This time of year there are BBQs and parties galore. With that comes a lot of poor food options. This Mexican Street Corn Salad is anything but poor! Take this to your next summer gathering or keep it for yourself, that’s up to you!
Oh why hello again, it’s me, back again with ANOTHER recipe this week. I decided this might be a good week to bring you mostly recipes. We all know the last thing anyone wants to do during a holiday week or during a heat wave is work, so I’ll gladly bring you some delicious distractions. If you have any summertime favorites you want me to make sassy approved, let me know and I’ll gladly give it a shot.
Sweat it Out
This holiday week is reminding me of the Texas heat and boy does it feel good to sweat. I get it, the heat can make you feel lethargic and not want to cook for yourself or exercise. But, let me tell you, if you eat well, move your body, sleep enough and hydrate plenty you can get through it. I think I easily drank double the water I usually do yesterday and made sure to get plenty of veggies and some delicious fruit.
Since I spent most of the day ensuring I was hydrated, I headed to the gym last night to get some good movement in and hang out with some friends. I cannot remember the last time I sweat that much. It is incredibly important to hydrate and replenish electrolytes (happy to talk more about that if interested) but sometimes all you need is a good sweat and to move your body.
Summer BBQs
Speaking of the gym, I’m currently working with a gym and helping them do a sugar detox. They were so committed that they were willing to start their 21-day challenge on July 2nd, go them! One of the topics we have discussed is how to handle holidays, BBQs, events, parties, etc.
One thing we all know to be true is that we will face temptations at events listed above. While we might have willpower when in isolation, we sometimes lose all inhibitions thanks to friends, family and good ol’ alcohol. Here’s the thing, these types of events aren’t going anywhere, but you can choose how to handle yourself. One way is to make a delicious (and healthy) dish that you can trust and know you will feel good about BUT one that those around you won’t hate.
This dish is for you if you want deliciousness but also want to stay healthy this summer season. Not to mention it’s rather easy to make.
A Better Way to Mayo
Ok, so mayo is a weird thing to me. I really only consume it in salads of sorts and many times try to find ways to avoid it. I have a mayo-less salmon salad I’ve posted many times on Instagram that is very good and great for those who are not mayo fans. I’m not keen on the texture myself but even more so am turned off by the poor oils that are normally used in the condiment. Look for ones made with avocado or light olive oil.
I really only use a few Tablespoons here and there and never feel like I need an entire jar. Yes, I’ve made my own mayo before and yes I would do it again (and can if you wish) but when a company (BetterBody Foods) sends you a new Avocado based Mayo, you try to figure out ways to use it, am I right?
Mexican Street Corn Salad
I find my ideas for recipes all over the place. One of the major areas is when I eat out. I love reading a menu and end up finding tons of ideas by doing so. This past weekend I went to a favorite downtown Albany Mexican Restaurant called Ama Cocina with some friends. The menu has so many good options that we can never order everything we want as we could never finish it all. I spotted their street corn and wished we had gotten it.
Unfortunately, we only had guacamole and ceviche for the appetizers (okay they were awesome, so no complaints). So when a friend suggested I make some Mexican Street Corn I was all about it. AND THEN, I remembered I still cannot bite down on many foods, because of my tooth situation so corn on the cob was NOT happening.
Instead of getting bummed out, I compromised and decided a corn salad was a good compromise. This could easily be made into a corn on the cob recipe, but I must say this may be a new BBQ side dish go-to for me. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Pro Tip: Short on time? Use frozen or canned corn instead of fresh, about 16 oz. or so!
1/4 tsp each of garlic powder, cumin, salt & pepper
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup green onion, diced
2 Tbsp fresh cilantro, diced
Instructions
Preheat grill to medium-high heat
Take off most of the outer husk of the corn, leaving a few layers on and grill for 12-15 minutes, rotating 1-2x on top rack. (Okay to prepare however you prefer)
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine cheese, mayo, greek yogurt, lime juice & spices until evenly combined.
Add in pepper, onions & cilantro and stir to combine.
Once corn is done, allow to cool slightly then shuck the corn and cut the corn off the cob as close to the cob as able.
Mix corn with the rest of the salad to combine evenly. Enjoy warm or cool!
