Greek Street Corn Salad Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

• 6 ears fresh corn, shucked
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 6 ounces feta cheese
• 1 medium English cucumber, seeded and diced
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, plus more for garnish
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1: Heat a grill or grill pan to high heat. Place the corn on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, until the corn is partially charred. Once cooked, remove the corn from the grill and allow it to cool.

Step 2: Once cooled, cut the kernels from the corn cobs and transfer them into a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Reserve 2 tablespoons of feta cheese for topping and add the remaining feta to the corn kernels. Stir in diced cucumber, chopped parsley, mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until just combined.

Step 4: Transfer the mixture into a serving bowl. Top with the reserved feta and garnish with extra parsley and smoked paprika, if desired.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Servings Per Recipe: 10

Nutrition Information	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	161
Total Fat	10g	13%
Saturated Fat	4g	18%
Cholesterol	18mg	6%
Sodium	466mg	20%
Total Carbohydrate	16g	6%
Dietary Fiber	2g	7%
Total Sugars	4g
Protein	5g	10%
Vitamin C	12mg	14%
Calcium	95mg	7%
Iron	1mg	4%
Potassium	204mg	4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Greek Street Corn Salad is a vibrant and fresh dish that blends the delicious flavors of Greek cuisine with the ever-popular Mexican street corn (Elote). This salad is a perfect side dish for barbecues, picnics, or casual gatherings. The tangy, creamy elements of feta cheese, mayonnaise, and lemon juice combine beautifully with the smoky grilled corn and fresh vegetables, creating a delightful and refreshing flavor experience.

History and Origins

Although this salad is a modern fusion creation, it draws heavily on two well-established culinary traditions. The grilled corn, a central component, is inspired by the popular Mexican street food, "Elote." This dish is a staple in Mexican street culture, where vendors roast corn on the cob and top it with a mix of mayonnaise, chili powder, cheese, and lime. However, the addition of Greek feta cheese, fresh cucumber, and red wine vinegar adds a Mediterranean twist, making this salad a unique blend of Mexican and Greek influences. It is a perfect example of how food can transcend borders, combining the smoky, earthy flavors of Mexico with the bright, briny elements of Greek cuisine.

Regional Variations

While the Greek Street Corn Salad features ingredients commonly associated with Greek cuisine, such as feta and cucumber, variations of corn salads can be found in many cultures. In Greece, for example, corn is often used in savory dishes but rarely in salads. Meanwhile, in the American South, grilled corn salads are typically spiced with BBQ flavors or complemented with fresh herbs like cilantro. The use of feta cheese in this recipe sets it apart, giving it a distinctive tanginess not usually found in other grilled corn salads.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

At first glance, this dish might seem similar to other corn salads, such as the Mexican Elote or the popular American-style grilled corn salads. However, the Greek Street Corn Salad stands apart due to the inclusion of feta cheese, mayonnaise, and red wine vinegar. These ingredients are typical of Greek salads, where feta cheese and olive oil play a starring role. Additionally, the fresh cucumber and lemon juice provide a refreshing, light quality to the dish, making it stand out from its richer, creamier counterparts.

Where It Is Typically Served

This Greek Street Corn Salad is often served as a side dish at summer gatherings, barbecues, or picnics. Its combination of grilled corn, fresh vegetables, and creamy dressing makes it a great complement to grilled meats and seafood. It is also a popular dish to serve at Mediterranean-themed dinners or as part of a larger mezze platter, where small, flavorful dishes are served as appetizers. Its versatility allows it to pair well with a wide range of main courses, including grilled chicken, lamb, or even vegetarian options like roasted vegetable skewers.

Fun Facts

• The traditional Mexican street corn known as "Elote" is often served on a stick and eaten by hand, while this salad version is more suited for serving in bowls or on platters, making it perfect for sharing at larger gatherings.
• Feta cheese, a staple of Greek cuisine, is made from sheeps milk or a mixture of sheep and goats milk, which gives it a distinctive crumbly texture and tangy flavor. It is one of the oldest cheeses in the world, dating back to ancient Greece.
• Grilled corn on the cob has been a beloved food item for centuries, with ancient civilizations in the Americas, such as the Maya and Aztec cultures, growing and cooking corn in a variety of ways long before it became a popular street food in modern Mexico.
• This salad is not only delicious but also highly nutritious. With ingredients like corn, cucumbers, and parsley, its rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, while the feta provides a good source of calcium and protein.

FAQ about Greek Street Corn Salad Recipe