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Charred and Raw Corn with Chilli and Cheese

This vibrant charred and raw corn salad offers a wonderful play on textures, combining the crunch of fresh kernels with the smoky sweetness of grilled maize. By macerating the raw corn with shallots and lime juice, you create a bright, zesty base that perfectly balances the heat of the sliced red chilli. This vegetarian dish is a modern take on Mexican street food flavours, making it a standout side for any summer gathering.

Aged or crumbly shop-bought cheeses like feta work beautifully here if you cannot find traditional Mexican varieties. Packed with fresh coriander and citrus, this heart-healthy salad is incredibly versatile, serving as a refreshing accompaniment to grilled mains or as a light, standalone lunch. It is an easy, colourful way to make the most of seasonal sweetcorn when it is at its absolute best.

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Ingredients for Charred and Raw Corn with Chilli and Cheese

  • 4 ears of corn, husked

  • 1 large shallot, thinly sliced into rings

  • 1/2 red chilli (such as Holland or Fresno), with seeds, thinly sliced into rings

  • 60ml fresh lime juice

  • Kosher salt

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • 60g fresh Cotija cheese or queso fresco, crumbled

  • 1/4 cup coriander leaves with tender stems

Prepare grill for medium heat. Cut kernels from 1 corn cob and toss with shallot, chilli, and lime juice in a large bowl; season with salt and pepper and set aside.

Brush remaining 3 ears of corn with 2 tablespoons oil and grill, turning occasionally, until very tender and charred in spots, 10-12 minutes. Let cool.

Cut kernels from cobs and add to reserved corn mixture along with cheese, coriander, and remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Toss to combine; season with salt and pepper.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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