Mexican Inspired Corn Salad
Corn carries nostalgia for many Canadians — from county fairs and backyard corn roasts to evenings gathered around butter-drenched cobs. Ontario’s Kent County, often called the “corn capital of Canada,” has long symbolized this harvest tradition. This salad takes that sweetness and gives it a bold Mexican twist, blending smoky, creamy, and tangy flavours into a dish that feels both familiar and exciting.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned; about 4 cobs)
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp mayonnaise
2 tbsp sour cream
2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
Juice of 1 lime
1 chili, finely chopped (or ½ tsp chili flakes)
½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan or Cotija cheese
Small bunch fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional garnishes: extra cheese, chili flakes, lime wedges
Method
Heat butter in a skillet and fry corn until lightly charred.
Stir in mayonnaise, sour cream, and cream cheese until creamy and smooth.
Add lime juice, chili, Parmesan, and coriander. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with extra cheese, chili flakes, and lime wedges.
Variations
Canadian Summer Roast – Use charred Ontario or Prairie corn straight from the cob
Kid-Friendly Version – Reduce or skip the chili and add a touch more cream cheese for a milder, creamier flavour.
Grill Twist – Toss roasted corn with smoky paprika and serve alongside barbecued meats for a backyard feast.
Corn has deep roots in Canada, first cultivated by Indigenous peoples more than 5,000 years ago as one of the “Three Sisters” crops (corn, beans, and squash) that sustained communities across the land. Today, it’s still a cornerstone of Canadian agriculture, grown from Québec to the Prairies. Ontario, and particularly Chatham-Kent in Southwestern Ontario, is often called the “Corn Capital of Canada” for its endless summer fields and roadside stands. Every August, towns across the country celebrate with corn roasts, fairs, and festivals — a reminder of how this humble crop connects history, farming, and family traditions.
