Creamy potato salad meets smoky street corn in this easy Street Corn Potato Salad. It’s the ultimate Mexican-inspired side dish for summer picnics, backyard BBQs, and everyday dinners. Serve it with grilled meats, tacos, and more.
Place the potatoes in a large pot and add chicken stock, ¼ cup lime juice and enough water to cover the potatoes. Bring to a boil over high heat and add 2 teaspoons of kosher salt. Boil until barely fork-tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and let cool.
Heat a grill or grill pan over high heat until hot, add the corn and char on all sides, turning occasionally, for 8-10 minutes. Remove from grill and set aside. When corn is cool enough to handle, cut the kernels off the cobs. Set aside.
***You can also use 3 cups of frozen corn kernels. There’s no need to defrost it. Just heat 1 TBSP oil in a large skillet over high heat and add the corn. Cook until it gets a nice char, about 5-7 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, remaining ¼ cup lime juice, ½ teaspoon salt, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin and pepper. Add the cooked potatoes, corn kernels, poblano pepper, red onion, cilantro, green onions and cotija cheese. Stir to combine and season with additional salt and pepper, to taste.
Top with extra cotija cheese and/or chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve with lime wedges at room temperature or cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Notes
Storing
Got leftovers? Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving.
The leftover salad can be served chilled or at room temperature. If you’d prefer to heat it up, microwave as much salad as you plan on eating until it’s just heated through. Be careful not to overheat, or else the dressing may separate.
Tips and Tricks
To avoid overcookingthe potatoes, start checking for doneness around the 9-minute mark. You want them fork-tender but not mushy, so they hold their shape when tossed with the dressing.
Waiting for the potatoes to cool to room temperature is the key to making a potato salad that isn’t soggy or watery.
Once you place the corn on the grill, leave the ears alone for a minute or two between turns. This makes it easier for them to absorb the smoky flavors and become charred in spots.
I recommend making this potato corn salad in advance. It tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge! Just hold off on adding the final sprinkle of cotija and fresh cilantro until right before serving for the best texture and presentation.
Variations
Use frozen corn - No fresh corn? Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over high heat, then add 3 cups of frozen corn (no need to thaw) and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the kernels are nicely charred in spots.
Lighten up the dressing - Swap the mayo or sour cream in the dressing with Greek yogurt. Vegan mayo and dairy-free sour cream also work.
Cotija cheese substitutes - Feta cheese has a similar tang and crumbly texture to cotija, while queso fresco is a milder, creamier option that works well as a substitute.
Adjust the spice level - For extra heat, toss in a chopped jalapeño when you add the other aromatics, or add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the dressing. For less heat, use a chopped bell pepper instead of a poblano.
Optional add-ins - Consider folding in chopped hard-boiled eggs or diced avocado for extra creaminess; grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or black beans would make the salad more satisfying; or pile a handful of tortilla strips on top before serving for crunch.