The sweet aroma of grilled corn wafting through the air is enough to make anyone’s mouth water, and when it comes to Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote), that aroma is just the beginning. Imagine vibrant kernels coated in creamy goodness, balanced with zesty lime and a sprinkle of feta cheese that will make your taste buds dance like they’re at a mariachi concert. This salad isn’t just food; it’s a fiesta on your plate, ready to bring joy to your gatherings. For more inspiration, check out this baked apples with feta recipe.
I remember the first time I tasted this delightful dish at a summer barbecue. As the sun set and laughter filled the air, someone presented this colorful bowl of goodness, and I thought, “What sorcery is this?” Fast forward to today, and this Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote) has become my go-to recipe for bringing people together. Whether it’s a picnic in the park or a casual dinner at home, this salad is always a hit!
Why You'll Love This Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote)
- This amazing Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote) offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Ingredients for Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote)
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote): delicious apple cider cake. pumpkin-infused coffee cake.
- Fresh Corn: About 4-5 ears of corn are best; use ripe ones for maximum sweetness.
- Mayonnaise: For creaminess; opt for real mayo for added flavor.
- Greek Yogurt: This adds tanginess while keeping things light—feel free to substitute sour cream if you’d like!
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up the flavors beautifully.
For the Toppings:
- Cotija Cheese: This crumbly cheese gives an authentic taste; you can also use feta if cotija is hard to find.
- Chili Powder: Adds a kick that balances out the creaminess—adjust according to your spice preference.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives a burst of freshness that complements all the rich flavors perfectly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote)
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote):
Step 1: Prepare Your Corn
Start by husking your fresh corn and removing those pesky silk strands. Boil or grill your ears of corn until they’re tender—about 7-10 minutes should do it! If grilling, get those grill marks going; they add character!
Step 2: Cut Off Kernels
Once cooked, let your corn cool slightly before slicing off those beautiful golden kernels with a sharp knife. Be careful not to slice your fingers instead—ouch!
Step 3: Mix The Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Stir until smooth like butter on warm toast—that’s what we want!
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add in those glorious corn kernels along with chili powder and chopped cilantro into the dressing bowl. Mix everything gently but thoroughly—like giving your salad a nice hug.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese on top as if you’re crowning a king! Finish off with an extra dash of chili powder if you’re feeling adventurous.
Step 6: Chill Before Serving
Let it chill in the fridge for about an hour so those flavors can mingle like old friends catching up over coffee.
Serve this enticing Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote) as a side dish or even as a main course because who says salads can’t be filling? Transfer to plates and enjoy every bite while reminiscing about that glorious summer barbecue!
You Must Know About Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote)
- This amazing Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote) offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Perfecting Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote) Cooking Process
Start by grilling your corn to achieve that smoky flavor, then mix together your creamy dressing while the corn cools. Chop fresh veggies and toss everything together—this ensures all flavors meld beautifully without any chaos in the kitchen.
Add Your Touch to Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote)
Feel free to swap out ingredients! Try adding black beans for protein, lime zest for zing, or diced avocado for creaminess. Get creative with seasonings like chili powder or smoked paprika to personalize your Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote).
Storing & Reheating Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote)
Store your Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, enjoy it cold straight from the fridge; reheating may alter its delightful crunch.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote)
- This amazing Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote) offers more than just flavor it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Grill your corn until it’s nicely charred; this enhances the flavor of your Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote). Avoid overcooking to maintain that essential crunch.
Let the grilled corn cool before adding to other ingredients so that they don’t wilt or become mushy.
Use fresh lime juice right before serving; this adds brightness and keeps the salad tasting fresh longer.
I remember my first attempt at making Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote); my friends devoured it like they hadn’t eaten in days, claiming it was even better than the street vendor’s version!
FAQs About Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote)
What is Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote)?
Mexican Street Corn Salad, or Elote, is a vibrant dish that captures the essence of traditional Mexican street food. It typically features sweet corn mixed with creamy mayonnaise, tangy lime juice, and crumbled cheese. Often garnished with chili powder and fresh cilantro, this salad brings together a medley of flavors that are both refreshing and satisfying. Enjoy it as a side dish at barbecues or as a light lunch option. The combination of ingredients creates a delightful balance of sweetness and spice that truly represents the spirit of Mexican cuisine.
How do you make Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote)?
To prepare Mexican Street Corn Salad, start by grilling fresh corn until it’s lightly charred. Once cooled, cut the kernels off the cob. Then mix these kernels with mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, crumbled cotija cheese, and chopped cilantro in a bowl. Season with salt and chili powder to taste. easy oven-baked frittata For added flavor, consider including diced jalapeños or bell peppers. Serve chilled for the best taste experience. This simple yet delicious recipe captures the essence of Elote while making it easy to enjoy at home.
Can I customize my Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote)?
Absolutely! One of the great things about Mexican Street Corn Salad is its versatility. You can customize your Elote by adding ingredients like red onion for crunch or avocado for creaminess. Some people even include black beans or diced tomatoes for additional texture and flavor. If you prefer a different cheese, try feta or queso fresco instead of cotija. Adjusting the level of spice by adding more chili powder or fresh jalapeños also allows you to tailor it to your taste preferences.
Is Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote) healthy?
Mexican Street Corn Salad can be a healthy addition to your diet if prepared mindfully. While it contains mayonnaise and cheese, which add calories and fat, using lighter versions can make it healthier without sacrificing flavor. The corn itself provides fiber and essential nutrients. Incorporating more vegetables like bell peppers or avocados increases its nutritional value too. The key is moderation; enjoy this delicious salad as part of a balanced diet to reap its benefits while indulging in its delightful flavors.
Conclusion for Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote)
In conclusion, Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote) is a flavorful dish that embodies the lively essence of Mexican cuisine. With its combination of grilled corn, creamy dressings, and zesty seasonings, it’s perfect for any occasion. This versatile salad can be customized according to personal preferences while still delivering an authentic taste experience. perfect fall dessert pairing Whether served at gatherings or enjoyed as a quick meal at home, this salad promises to delight your palate with every bite!
Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote)
Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote) is a vibrant and flavorful dish that captures the essence of traditional Mexican street food. Featuring sweet grilled corn, creamy dressing, zesty lime, and crumbled cotija cheese, this salad is a delightful addition to any summer gathering or barbecue. It’s easy to prepare and fully customizable, making it a must-have at your table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling/Boiling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 4 ears fresh corn
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
- 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Husk the corn and remove silk strands. Grill or boil until tender (about 7-10 minutes). Let cool.
- Cut off kernels from the cob into a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and lime juice until smooth.
- Combine corn with the dressing, adding chili powder and cilantro. Mix well.
- Top with crumbled cotija cheese and extra chili powder if desired.
- Chill in the fridge for about an hour before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg






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