Elevate the beloved classic grilled corn on the cob into an unforgettable culinary experience with our irresistible Mediterranean Grilled Street Corn. This vibrant and flavorful recipe takes a simple summer staple and transforms it with a delightful topping of creamy feta cheese, fragrant fresh basil, and savory dried oregano, offering a refreshing twist that will undoubtedly become a new favorite at your gatherings.

Mediterranean Street Corn: A Flavor Explosion!

There’s something universally appealing about street food – the vibrant flavors, the casual joy, and the immediate satisfaction. And when it comes to corn, street corn traditions from around the world offer some of the most exciting ways to enjoy this sweet summer vegetable. While Mexican Street Corn (Elote) is widely celebrated for its zesty lime, chili, and cotija cheese toppings, our Mediterranean version invites you on a different, equally delicious journey. We embrace the sunny, aromatic flavors of the Mediterranean, infusing grilled corn with a blend of herbs and a creamy, tangy topping that perfectly complements the corn’s natural sweetness.

Imagine tender, smoky grilled corn, lightly charred to perfection, then generously coated with a luscious mix of nonfat Greek yogurt and crumbled feta cheese. Add a generous sprinkle of fresh basil, a dash of robust oregano, and a hint of finely diced red onion, and you have a side dish that’s far from ordinary. This Mediterranean twist brings a fresh, bright, and incredibly satisfying profile to your plate, making every bite an adventure. It’s a simple yet sophisticated way to enjoy corn on the cob, transforming it from a mere accompaniment into a star attraction.

Why Grilling is the Best Way to Cook Corn on the Cob

Grilling corn on the cob brings out its best qualities, adding a depth of flavor that boiling or steaming simply can’t achieve. The high heat of the grill caramelizes the natural sugars in the corn, creating a sweet and slightly smoky flavor with delightful charred kernels. This process enhances the corn’s inherent sweetness and gives it a wonderful textural contrast – tender inside with a pleasant chew on the outside.

For this Mediterranean Grilled Street Corn recipe, we recommend grilling the corn wrapped in tin foil. This method ensures the corn cooks evenly, retains its moisture, and becomes incredibly tender while still absorbing that signature smoky flavor from the grill. It also helps prevent the kernels from drying out or burning too quickly, making it a fool-proof technique for perfectly cooked corn every time. Plus, it makes cleanup a breeze! The foil-wrapped grilling also allows the infused olive oil and dried herb mixture to steam into the corn, setting a delicious base for the fresh toppings to follow.

The Mediterranean Flavor Profile: Starring Feta and Basil

The heart of this recipe lies in its vibrant Mediterranean-inspired toppings. We start with a luxurious base of nonfat Greek yogurt, which provides a creamy, tangy foundation without being overly heavy. Greek yogurt is an excellent choice for a lighter, yet equally indulgent, alternative to mayonnaise or sour cream often found in other street corn recipes. It adds a delightful tartness that balances the corn’s sweetness and acts as a perfect canvas for the other flavors.

Next, we introduce crumbled feta cheese – a cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine. Its salty, briny, and slightly tangy profile is simply divine when paired with the sweet corn and creamy yogurt. We recommend using a block of feta cheese and crumbling it yourself for the freshest, most authentic flavor and texture. The combination of feta and Greek yogurt creates a “paste” that adheres beautifully to the grilled corn, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Finally, fresh herbs take center stage. Generous amounts of chopped fresh basil and fresh oregano are sprinkled over the corn, adding an aromatic lift and beautiful color. Basil brings its sweet, peppery notes, while oregano contributes a more earthy, slightly pungent aroma that is quintessentially Mediterranean. A scattering of finely diced red onion provides a mild crunch and a subtle bite, completing this symphony of flavors and textures. This combination is not just delicious but also visually appealing, making your grilled corn a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

A Nod to Summer Traditions: Corn and Community

For many, corn on the cob evokes deep-seated feelings of summer, backyard barbecues, and festive gatherings. Growing up in the North, corn was always a symbol of the season, often heralded by the saying, “knee high by the 4th of July.” It marks the peak of summer, bare feet in the grass, and the joyful anticipation of local fairs and community events. My husband, Mark, often reminisces about his soccer team running the corn stand at the Wisconsin State Fair to raise money, an endearing memory that highlights how food, especially corn, can bring people together and build lasting traditions.

