Mango Corn Salad: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Summer Favorite
When summer heat kicks in, there’s nothing quite like a vibrant and refreshing salad to lighten things up. Enter the mango corn salad — a perfect fusion of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors that gives a fresh twist to traditional street corn. This dish is not only bursting with flavor but also light, wholesome, and perfect for anyone looking for a Mexican street corn without mayo. Whether you’re preparing for a backyard BBQ, picnic, or a quick weeknight side dish, this mango corn salad deserves a permanent spot on your summer recipe list.
Why Mango and Corn Make a Perfect Pair
The star of this recipe, mango corn salad, combines the sweetness of ripe mangoes with the smokiness of grilled corn. This combination delivers a perfect balance of flavor — juicy, sweet mango complements the earthy crunch of corn. Add in a hint of chili, lime, and fresh herbs, and you’ve got a dish that’s as satisfying as it is refreshing.
Unlike the traditional Mexican corn salad, this version skips the mayo, making it lighter and suitable for more dietary preferences. Whether you’re avoiding dairy, prefer a zesty twist, or just want something a little different, this Mexican corn salad without mayo hits the spot.
What Is Elote — and Why Go Without Mayo?
Elote, often referred to as Mexican street corn, is a beloved street food traditionally made with grilled corn slathered in mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime. While undeniably delicious, not everyone loves the richness that mayo adds. This has led to a growing love for elote without mayo — a cleaner, fresher, and often healthier alternative.
For those looking for Mexican street corn no mayo, or a street corn salad with no mayo, this version checks all the boxes. It preserves the smoky corn base and the bold flavors while removing heavy dressings. In fact, this elote recipe without mayo is ideal for warm days when you want something that won’t weigh you down.
Ingredients That Make This Mango Corn Salad Shine
What sets this mango corn salad apart is its combination of fresh, simple ingredients that pack a serious flavor punch. Here’s what you’ll need:
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Fresh corn (preferably grilled or charred)
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Ripe mango (cubed)
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Red onion (thinly sliced)
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Jalapeño or chili (for heat)
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Fresh cilantro
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Lime juice
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Olive oil
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Salt and pepper
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Optional: avocado, black beans, or cotija (if you’re not avoiding dairy)
This recipe can easily be adjusted to make street corn without mayo while keeping all the flavor intact. If you’ve been hunting for a delicious Mexican street corn recipe without mayo, this is your answer.
How to Make Mango Corn Salad (No Mayo)
Creating this corn mango salad is simple and requires minimal prep. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Grill the Corn
Grilling corn brings out its natural sweetness and adds a wonderful smoky flavor. You can also char corn on the stovetop if you don’t have access to a grill.
Step 2: Prepare the Mango
Peel and dice the mango into small cubes. Look for a ripe mango that gives slightly when pressed.
Step 3: Chop the Fresh Ingredients
Thinly slice red onions, mince the jalapeño (or leave it out for a milder version), and chop the cilantro.
Step 4: Toss and Dress
In a large bowl, combine the grilled corn, mango, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well and chill before serving.
This simple process results in a vibrant mango corn salad that’s perfect for summer. It’s one of the easiest and tastiest street corn recipe no mayo versions out there.
Healthier and Allergy-Friendly
Many people are looking for Mexican corn no mayo options due to dietary restrictions or personal preference. This recipe is naturally:
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Dairy-free (unless you add cheese)
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Gluten-free
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Vegan (with no mayo or animal products)
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Low in calories
It’s the perfect side dish for health-conscious eaters, and for anyone searching for Mexican corn without mayo that still delivers flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Fresh & Flavorful: Every bite is bursting with freshness, thanks to the mango and lime.
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Quick & Easy: 20 minutes from start to finish.
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Versatile: Serve it cold or at room temperature; add extras like avocado or black beans.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for BBQs, potlucks, or even taco night.
This is not just a Mexican corn salad no mayo recipe—it’s a celebration of summer flavors.
Variations to Try
Looking to mix things up? Here are a few ways to customize your corn and mango salad:
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Add protein: Grilled shrimp, chicken, or even chickpeas for a hearty version.
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Make it cheesy: If dairy isn’t an issue, sprinkle with cotija or feta cheese.
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Include avocado: Adds creaminess without mayo.
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Use frozen corn: When fresh isn’t available, frozen corn works just fine—just thaw and lightly toast.
These variations make it easy to adapt the mango corn salad to your taste, dietary needs, or pantry ingredients.
Perfect Pairings
This vibrant dish pairs well with:
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Grilled meats or fish
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Tacos or burritos
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Tortilla chips (for a chunky salsa-style appetizer)
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Rice bowls
If you’re preparing a full meal, this elote recipe no mayo makes an excellent light side to heavier entrees.
FAQs
1. What is mango corn salad made of?
Mango corn salad is typically made with fresh grilled corn, ripe mango, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and optional chili or avocado. It’s a refreshing twist on classic Mexican street corn, often made without mayo for a lighter, healthier option.
2. Is there a version of Mexican street corn without mayo?
Yes, many people now enjoy Mexican street corn without mayo by using alternatives like olive oil, lime juice, or Greek yogurt. This gives all the flavor of traditional elote with less fat and dairy.
3. Can I make Mexican corn salad no mayo for a dairy-free diet?
Absolutely! This Mexican corn salad no mayo recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan-friendly. You can enjoy the bold, smoky flavors of elote without adding any cheese or mayonnaise.
4. How do you make elote without mayo still taste good?
To make elote without mayo flavorful, use ingredients like lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, and fresh herbs. These provide the rich, tangy taste without the heaviness of mayonnaise.
5. Is mango corn salad served hot or cold?
Mango corn salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. You can serve it right after making or refrigerate it for an hour for deeper flavor fusion.
6. What’s the best way to grill corn for corn mango salad?
Grill whole corn cobs over medium-high heat until charred on all sides. Then cut the kernels off the cob and mix with mango and other ingredients. This step adds a smoky flavor to your corn mango salad.
7. Can I use frozen corn for street corn salad with no mayo?
Yes! You can use frozen corn — just thaw and sauté or grill it lightly to mimic that roasted taste. This makes your street corn salad with no mayo quick and easy without compromising on flavor.
Conclusion: Your Go-To Summer Salad
If you’ve been searching for a Mexican street corn salad no mayo that’s refreshing, satisfying, and easy to prepare, this mango corn salad is your perfect match. It offers the essence of classic elote with a modern, health-conscious twist — without sacrificing the vibrant flavors Mexican cuisine is known for.
Whether you call it elotes without mayo, street corn no mayo, or simply corn mango salad, one thing is certain: it’s going to be the hit of your summer table. Give it a try — your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!
