There’s something about street corn that instantly feels like summer. The smoky sweetness of corn, the creamy dressing, the pop of lime, and that unmistakable chili-lime finish it’s bold, vibrant, and completely addictive. This Cottage Cheese Street Corn Salad was created for those moments when you want all the flavor of classic Mexican-style street corn but with a lighter, protein-packed twist. By swapping heavy mayo and crema for creamy cottage cheese, this salad keeps everything fresh and satisfying without losing the soul of the dish. It’s the kind of recipe that disappears fast at gatherings, earns repeat requests, and somehow tastes even better straight from the fridge the next day.
What Is Cottage Cheese Street Corn Salad
Cottage Cheese Street Corn Salad is a high-protein take on traditional elote-style corn salad. Sweet corn kernels are tossed with a creamy cottage cheese–based dressing, fresh herbs, lime juice, red onion, and jalapeño, then finished with chili powder and optional cheese. The texture is creamy yet light, with bursts of sweetness, acidity, and gentle heat in every bite. It’s served chilled or slightly cool, making it perfect for warm-weather meals.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
This salad delivers big flavor with simple ingredients and minimal effort. It’s creamy without being heavy, fresh without being bland, and filling without feeling like a compromise. The cottage cheese adds protein and richness, the corn brings sweetness, and the lime and spices keep everything lively. It works as a side dish, a light main, or even a meal-prep lunch you’ll actually look forward to eating.
How Does It Taste?
The flavor is bright, creamy, and savory with a subtle kick. Sweet corn balances the tangy lime juice, while the cottage cheese dressing is mild, smooth, and lightly salted. Red onion adds crunch, jalapeño brings gentle heat, and chili powder gives that unmistakable street corn warmth. Fresh herbs tie everything together with a clean, refreshing finish.
Health & Ingredient Benefits
This salad is a nutritional upgrade to classic street corn. Cottage cheese provides high-quality protein and calcium while keeping the dish lighter than mayo-based versions. Corn contributes fiber and natural sweetness. Lime juice adds vitamin C, and fresh herbs bring antioxidants and freshness. The result is a balanced dish that satisfies cravings while supporting energy and fullness.
Why This Is the Perfect Summer Salad
This recipe shines in warm weather. It requires no oven, comes together quickly, and tastes best chilled or slightly cool. It’s ideal for barbecues, picnics, potlucks, and weeknight dinners when you want something refreshing but still hearty. It also holds up well, making it a reliable make-ahead option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
4 cups cooked corn kernels (fresh, frozen and thawed, or canned and drained)
1½ cups full-fat cottage cheese
¼ cup finely diced red onion
1 small jalapeño, finely minced (seeds removed for less heat)
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional toppings:
¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese or feta
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Extra chopped cilantro or green onions
Tools You’ll Need
A large mixing bowl is essential for combining everything evenly. A sharp knife and cutting board make quick work of the vegetables. A blender or food processor is useful if you prefer a smoother cottage cheese texture. Measuring cups and spoons help keep the flavors balanced.
Optional Substitutions & Additions
Greek yogurt can replace part of the cottage cheese for a tangier flavor. Feta works well if cotija isn’t available. Roasted corn adds a smoky depth, while grilled corn takes it to the next level. Diced avocado adds richness, and black beans turn this salad into a heartier, meal-style dish.
How to Make
If using fresh corn, cook it first by boiling, steaming, or grilling, then cut the kernels from the cob. Allow the corn to cool completely.
For a smoother texture, blend the cottage cheese until creamy. This step is optional but recommended for a more cohesive dressing.
In a large bowl, combine the corn, cottage cheese, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Add lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Gently stir until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with cotija cheese, extra herbs, or a sprinkle of cayenne before serving.
What to Serve With
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, or tacos. It also works as a filling for wraps or as a topping for baked potatoes. Serve it alongside burgers or barbecue dishes for a fresh, cooling contrast.
Tips for Success
Letting the salad chill improves the flavor. Finely dicing the onion and jalapeño ensures even distribution without overpowering bites. Blending the cottage cheese creates a more traditional creamy texture. Taste before serving and adjust lime and salt as needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Adding hot corn directly to the dressing can cause separation. Skipping seasoning adjustments may leave the salad flat. Overmixing can break down the corn kernels. Using unbalanced lime juice can overpower the sweetness if too much is added at once.
How to Store & Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This salad is best served cold or slightly cool and does not require reheating. Stir before serving to refresh the texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this be made ahead of time? Yes, it tastes even better after chilling.
Does cottage cheese taste strong? Once mixed, it’s mild and creamy.
Can this be made dairy-free? A dairy-free cottage cheese alternative can be used.
Is it spicy? Mildly, and easily adjustable by reducing jalapeño or chili powder.
Nutritional Info (approximate per serving)
Calories: 220
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fat: 8g
Conclusion
This Cottage Cheese Street Corn Salad is proof that lighter swaps don’t mean sacrificing flavor. It delivers everything you love about classic street corn creaminess, brightness, and spice while adding protein and freshness that make it feel modern and nourishing. Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering or enjoying it straight from the fridge, this salad is guaranteed to become a warm-weather staple.
Cottage Cheese Street Corn Salad (Fresh, High-Protein Summer Favorite)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, high-protein street corn salad made with cottage cheese, sweet corn, lime, herbs, and spices for a lighter summer side dish.
Ingredients
4 cups cooked corn kernels
1 1/2 cups full-fat cottage cheese
1/4 cup diced red onion
1 small jalapeno minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese optional
Instructions
Cook and cool corn if using fresh.
Blend cottage cheese until smooth if desired.
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
Stir until evenly coated.
Chill before serving and garnish as desired.
Notes
Blending the cottage cheese creates a smoother, more traditional creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
Keywords: cottage cheese street corn salad, high protein corn salad, healthy elote salad, summer corn salad