexican street corn sound delicious! This would be perfect for packing up for a picnic or for work lunches through the week!
I adore quinoa too Caroline! This is a zesty little salad that would be perfect for the 4th and absolutely perfect for work lunches during the week. Hope all is well! Happy 4th!
Pinned right away! Love quinoa and everything about this beauty of a salad! This is sure to be a summer staple…I’m thinking it would be lovely to take on the hike/picnic hubby plan on doing soon :) Happy Monday, my friend ! XOXO
It’s my new favorite quinoa salad Dawn! Nice and zesty! Peerfect for summer picnics. Enjoy and have an awesome week!
I’m with you on Bob’s Red Mill products. They’re the best! I make a meal out of quinoa in some form at least once a week and this is going to make it into my rotation. It sounds delicious! Happy Fourth, Mary Ann!
Woohoo! Hope you enjoy it Kelsie!
Looks delicious!!! LOVE this Mexican Street Corn Quinoa Salad!!!
Thanks Alice! It’s going to be a regular on our summer menu!
You know I love Mexican street corn, so this salad is a summer must!! It’s perfect for bringing to a BBQ as a side… or for hoarding all to myself as dinner!! Pinning! Cheers, Mare! I hope you guys have a wonderful 4th of July!!!
I know! You’re going to love this one Chey! So easy and so full of great flavors! Happy 4th to you guys too! XO
Hi Mary Ann! I love this salad! Quinoa is such a versatile grain and is packed with so many nutrients and you just can’t go wrong with Bob’s Red Mill. This street corn salad is perfect for summertime!
I love Bob’s Kathy! And quinoa! I’ve got a really tasty farro recipe coming in August too! Get ready!
I just LOVE Mexican street corn and this salad is the perfect way to showcase that!
Thanks Sarah! This is my new summer fave! Jersey sweet corn is soooo good! Perfect in this recipe.
A perfect marriage!! This looks delicious, my friend! Have a wonderful 4th!
Thanks Annie! You too!
Especially here in Southern California, this salad would be the envy of the block on the 4th. What an awesome idea MaryAnn!
Thanks Matt! Hope you guys have an awesome holiday!
We made Mexican street corn last night for a little BBQ party and it was a HIT. I just know this salad would have gone over so well, too! I can’t wait to try it.
Lol! Hope you give it a go Katherine!
Big fan here, Mary Ann, you know it! I’m SO drooling over this deliciousness… still waiting for local corn tho. It’ll be August before we see it I’m sure – but I can’t wait to throw it into a quinoa salad! That dressing is a dream!
I knew you’d love this one Traci! Happy 4th!
Love this salad! Such a great way to bring the flavours of street corn to quinoa salad. So creative!
Thanks Jennifer! Hope you give it a try!
Love Mexican street corn, Mary Ann!! This quinoa salad is the perfect healthy side for any summer occasion IMO! :)
I’m trying to work on being a bit healthier with my sides this summer Natasha! This one hits all the buttons!
We love Mexican street corn, it’s so popular here in SoCal. Loving this idea!
Hope you give it a try Naomi! Happy 4th!!
Love Bob’s Red Mill! This Mexican Street Corn Quinoa Salad is a must make!
Me too! Thanks Lindsay!
This is such a beautiful salad my dear. And love bobs red mill. When I saw this on insta, had to stop by to see the ingredients, love your take on it.
Yum Yum!! pinned
Thanks Asha!
I love adding quinoa to salads! It creates such a great texture. Believe it or not, I’ve never tried Mexican street corn, but I think this salad is a great place to start! Looks so flavorful and delicious. Perfect BBQ side dish!
I think you’ll really enjoy it Leanne!
I love anything made with quinoa, Mary Ann – and this looks absolutely delicious. I’ve never had mexican street corn – but I see it all over the web – so looking forward to trying this. Hope you had a good 4th!
Me too Geraldine! Hope you enjoy it! And hope you had an awesome 4th!
Now this is what I’m going to have for lunch! Such great flavors.
Hope you enjoy it Kevin!
I love using Bob’s quinoa! And I love this salad you’ve created, Mary Ann! So fresh and flavorful. Definitely going to be a hit here! xo
Hope you love it Tessa!
I’m a fellow quinoa lover too, Mary Ann! (always cracks me up that it’s a member of the goosefoot family). And I love Mexican Street Corn Salad too – so you’ve combined two of my favorites into one gorgeous bowl. Will be making this pronto!
So glad Marissa! Enjoy!
This is the perfect quinoa salad for warm summer days, I love the flavors!
It’s a new favorite at our house Laura!
I am just so in love with this recipe! I love that it’s healthy but also packed full of flavor. That cotija cheese is one of my favorites!
Thanks so much Danielle! Cotija is one of my faves too! Check out my Southwestern Quinoa salad too! Lots of good stuff in that one too!
I do love quinoa and street corn, Mary Ann, so it’s like you made this recipe just for me! Also, I love Bob’s Red Mill products for all the reasons you mention! This recipe looks so easy and tasty – hard to resist! Thanks!
You’re so welcome Laura! This one is a favorite!