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Easy Creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote Salad)

A white bowl filled with charred street corn salad topped with crumbled white cheese, red onion, and fresh cilantro.
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Make this zesty and creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad, also known as Esquites or Elote Salad. It is a simple side dish perfect for BBQs, picnics, or serving with tacos.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 small red onion, finely diced
  • 1 jalapeño, minced (remove seeds for less heat)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil for charring corn

Instructions

  1. If using fresh or frozen corn, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn and cook, stirring occasionally, until kernels are lightly charred, about 5 to 7 minutes. If using canned corn, skip this step or briefly toast the drained corn for 2 minutes. Let the corn cool slightly.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and cumin until smooth. This is your creamy dressing base.
  3. Add the cooled corn, crumbled Cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, diced red onion, and minced jalapeño to the dressing.
  4. Stir all ingredients together until the corn is evenly coated in the creamy mixture.
  5. Season the salad with salt and black pepper to your taste.
  6. For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the street corn salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to combine.
  7. Serve cold or at room temperature, perhaps with an extra sprinkle of Cotija cheese or a lime wedge.

Notes

  • For an authentic smoky flavor without grilling, add 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the dressing mixture.
  • If you cannot find Cotija cheese, substitute it with feta cheese, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
  • This salad works well as a dip; serve it with tortilla chips for an appetizer.

Nutrition

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