• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
In Krista's Kitchen
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Fourth of July Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Fourth of July Recipes
    • Dinner
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Sides

    Easy Crack Corn Salad

    Published: Sep 12, 2022 · Modified: Jan 5, 2024 by Krista Stechman · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Sharing is caring!

    • Facebook
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Corn, bacon, avocado, cotija cheese, jalapeno and green onion in a bowl on a cutting board with jalapenos and bacon to the side.

    This Easy Crack Corn Salad is addicting! Fresh sweet corn, green onions, bacon, cilantro, jalapeno and avocado in a creamy lime dressing.

    This refreshing side dish is one of my very favorite ways to prepare sweet corn. It's the perfect side dish for the summer months, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, summer cookouts and the beginning of fall. I like serving it alongside Tacos de Camaron for Cinco de Mayo.

    Corn salad with bacon, lime, avocado, cilantro and jalapeno in a bowl with a serving spoon.

    Honestly, I'll eat it year round. You can always sub frozen corn for the fresh if you need to!

    After the first bite you'll see why it's called Crack Corn Salad! I basically want the whole thing to myself.

    I just made this recipe this week for our Fantasy Football Draft and it was a huge hit! Everyone LOVED it. I had multiple people asking for the recipe that night and the next day.

    That's truly one of the best feelings when you know people enjoyed your food so much they want to make it for themselves and others.

    If you love easy recipes then this creamy corn salad recipe is definitely one you'll want to add to your family dinner menu. It's something the whole family can enjoy! (You can leave out the jalapenos if you have little ones eating)

    Speaking of easy sides, you will also love my Summer Fruit Salad + Easy Watermelon Basil Salad, Jalapeno Popper Dip Crock Pot Recipe and Roasted Chili Corn Salsa (Chipotle Copycat) These are some easy summer favorites that we make on repeat!

    Jump to:
    • What is Crack Corn Salad?
    • Recipe Ingredients
    • Equipment needed
    • Tips for Easy Crack Corn Salad
    • How to make Crack Corn Salad
    • Additional Add-Ins
    • Storage
    • Please leave me a rating and/or review!
    • FAQ
    • Easy Crack Corn Salad

    What is Crack Corn Salad?

    Crack Corn Salad is a cold corn salad with a creamy dressing. It has fresh whole kernel corn cut straight of the raw corn cobs, bacon, green onions, jalapenos, cotija cheese, avocado , cilantro and a delicious lime salad dressing with chipotle chile powder.

    The jalapenos and chipotle chile powder make this salad on the spicy side but the amounts can always be adjusted if you're not a fan of spice.

    It's similar to a Mexican Corn Salad with a few different ingredients.

    Recipe Ingredients

    • Fresh Ears of Corn - I usually use yellow corn but sweet white corn works too! If fresh corn is out of season you can always use frozen corn.
    • Cotija Cheese - Cotija is a grated Mexican cheese found at most local grocery stores. If you cannot find it then use grated parmesan cheese.
    • Green Onions - Use just the green part of the green onions for a light onion flavor.
    • Fresh Cilantro - Using fresh cilantro is always the best option.
    • Bacon - I use thick cut bacon for this recipe. I like the bigger chunks. Bacon is also a nice addition to Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad.
    • Sour Cream - Sour cream and mayo make the base of the creamy dressing.
    • Mayonnaise - I prefer to use Hellman's Mayo.
    • Kosher Salt - Salt brings out the flavor of all the ingredients.
    • Black Pepper - I prefer coarse ground black pepper.
    • Chipotle Chili Powder - This gives a nice little bit of heat and a slightly smoky flavor.
    • Lime Zest - Lime zest gives an enhanced lime flavor.
    • Lime Juice - Lime juice helps thin out the dressing and give a delicious lime flavor. Fresh squeezed lime juice is the best option.
    • Avocado - Avocado adds a cool creamy flavor to the corn salad.
    • Honey - I use a bit of honey in the dressing for a touch of sweetness. My favorite honey is Local Hive Honey.
    • Jalapeno - Jalapeno peppers give this dish a spicy kick! You can use less or leave it out if you're not a fan of spicy foods.
    Corn cobs with some corn cut off, cotija cheese, green onions, bacon, cilantro, jalapeno, limes, dressing, avocado and spices.

