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Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote Salad)

A close-up, overhead view of a vibrant street corn salad topped with cotija cheese, red onion, cilantro, and chili powder.
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Make this creamy, zesty Mexican Street Corn Salad quickly. It captures the authentic flavor of street corn and works well as a side dish for BBQs or weeknight meals.

Ingredients

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  • 4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
  • 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta as a substitute)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: Extra chili powder or Tajín for topping

Instructions

  1. If using frozen corn, thaw it completely. If using fresh corn, you can char it in a dry skillet over medium-high heat until lightly browned in spots, about 5-7 minutes. If using canned corn, drain it well.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth.
  3. Add the corn, chopped red onion, cilantro, and minced jalapeño (if using) to the dressing mixture. Stir gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
  4. Fold in half of the crumbled Cotija cheese.
  5. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or lime juice if needed.
  6. Cover the bowl and chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to combine.
  7. Before serving, sprinkle the remaining Cotija cheese and a light dusting of chili powder or Tajín over the top. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

  • For a smoky flavor without grilling, add 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the dressing mixture.
  • This salad is excellent served with tortilla chips as a dip.
  • If you are planning meals, this recipe works well with general meal planning strategies for easy side dishes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delicerecipe.com/street-corn-salad-easy-elote-recipe/