🌽🥔 Zesty Roasted Corn & Potato Salad
A vibrant and creamy salad that’s bursting with flavor! Perfect for picnics, BBQs, or potlucks, this dish combines soft potatoes, charred sweet corn, zesty lime, a touch of heat, and a creamy dressing to create a next-level side dish.
📝 Ingredients
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into ½-inch pieces
- 2 tsp kosher salt (for boiling potatoes)
- 6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped small (optional)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup chicken or vegetable stock
- 1–3 tbsp Cholula hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2–3 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1 large lime)
- 1 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp sugar (optional for balance)
- ¼ tsp ground red chili powder
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 6 large ears of corn, kernels removed
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook Potatoes:
In a large pot, bring water to boil with 2 tsp kosher salt. Add chopped potatoes and boil until just fork-tender (about 8–10 minutes). Drain and let cool. - Roast Corn:
While potatoes cook, roast corn kernels in a dry cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until they’re charred in spots (5–7 minutes). Let cool. - Make Dressing:
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, stock, hot sauce, lime juice, 1 tsp salt, sugar, chili powder, and black pepper until smooth. - Combine Salad:
In a large bowl, mix potatoes, roasted corn, red onion, eggs (if using), and dressing. Stir gently to coat. - Finish & Serve:
Fold in cotija cheese and fresh herbs. Taste and adjust seasoning. Chill at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
💡 Notes & Tips
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Great when made a day in advance—flavors deepen!
- Corn Swap: Use frozen roasted corn or canned corn if fresh isn’t available.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan mayo and skip the eggs and cotija.
- More Crunch: Add diced bell peppers or celery for texture.
- Spice Level: Adjust hot sauce and chili powder to preference.
🍽️ Servings
Serves: 6–8 as a side dish
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
🔢 Nutritional Info** (per serving – approx.)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
(Values may vary based on exact ingredients and amounts.)
✅ Benefits
- Potatoes offer potassium and vitamin C.
- Corn is a great source of fiber and antioxidants.
- Eggs & mayo provide protein and healthy fats.
- Cilantro, lime, and chili offer freshness and digestive benefits.
- A great crowd-pleaser with a balance of creamy, spicy, and zesty!
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I use store-bought roasted corn?
A: Yes! Frozen roasted corn or canned fire-roasted corn work well.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes. Omit cotija cheese or replace with a plant-based alternative.
Q: What’s a good protein to pair with this?
A: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or BBQ tofu are all great companions.
Q: Will it hold up for a picnic?
A: Definitely. Just keep it chilled in a cooler until serving.