    Equipment needed

    • Frying Pan - Use a frying pan to cook the bacon for this recipe.
    • Large Bowl - You'll need a large mixing bowl to mix all the Crack Corn Salad ingredients together.
    • Small Bowl - Use a small bowl to mix the salad dressing.
    • Sharp Knife - Always use a sharp knife when cutting things in the kitchen to make the cooking experience better and prevent cuts.
    • Cutting Board - Make sure you use a cutting board that gives you room to work and is won't dull your knife. I like a wooden block or this classic board with grips.
    Crack Corn Salad in a white bowl on top of a light wood cutting board. A metal spoon in the bowl of corn with ingredients scattered around.

    Tips for Easy Crack Corn Salad

    • Let the Crack Corn Salad sit for at least 4 hours so the flavors have time to blend. I think it's even more delicious the next day so feel free to make it a day ahead of time!
    • Eat this dish as an appetizer with tortilla chips!
    • If you want to make Easy Crack Corn Salad when it's not sweet corn season then you can use frozen corn. Make sure you thaw and drain it THOUROUGHLY.
    • If you don't want this corn salad to be spicy you can leave the jalapenos on the side or skip them all together. It's still delicious without them.
    • Don't skip coating your avocado pieces in lime and salt before adding them to the salad. It will help them from turning brown and enhances the flavor.
    • This can be eaten on its own as a side dish or you can eat it with tortilla chips as an appetizer!
    • This is an easy side dish to bring to cookouts, parties and potlucks, just like Peach Burrata Salad and easy peach cobbler with cake mix!
    A bottle of chipotle chile powder in front of a cutting board that has a bowl of crack corn salad on it.

    How to make Crack Corn Salad

    It doesn't take much time to make this simple salad. The total time from start to finish is about 20 minutes.

    From there the salad should sit for 4-24 hours to let the flavors meld. I hope this easy corn salad quickly becomes one of your favorite side dishes!

    Making Crack Corn Salad

    Cook the bacon over medium-high heat then drain it well on a few paper towels.

    While the bacon is cooking, you can make the creamy dressing. Add all dressing ingredients to a small bowl then stir together until fully mixed.

    Creamy lime dressing whisked together in a small white bowl with jalapenos, green onion, bacon and limes surrounding the bowl.

    Cut the corn kernels off the raw corn cobs then add them to a large mixing bowl. Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl and toss well.

    Corn salad in a bowl without the dressing. Bacon, jalapenos, avocado and limes lying around the bowl.

    Fold the creamy dressing into the corn mixture until fully coated. For best results let the Easy Crack Corn Salad sit for at least 4 hours or up to overnight.

    Dressing being poured into the crack corn salad in a white bowl sitting on top of a light wood cutting board with a cut lime in front.
    A white speckled bowl sitting on top of a light wood cutting board filled with corn, bacon, green onions, jalapeno, avocado, cilantro and lime dressing.

    This salad can be eaten cold or at room temperature. While it's great for summer, try making Kale Apple Salad in the fall!

    Additional Add-Ins

    • Black Beans
    • Red Bell Pepper
    • Fresh Tomatoes
    • Roasted Poblano Peppers

    Storage

    Store Easy Crack Corn Salad in the fridge in an airtight container or tightly covered in plastic wrap for up to 4 days. After that the avocados will begin to lose quality.

    It does not freeze well, I do not recommend freezing it.

    Corn salad in a bowl without the dressing. Bacon, jalapenos, avocado and limes lying around the bowl.

    Please leave me a rating and/or review!

    If you make this Easy Crack Corn Salad recipe then please leave me a star rating and/or review at the bottom of this blog post! It is extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!

    Gain instant access to recipes! Have new recipes sent straight to your inbox as soon as they hit the blog.

    Don't forget to tag me on social media when you post photos of this recipe or any other after making it! I love seeing what everyone is cooking up!

