Description
A fresh and delicious Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote Salad) featuring grilled sweet corn, cotija cheese, and a creamy dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 ears sweet corn, silks and husks removed
- Nonstick cooking spray, for coating
- 2 small garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons canned diced green chiles
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1/21/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/81/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/41/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Roast the Corn: Start by popping your corn on the grill until it is golden brown. Keep a close watch on it, as burnt corn can ruin the salad. You will love the sweet, smoky aroma wafting through the air. This step caramelizes the sugars in the corn, enhancing its natural sweetness.
- Mix the Dressing: Stir together your mayonnaise, lime juice, and seasonings until it gets nice and creamy. The dressing should smell refreshing and zesty; that is the magic of lime! This dressing adds a tangy kick to the salad, making it super appetizing.
- Add Corn to Dressing: Once your corn has cooled a bit, toss it right into the dressing. Mix thoroughly to ensure everything is well-coated for a tasty bite. This is where all the flavors get to mingle.
- Throw in the Extras: Fold in your remaining ingredients like cheese and jalapeños. The salad should feel colorful and vibrant. Be careful not to over-mix, as you want to keep that nice crunch from the veggies!
- Chill & Serve: Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least half an hour to blend those flavors. Just remember to stir before serving if you have let it sit for a while!
Notes
- Can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Roast the corn until golden brown for maximum sweetness.
- If the salad seems watery after chilling, give it a good stir and let any excess liquid drain off before serving.
- This salad is best enjoyed cold, and it will not require reheating.
- Serve alongside grilled meats like ribs.
- Pair with fish tacos for a flavorful meal.
- Consider adding to a festive taco bar setup for gatherings.
- Add chopped jalapeños for extra heat.
- Mix in black beans for added protein.
- Incorporate avocados for creaminess.
- Use fresh sweet corn for the best flavor. Look for husks that are firm and green.
- If cotija cheese is unavailable, feta cheese can work as a substitute.
- Mayonnaise can be substituted with extra sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 263
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 568mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 32mg