Cilantro Corn Salad
A vibrant, creamy corn salad with cilantro, peppers, and a hint of ginger, perfect for summer gatherings, barbecues, or as a refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix Miracle Whip dressing, low fat vanilla yogurt, chopped cilantro, and ground ginger in a large bowl.
- Add thawed and drained frozen corn, chopped red or green pepper, and finely chopped jalapeno pepper.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of low fat vanilla yogurt. Fresh cilantro can be substituted with parsley if you prefer a milder flavor. If you want to add a bit of sweetness, try mixing in some diced mango or pineapple. This salad is versatile and can easily be adjusted to fit various dietary preferences, including vegetarian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Cilantro Corn Salad makes a refreshing side dish for grilled meats or tacos. It pairs beautifully with Carnation Meat Loaf for a delightful meal. You can also serve it as a topping for nachos or alongside a light lunch. For an added crunch, consider topping it with some toasted pumpkin seeds.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the salad fresh, avoid adding any extra ingredients like peppers or corn until you're ready to serve. If needed, give it a gentle stir before serving again, as some separation may occur.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cilantro Corn Salad contains roughly 829 calories, with 57g protein, 159g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (1111% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 803mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh corn can be used instead of frozen corn for a sweeter and crunchier texture. Simply cook the corn briefly by boiling or grilling it until tender, then cool it before adding it to the salad. This will enhance the freshness of the dish.
Is there a way to make this salad spicier?
Absolutely! To amp up the heat, you can add more finely chopped jalapeno peppers or include a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Adjust the spice level to your preference to create a salad that suits your taste.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time. It actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours, as the flavors meld together. However, it's best to wait to add any crunchy ingredients until just before serving to maintain their texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).