    Follow along on social media: Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok and the Spillt App.

    Crack Corn Salad in a white bowl on top of a light wood cutting board. A metal spoon in the bowl of corn with ingredients scattered around.

    FAQ

    Can I make it ahead of time?

    Yes, you definitely can! I would recommend making Easy Crack Corn Salad at least 4 hours ahead of time and up to 1 day ahead of serving.

    I think the flavors are even better the next day so I would highly recommend making it a day ahead of time.

    Can you eat raw corn?

    Yep, we do it all the time here! Eating fresh corn cut off the cob is delicious and has the best flavor for this fresh corn salad.

    You get that yummy sweet flavor with even more of a fresh crisp crunch! I prefer using raw corn off the cob for salads. I like the texture and the flavor better.

    Can I use frozen corn?

    Fresh corn is my number one choice for Easy Crack Corn Salad but by all means if it's not that time of year and fresh corn is out of season then you can use frozen corn.

    If you're using frozen corn for this corn salad then you'll want to make sure it is fully thawed and drained VERY WELL. You don't want the access liquid in the salad.

    You can even use canned corn in a pinch.

    What to serve with Easy Crack Corn Salad?

    • Best Chorizo Tacos
    • Chipotle Carne Asada Recipe
    • Best Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos
    • Air Fryer Ribeye Steak
    • The Ultimate Pork Burger
    Crack Corn Salad in a white bowl on top of a light wood cutting board. A metal spoon in the bowl of corn with ingredients scattered around.

    Easy Crack Corn Salad

    Krista Stechman
    Easy Crack Corn Salad is super easy to make and addicting! Fresh cut corn, bacon, green onions, cilantro, avocado and jalapeno with a cool lime dressing. This dish can be served as a side or as an appetizer with tortilla chips. It's fantastic in the summer and early fall with fresh corn or use frozen corn when you have a craving throughout the rest of the year!
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course appetizer, sides
    Cuisine american
    Servings 6 people
    Calories 377 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 large bowl
    • 1 large skillet
    • 1 small bowl
    • 1 sharp knife
    • 1 cutting board

    Ingredients
      

    Corn Salad

    • 5 slices thick cut bacon cooked then small dice
    • 4 ears corn on the cob raw, cut off the cob
    • ½ cup green onion thinly sliced, green part only
    • ½ cup cilantro chopped, measured before chopping
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt I use Diamond Crystal. Use ¾ teaspoon if using Morton's Kosher Salt
    • ¼ tsp black pepper
    • 1 fresh jalapeno cut in half then thinly sliced
    • 2 tablespoon cotija cheese
    • 1 avocado small dice
    • 1 teaspoon lime juice fresh squeezed

    Creamy Lime Dressing

    • ½ cup sour cream
    • ⅓ cup mayo I use Hellman's
    • ½ tsp kosher salt
    • ¼ tsp chipotle chile powder
    • 1½ tablespoon lime juice fresh squeezed
    • zest of half a lime
    • 1 tsp honey

    Instructions
     

    Making the Corn Salad

    • Fry the bacon in a large skillet to desired doneness then drain bacon strips on a paper towel
    • Add the corn, green onion, cilantro, salt, pepper, jalapeno and cotija cheese to a large mixing bowl
    • In a small bowl mix the avocado with 1 teaspoon of lime juice and a pinch of salt. Toss to coat then add the avocado to the corn mixture
    • Cut the bacon to a small dice then add it to the corn mixture and mix well

    Making the Creamy Lime Dressing

    • Add all dressing ingredients to a small bowl and mix until thoroughly combined
    • Pour the dressing over the corn mixture and stir to combine. Let the corn salad sit for at least 4 hours and up to 1 day ahead of serving for the flavors to meld

