This Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe brings the vibrant flavors of authentic Mexican elotes right to your kitchen in a convenient and crowd-pleasing salad form. Imagine biting into sweet, grilled corn kernels coated in a creamy, tangy dressing, punctuated by the salty bite of Cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a hint of spicy jalapeño. This is more than just a salad; it’s an experience. Inspired by the beloved Mexican street food, elote, this recipe transforms the classic grilled corn on the cob into an easy-to-share, no-fuss side dish perfect for any occasion.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine or simply searching for the perfect summer side, look no further. This mexican street corn salad recipe, often called Elote Salad, is destined to become your new go-to. It’s incredibly easy to throw together, bursting with fresh summer flavors, and guaranteed to be a hit at barbecues, potlucks, or even as a vibrant addition to your weeknight dinner table. Forget boring salads – this is where exciting flavors and textures collide!
What is Mexican Street Corn Salad?
Mexican Street Corn Salad, or Elote Salad, is essentially a deconstructed version of elote, the iconic Mexican street food. Elote is traditionally grilled corn on the cob slathered with mayonnaise, chili powder, cheese, and lime. This salad captures all those essential flavors but removes the corn from the cob, making it easier to eat and share. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the taste of elote without the messiness of eating corn on the cob, especially for larger gatherings. This mexican street corn salad recipe is a celebration of summer corn and the bold, zesty flavors of Mexico.
Why This Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe Works
This recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly practical. Here’s why you’ll love this mexican street corn salad recipe:
- Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, this salad comes together in minutes.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: It actually tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld, making it perfect for prepping ahead of parties or picnics.
- Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of sweet corn, creamy dressing, and tangy cheese is universally appealing.
- Versatile: Serve it as a side dish, appetizer, or even as a topping for tacos or burrito bowls.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level or add other ingredients to suit your taste.
Key Ingredients for the Best Mexican Street Corn Salad
This mexican street corn salad recipe relies on fresh, high-quality ingredients to deliver its signature flavor. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
- Fresh Corn: Sweet summer corn is the star! Grilling it adds a smoky char that enhances the overall flavor. You can use white, yellow, or bi-color corn.
- Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base for the dressing. For a lighter option, you can substitute part of the mayo with Greek yogurt or sour cream, but for authentic flavor, mayonnaise is key. Vegan mayo works perfectly too!
- Lime Juice & Zest: Essential for that signature tangy and zesty flavor that balances the richness of the mayonnaise and cheese. Fresh lime juice is a must!
- Garlic & Scallions: Add a pungent, savory depth. Scallions offer a milder onion flavor that complements the other ingredients without overpowering them.
- Cotija Cheese: This hard, salty Mexican cheese is traditional for elote and adds a wonderful salty, crumbly texture. If you can’t find Cotija, feta cheese is a good substitute.
- Fresh Cilantro: Provides a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor that is quintessential in Mexican cuisine.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky note that echoes the grilled corn and deepens the overall flavor profile. Chili powder can also be used for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Jalapeño: Brings a touch of heat. Adjust the amount to your spice preference, or use pickled jalapeños for a milder, tangy kick.
- Sea Salt: Enhances all the flavors and brings them together.
Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe
How to Make Mexican Street Corn Salad: Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create this incredible mexican street corn salad recipe:
- Grill the Corn: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the husked corn with olive oil and grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until kernels are tender and slightly charred. Alternatively, you can roast the corn in the oven or even use a grill pan on the stovetop.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lime zest, and lime juice. Set aside.
- Cut the Corn: Once the corn is cool enough to handle, carefully cut the kernels off the cob using a sharp knife.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grilled corn kernels, chopped scallions, crumbled Cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, smoked paprika, and diced jalapeño.
- Add Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the corn mixture and gently fold everything together until well combined.
- Season and Chill: Season with sea salt to taste. For the best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions for Mexican Street Corn Salad
This mexican street corn salad recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:
- Side Dish for BBQs and Cookouts: Pair it with grilled meats, veggie burgers, BBQ sandwiches, or alongside other classic picnic fare. It’s the perfect vibrant side to balance richer grilled dishes.
- Part of a Mexican Feast: Serve it as a side with tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, or alongside other Mexican-inspired dishes for a complete and flavorful meal.
- Taco or Burrito Bowl Topping: Spoon it over your favorite tacos or burrito bowls for an extra layer of flavor and texture. It pairs wonderfully with cilantro lime rice, black beans, guacamole, and salsa.
- Appetizer with Tortilla Chips: Serve it chilled with tortilla chips for a refreshing and flavorful appetizer or snack.
corn salad
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
One of the best things about this mexican street corn salad recipe is that it’s perfect for making ahead.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the salad up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen and meld as it sits.
- Storage: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The corn may lose a little of its crispness over time, but the flavor will still be fantastic.
Variations to Try
Get creative with this mexican street corn salad recipe! Here are a few variations to try:
- Spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for extra heat. You can also use serrano peppers instead of jalapeños for a hotter kick.
- Vegan: Easily make it vegan by using vegan mayonnaise and omitting the Cotija cheese or substituting it with a vegan feta alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Creamier: Add a tablespoon of sour cream or Mexican crema to the dressing for an even creamier texture.
- Add Black Beans or Avocado: For a heartier salad, add a can of rinsed and drained black beans or diced avocado for extra texture and flavor.
Enjoy the Best Mexican Street Corn Salad
Ready to experience the taste of authentic Mexican street corn in a refreshing salad? This mexican street corn salad recipe is your ticket to flavor paradise. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for any summer gathering. Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to enjoy a salad that’s anything but ordinary!
