# What You Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 5 ears; frozen or canned, drained acceptable)
02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
03 - 1/2 English cucumber, diced
04 - 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
05 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
06 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
→ Dressing
07 - 1/3 cup mayonnaise
08 - 2 tablespoons sour cream
09 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1 clove garlic, minced
13 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
14 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
15 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Cheese & Garnish
16 - 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta)
17 - Extra cilantro, lime wedges, and chili powder for garnish
# Directions:
01 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
02 - In a large bowl, mix charred corn, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, and cilantro until evenly distributed.
03 - Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well blended.
04 - Pour the dressing over the combined vegetables and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
05 - Fold crumbled Cotija cheese into the salad carefully to maintain texture and flavor.
06 - Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with additional cilantro, a pinch of chili powder, and lime wedges. Serve immediately or chilled as preferred.
