Mexican Street Corn Salad

Have you ever wondered how to take the classic Mexican street corn—elote—and give it a fresh, delicious twist? If so, you’re in for a treat with this Mexican Street Corn Salad, the perfect dish for your next Cinco de Mayo celebration! Traditionally served on the cob, this beloved Mexican street food can now be enjoyed in a lighter, more convenient form—dressed up in all its flavorful glory but served as a vibrant salad.

But why settle for the traditional elote when you can enjoy a salad that’s equally rich in flavor, but far easier to eat and share? As Cinco de Mayo draws near, people are looking for fun and creative ways to add spice to their celebrations, and this dish is exactly what they need. Perfect for serving at family gatherings, parties, or a festive dinner, this Mexican Street Corn Salad promises to bring a burst of flavor and color to your table. It’s packed with fresh ingredients and bold, spicy flavors that are sure to be the talk of the party!

Ingredients List

To make this easy yet mouth-watering Mexican Street Corn Salad, gather the following ingredients:

• 4 cups of corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned – grilled corn on the cob works best for maximum flavor!)
• 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup of sour cream
• 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice (for that perfect tangy zest)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a smoky finish)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, but adds a subtle depth of flavor)
• 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (substitute with feta cheese if necessary)
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (adds a refreshing green burst)
• 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional for added heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra lime wedges for garnish
• A pinch of Tajín seasoning (optional, but highly recommended for an extra kick)

Suggested Substitutions:

• Vegan Option: Use vegan mayo and plant-based sour cream for a dairy-free alternative.
• No Cilantro?: Feel free to substitute with fresh parsley or green onions.
• No Jalapeños?: Add diced bell pepper for some sweetness and color if you want to skip the heat.

Timing

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (if using frozen or canned corn; longer if grilling fresh corn)
Total Time: 15 minutes, which is 20% quicker than the average Mexican street corn preparation, thanks to the salad’s convenience.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

If you’re using fresh corn, grill it for 5-7 minutes until it’s charred. You can also opt for frozen or canned corn kernels, which need a quick heat-through on the stove or in the microwave.

Tip: For the most authentic taste, grilling the corn brings out a smoky, charred flavor that elevates the dish. Don’t be afraid to let the kernels get a little charred!

Step 2: Mix the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth.

Tip: Adjust the chili powder to suit your spice level. If you love heat, feel free to add more!

Step 3: Add the Corn

Once your corn is ready (either grilled or pre-cooked), cut the kernels off the cob or drain the canned corn. Add it to the dressing mixture and toss to coat the corn thoroughly.

Tip: If you’re grilling the corn yourself, make sure it’s cool enough to handle before cutting it off the cob!

Step 4: Add the Toppings

Once the corn is well coated, add crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and diced jalapeños (if using). Toss gently until well combined.

Tip: For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle Tajín seasoning on top just before serving!

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Serve the salad in a large bowl or individual serving bowls. Garnish with extra lime wedges on the side and a sprinkle of cotija cheese or more cilantro if desired.

Tip: Serve immediately or chill for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together!

Nutritional Information

This Mexican Street Corn Salad is packed with flavor, and it’s surprisingly nutritious too! Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content (per serving):

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 14g (from mayonnaise and cotija cheese)
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 250mg

This dish is an excellent source of fiber from the corn, and a good amount of protein thanks to the cheese and sour cream. It also offers a great balance of healthy fats and carbohydrates to keep you feeling satisfied during your Cinco de Mayo celebrations!

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

1. Lighten It Up with Greek Yogurt

For a lighter version, swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is rich in protein and has fewer calories than sour cream, but still adds a creamy texture.

2. Go Dairy-Free

If you want to make this dish dairy-free, use a dairy-free sour cream and skip the cotija cheese altogether, replacing it with a vegan cheese alternative or avocado for creaminess.

3. Reduce the Mayonnaise

For a healthier twist, reduce the amount of mayonnaise in the recipe by half and increase the lime juice or yogurt. This change cuts down on calories while still delivering a creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

This Mexican Street Corn Salad can be served in many versatile ways, making it perfect for any occasion:

• As a Side Dish: Pair it with grilled meats like carne asada, chicken, or pork for a delicious Cinco de Mayo feast.
• In Tacos: Use it as a topping for tacos or burritos for an added burst of flavor and texture.
• As a Dip: Serve it as a dip with tortilla chips for a fun appetizer at parties or gatherings.
• As a Main Dish: Make it a vegetarian main by adding black beans, diced avocado, or even some grilled tofu to the salad for added protein.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Corn: Corn should be just tender, not mushy. Be sure to grill or cook it just enough to enhance the flavor and texture, not overdo it.
2. Using the Wrong Cheese: Cotija cheese is a must for an authentic flavor. If you use a cheese like mozzarella, it will not give the same salty, crumbly texture.
3. Not Adjusting the Heat: Not everyone loves spicy food, so be sure to taste and adjust the chili powder and jalapeños to your desired heat level.
4. Skipping the Lime Juice: The tanginess from lime juice is essential to cut through the richness of the mayonnaise and sour cream. Don’t skip it!

Storing Tips for the Recipe

If you happen to have leftovers, here are a few tips on how to store the Mexican Street Corn Salad to maintain its freshness:

• In the Refrigerator: Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: While freezing is not recommended due to the texture of the corn, you can freeze the dressing separately and thaw before serving.
• Prepping Ahead: If you want to prep the salad ahead of time, you can make the dressing and corn in advance, but don’t mix them until you’re ready to serve. This keeps everything fresh.

Conclusion

Mexican Street Corn Salad is a refreshing, flavorful twist on the classic elote, making it perfect for any Cinco de Mayo gathering. With its creamy dressing, smoky flavors, and vibrant toppings, this dish is sure to become a crowd favorite at your celebration. It’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious—what more could you ask for?

We’d love for you to try this recipe and share your feedback in the comments! Feel free to leave a review or let us know how you personalized it for your family and friends. Don’t forget to subscribe for more fun and festive recipes like this one!

FAQs

1. Can I make Mexican Street Corn Salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the corn and dressing ahead of time, but it’s best to combine them right before serving to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.

2. Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the mayo for vegan mayo and the cotija cheese for a dairy-free cheese or avocado.

3. How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe allows you to control the heat by adjusting the chili powder and jalapeños. If you prefer a milder version, use less chili powder and skip the jalapeños.

4. Can I use frozen corn?
Absolutely! Frozen corn is a great option if fresh corn isn’t available. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the salad.

Print