Description
A fresh and flavorful Mexican-inspired kale salad featuring sweet corn, creamy avocado, cotija cheese, and a tangy cilantro lime dressing. It’s a colorful summer side dish with the perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and zest.
Ingredients
1 bunch green kale, leaves cut off the stem and chopped
2 ears of corn, shucked and silk removed
1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup red onion, chopped
1–2 avocados, sliced or diced
Crushed tortilla chips, for garnish
1/2–1 lime, juiced (for massaging the kale)
Olive oil (for massaging the kale)
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (leaves and stems)
2 garlic cloves
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp chipotle powder
Instructions
- Add the Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, cilantro, garlic cloves, salt, and chipotle powder to a food processor and blend until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Cook the corn by grilling over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, or boil in a covered pot for 1-2 minutes. Let cool, then cut the kernels from the cobs.
- Place the chopped kale in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil and lime juice, and massage with your hands for at least 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the cooked corn kernels, cotija cheese, red onion, and avocado to the kale.
- Toss with the desired amount of cilantro lime dressing until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips over the top and serve immediately.
Notes
Add grilled chicken, black beans, cherry tomatoes, or jalapeño for extra flavor and substance.
Increase the chipotle powder or add cayenne for a spicier salad.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days, keeping the dressing, avocado, and tortilla chips separate when possible.
Frozen or drained canned corn can be substituted for fresh corn.
Feta cheese makes a good substitute for cotija.
For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free yogurt and omit or replace the cotija cheese.
Serve with tacos, grilled meats, burgers, fish, or summer barbecue dishes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
