Bacon Jalapeño Corn Salad

This bacon jalapeño corn salad is a bold and flavorful dish that perfectly balances smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors. Made with crispy bacon, charred corn, spicy jalapeños, and a creamy dressing, it’s an easy and delicious side dish for BBQs, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Smoky, sweet, and spicy – A perfect mix of flavors in every bite.
  • Quick and easy – Ready in under 20 minutes.
  • Great for any occasion – Perfect for summer cookouts or as a year-round side.
  • Customizable – Adjust the spice level and toppings to your preference.
  • Delicious hot or cold – Serve it warm or chilled for different textures.

Ingredients

Bacon Jalapeño Corn Salad 10 This bacon jalapeño corn salad is a bold and flavorful dish that perfectly balances smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors. Made with crispy bacon, charred corn, spicy jalapeños, and a creamy dressing, it’s an easy and delicious side dish for BBQs, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • Bacon (crispy and crumbled)
  • Jalapeños (diced)
  • Red bell pepper (for sweetness)
  • Red onion (finely chopped)
  • Cilantro (chopped)
  • Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • Mayonnaise or sour cream
  • Garlic powder
  • Chili powder
  • Salt and pepper

Directions

  1. Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble.
  2. Char the Corn: In the same skillet, add corn and cook until slightly charred. If using fresh corn, cut it off the cob before cooking.
  3. Prepare the Veggies: Dice jalapeños, red bell pepper, and red onion. Chop cilantro.
  4. Mix the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or sour cream), lime juice, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  5. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine corn, bacon, jalapeños, bell pepper, onion, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over and toss to coat.
  6. Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with extra bacon and cilantro. Serve warm or chilled.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

  • Cheesy Twist: Add crumbled feta, cotija, or shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Extra Heat: Use serrano peppers or add cayenne for more spice.
  • Grilled Corn: Grill whole corn cobs before cutting for a smoky flavor.
  • Creamy Avocado: Mix in diced avocado for a creamy, rich texture.
  • Lighter Version: Swap mayo for Greek yogurt.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Enjoy cold or warm slightly in a skillet for a fresh taste.
  • Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of the mayo and vegetables will change.

FAQs

Bacon Jalapeño Corn Salad
Bacon Jalapeño Corn Salad 11 This bacon jalapeño corn salad is a bold and flavorful dish that perfectly balances smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors. Made with crispy bacon, charred corn, spicy jalapeños, and a creamy dressing, it’s an easy and delicious side dish for BBQs, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare it a few hours in advance and chill for the best flavor.

How do I reduce the spice level?

Remove the jalapeño seeds or use a mild pepper like poblano.

Can I use frozen corn?

Yes! Just thaw and sauté it for the best texture.

Is this salad keto-friendly?

Yes, if you use a low-carb mayo and limit the corn quantity.

What’s the best bacon to use?

Thick-cut bacon adds the most crunch and smoky flavor.

Can I use a different dressing?

Yes! A simple vinaigrette with olive oil and lime juice works well.

What’s the best way to char the corn?

Use a hot skillet, grill, or broiler to get a slightly blackened edge.

Can I add protein to make it a full meal?

Yes! Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans for extra protein.

What’s a good non-dairy alternative for the dressing?

Use vegan mayo or replace it with olive oil and lime juice.

Can I add pasta to make it a pasta salad?

Absolutely! Cooked and cooled pasta makes this a hearty side dish.

Conclusion

Bacon jalapeño corn salad is a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and bursting with smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors. Whether you serve it warm or cold, this vibrant salad is perfect for BBQs, picnics, or a simple side dish for any meal. Try it once, and it just might become a new favorite!

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Bacon Jalapeño Corn Salad

Bacon Jalapeño Corn Salad

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  • Author: samahkitchen
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This sweet and smoky corn salad is packed with crispy bacon, spicy jalapeños, and a creamy lime dressing. It’s a quick and easy dish that can be served warm or chilled. Great for summer cookouts or as a side for grilled meats, tacos, or burgers!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 12 jalapeños, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • 1/2 cup cotija cheese or feta cheese, crumbled

For the Dressing:

 

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Cook the Corn:

    • If using fresh corn, grill or sauté it for a slightly charred flavor.
    • If using frozen or canned corn, drain and heat in a skillet with 1 teaspoon butter for a few minutes.
  • Prepare the Bacon & Jalapeños:

    • Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then crumble.
    • Dice jalapeños and remove seeds for a milder flavor.
  • Make the Dressing:

    • In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Assemble the Salad:

    • In a large bowl, combine corn, crumbled bacon, jalapeños, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro.
    • Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat.

 

  • Add the Final Touches:

    • Sprinkle with cotija or feta cheese.
    • Serve warm or chill for 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Want it spicier? Add extra jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
  • Make it dairy-free by skipping the cheese.

 

  • Great for meal prep! Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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