    Notes

    • Let the Crack Corn Salad sit for at least 4 hours so the flavors have time to blend. I think it's even more delicious the next day so feel free to make it a day ahead of time!
    • If you want to make Easy Crack Corn Salad and it's not sweet corn season then you can use frozen corn. Make sure you thaw and drain it THOUROUGHLY.
    • Leave the jalapenos out if you don't like spicy food. It's still delicious without them.
    • Don't skip coating your avocado pieces in lime and salt before adding them to the salad. It will help them from turning brown and enhances the flavor.
    • This can be eaten on its own as a side dish or you can eat it with tortilla chips as an appetizer!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 377kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 8gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 944mgPotassium: 458mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 549IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 64mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More Side Dishes

    • Harissa Hummus in a bowl surrounded by pita pieces.
      Harissa Hummus
    • Arugula Pear Salad in a bowl topped with nuts and sherry dressing.
      Arugula Pear Salad
    • A slice of Blueberry Cornbread on a plate topped with honey butter and honey drizzling over the top.
      Blueberry Cornbread With Honey Butter
    • Sourdough stuffing with herbs in a baking dish.
      Sourdough Stuffing

    Reader Interactions

    5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

    Leave a star rating and review, ask a question or share a helpful tip! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    krista standing in a white kitchen with a white shirt on holding a white pan of blondies facing the camera smiling

    Welcome to In Krista's Kitchen where you'll find delicious dinners and desserts with restaurant flavor that you can make in the comfort of your home. You can find dinners, desserts, sides, brunch recipes and breakfast recipes for any occasion. I'm here to help you create meals and desserts packed with flavor! These recipes range from easy to slightly more experienced home cooks. I'll give tips and tricks and am always available through email to answer any cooking questions you have!

    More about me →

    Fourth of July Recipes

    • A slice of Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie with Chocolate Ganache and flaky sea salt on a stack of plates.
      No Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie
    • A slice of No Bake Chocolate Pie on a plate with a fork.
      No Bake Chocolate Pie
    • Deviled Eggs with Relish topped with bacon and green onions.
      Deviled Eggs With Relish
    • Spicy Mac and Cheese on a plate, topped with pepper and a fork.
      Spicy Mac And Cheese
    • Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares topped with whipped cream and Nilla Wafers.
      Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares
    • Strawberry Galette cut into triangles with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
      Strawberry Galette
    See more Fourth of July Recipes →

    Dinners

    • A pork burger on a brioche bun with special sauce, onion, pickle and lettuce.
      The Ultimate Pork Burger Recipe
    • Loaded Steak Nachos recipe topped with sour cream, salsa, guacamole and jalapenos.
      Loaded Steak Nachos Recipe
    • Falafel on a pita with schug sauce, tomatoes, feta and cucumber.
      Falafel Pita
    • Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in a bowl on a small cheese board.
      Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
    • Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme with cheese sauce, ground beef, tomato and lettuce.
      Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme Recipe (Copycat)
    • Creamy Lobster Pasta recipe in a large bowl.
      Creamy Lobster Pasta
    See more Dinner →

    Desserts

    • Banana Bread with Streusel Topping topped with maple glaze.
      Banana Bread with Streusel Topping
    • Banana Coffee Cake with maple glaze being drizzle over the top.
      Banana Coffee Cake
    • A slice of carrot cake with a ton of cream cheese frosting.
      Almond Carrot Cake
    • Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread half sliced on a platter.
      Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread
    • Soft Molasses Cookies with chewy crackly tops.
      Soft Molasses Cookies
    • Molasses crinkle cookies on a wire rack.
      Molasses Crinkle Cookies
    See more Desserts →

    Sides

    • Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad with parmesan cheese on a plate with a fork.
      Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad
    • Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole in a skillet with a spoon.
      Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
    • Garlic Chili Oil on a plate with a spoon.
      Garlic Chili Oil
    • Kale Apple Salad with goat cheese, pomegranate seeds, red onions and vinaigrette.
      Harvest Kale Apple Salad
    • A spoonful of chimichurri over the top of a small bowl full of chimichurri.
      Salsa Chimichurri
    • Peach Mango Salsa in a bowl on a cutting board.
      Peach Mango Salsa

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • Contact

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Privacy

    • Privacy Policy

    Accessibility

    • Accessibility

    In Krista’s Kitchen is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    Copyright © 2021-2025 In Krista's Kitchen

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Save

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.