While his anecdote about consuming a dozen ears of corn in a single day as a teenager might be a bit extreme, it perfectly captures the irresistible allure of fresh summer corn. Whether it’s at a bustling state fair or a quiet family dinner, corn on the cob has a magical way of creating shared experiences and treasured memories. Our Mediterranean Grilled Street Corn offers a sophisticated yet accessible way to celebrate these summer traditions, inviting new flavors while honoring the timeless appeal of this fantastic vegetable.

Tips for the Perfect Mediterranean Street Corn

• Choosing the Right Corn: Look for fresh corn with bright green husks that are tightly wrapped. Feel for plump kernels inside. A good indicator of freshness is slightly damp silk at the top.
• Shucking Made Easy: To make shucking easier, you can microwave the corn for 30 seconds to a minute before peeling back the husk and silk. They’ll come off much more cleanly.
• Seasoning is Key: Don’t skip generously rubbing the shucked corn with the olive oil and dried herb mixture. This foundational layer of flavor seeps into the corn as it grills, making it extra delicious.
• Foil Wrapping Benefits: Wrapping the corn tightly in foil creates a steamy environment that cooks the corn perfectly while infusing it with flavor and preventing it from drying out on the grill.
• Grilling Technique: Flip the foil-wrapped corn every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and a beautiful, tender result. The goal is tender kernels with a hint of smoky flavor, not overly charred.
• Creating the Feta-Yogurt Paste: Mix the feta and Greek yogurt until it forms a spreadable paste. If it’s too thick, add a tiny splash of water or olive oil. If it’s too thin, add a bit more crumbled feta.
• Fresh Herbs are a Must: While dried herbs are used for grilling, fresh basil and oregano are crucial for the vibrant, aromatic topping. Their bright flavors elevate the dish significantly.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Feel free to customize your Mediterranean Grilled Street Corn! Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished corn for an extra burst of brightness. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle heat, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes could add another layer of Mediterranean flavor. For a vegan version, simply substitute dairy-free Greek yogurt and plant-based feta cheese.

This versatile side dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of summer meals. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, lamb skewers, or fish for a complete Mediterranean-inspired feast. It’s also fantastic with any BBQ fare, complementing classic burgers, hot dogs, and salads beautifully. Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard cookout or a more formal dinner party, this Mediterranean Grilled Street Corn is guaranteed to impress your guests and add a refreshing twist to your menu.

More Corn Recipes to Explore

• Black Bean Corn Salad
• Thai Chili Corn Salad
• Olive Oil Parmesan Grilled Corn

Mediterranean Grilled Street Corn

Give the classic grilled corn on the cob a major makeover with our Mediterranean Grilled Street Corn. This deliciousness is topped with feta cheese and fresh basil.

By: Lee Hersh

Prep: 5 mins

Cook: 20 mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 4 ears of corn, shucked and cleaned
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 tablespoons nonfat Greek yogurt, plain
• 2 oz. feta cheese, block (crumbled)
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

Instructions

1. Preheat grill or oven to 400ºF (200ºC).
2. Place olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper into a small bowl. Whisk until combined.
3. Prep ears of corn by shucking and then generously rub with the olive oil seasoning mixture.
4. Once seasoned, wrap each ear of corn tightly in tin foil.
5. Place aluminum foil packs directly on the grill flames for around 20 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
6. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes (they will be hot!).
7. While corn cools, mix together the feta cheese and Greek yogurt in a small bowl until a smooth paste forms.
8. Unwrap the grilled corn and generously spread the feta/Greek yogurt topping over each ear. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh oregano, fresh basil, and finely diced red onion. Serve immediately.

Watch It

A video demonstration of this recipe can be found on our website, showing you each step to create the perfect Mediterranean Grilled Street Corn.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 ear of corn,
Calories: 278 kcal,
Carbohydrates: 36 g,
Protein: 9 g,
Fat: 13 g,
Fiber: 5 g,
Sugar: 11 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.