Authentic Mexican Corn Salad: Elote-Inspired Summer Side Dish

This Mexican corn salad brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn, elotes, right to your table in an easy-to-make salad. It’s fresh, zesty, subtly creamy, and has a delightful spicy kick, making it the perfect side dish for any summer gathering. If you’re a fan of fresh corn, prepare to be amazed – this salad elevates the humble corn kernel to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Close-up of vibrant Mexican Corn Salad showcasing grilled corn, cilantro, and Cotija cheese

Inspired by the iconic elotes from Austin and across Mexico, this corn salad captures the essence of those beloved street snacks in a lighter, salad format. Elotes, traditionally grilled corn on the cob slathered with creamy, spicy, and tangy toppings, are the muse for this recipe. This Mexican corn salad recipe is not just a side; it’s a celebration of summer flavors.

Key Ingredients for a Flavorful Mexican Corn Salad

This recipe shines because of its fresh, high-quality ingredients. Requiring only 10 key components, each element plays a crucial role in creating the balanced and vibrant flavor profile of this Mexican corn salad. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Grilled Corn: Grilling the corn is essential. It imparts a smoky char and enhances the natural sweetness of the corn, forming the delicious base of the salad.
• Mayonnaise: Provides a subtle creaminess that coats the corn and binds the salad together. For a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt or vegan mayonnaise.
• Lime Juice and Zest: Lime is critical for authentic Mexican flavor. The juice adds a bright, tangy zest, while the zest amplifies the citrusy aroma and depth.
• Garlic and Scallions: These aromatics bring a savory, pungent layer. Garlic provides a strong, sharp bite, while scallions offer a milder, oniony freshness.
• Cotija Cheese: This hard, salty Mexican cheese delivers intense flavor bursts. If Cotija is unavailable, feta cheese is a good substitute, though slightly milder.
• Fresh Cilantro: Cilantro is indispensable for fresh Mexican cuisine. It adds a vibrant, herbaceous note that complements the other flavors perfectly.
• Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a crucial smoky undertone, echoing the grilled corn and adding complexity. Chili powder can be used for a different kind of heat, but smoked paprika is recommended for depth.
• Jalapeño: Jalapeño provides the signature spicy kick of Mexican street corn. Adjust the amount to your preference, or use pickled jalapeños for a tangy variation.
• Sea Salt: Sea salt enhances all the flavors, bringing them together in harmony. Use good quality sea salt for the best taste.

Making this vibrant salad is straightforward. Start by grilling your corn to perfection. While the corn cools slightly, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice and zest, and minced garlic to create the creamy, tangy dressing. Cut the grilled corn kernels off the cob and combine them in a bowl with the scallions, crumbled Cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, smoked paprika, and diced jalapeño. Gently fold in the prepared dressing, ensuring all ingredients are nicely coated. Your Mexican street corn salad is ready to serve!

Step-by-step preparation of Mexican Corn Salad with grilled corn kernels and fresh ingredients

While delicious immediately, this Mexican corn salad truly shines after chilling in the refrigerator for a short time. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen, making it an ideal make-ahead dish for potlucks, barbecues, and picnics.

Serving Suggestions for Mexican Corn Salad

This versatile Mexican corn salad is a fantastic addition to a wide array of meals. Its make-ahead nature makes it perfect for bringing to any outdoor gathering or cookout. It pairs exceptionally well with classic picnic and barbecue favorites, such as veggie burgers, BBQ jackfruit sandwiches, black bean burgers, or hearty portobello burgers.

To create a full Mexican-themed feast, serve this corn salad alongside other Mexican dishes. It’s an excellent complement to tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, or grilled fish.

For delicious leftovers, transform this Mexican corn salad into a component of a vibrant burrito bowl. Combine it with cilantro lime rice, your favorite dressing, guacamole, black beans, pico de gallo, and a touch of mango or tomatillo salsa for a complete and satisfying meal. And of course, no Mexican-inspired meal is complete without refreshing margaritas to drink!

Mexican Corn Salad served in a bowl, ready to be enjoyed as a side dish

More Delicious Summer Salad Ideas

If you’re captivated by the flavors of this Mexican corn salad and looking for more refreshing summer salad recipes, explore these other delightful options:

Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe

Serves: 4

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This simple Mexican street corn salad is the quintessential summer side dish! Slightly creamy, wonderfully spicy, and brightly flavored, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make time and time again.

Equipment

• Grill
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife

Ingredients

• 4 ears fresh corn, husked
• Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing
• 1½ tablespoons mayo, or vegan mayo
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Zest and juice of 1 lime
• ⅓ cup chopped scallions
• ¼ cup crumbled Cotija, or feta cheese
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, or chili powder
• 1 jalapeño pepper, diced*
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

1. Grill the corn: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the husked corn with olive oil and grill, turning occasionally, until kernels are tender and lightly charred, about 10-15 minutes.
2. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lime zest, and lime juice. Set aside.
3. Combine ingredients: Once the corn is cool enough to handle, cut the kernels off the cob. In a large bowl, combine the grilled corn kernels, chopped scallions, crumbled Cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, smoked paprika, and diced jalapeño.
4. Dress the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the corn mixture. Add sea salt and gently fold everything together until the corn salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Serve or chill: Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Chilling enhances the taste and makes it perfect for make-ahead situations.

Recipe Notes

*For extra flavor, roast the jalapeño alongside the corn on the grill until softened and slightly charred before dicing. To make this recipe vegan, simply omit the Cotija cheese or substitute with a vegan feta cheese alternative. Enjoy!