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Creamy Elote Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe Easy Spicy Kick

creamy elote Mexican street corn salad - featured image
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A creamy, smoky, and spicy Mexican street corn salad that is quick and easy to prepare, perfect as a fresh and indulgent side dish for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 5 ears) – grilled or roasted
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
  • Extra chopped cilantro and lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Husk corn and remove silk, then grill ears directly on grates, turning occasionally, until charred in spots and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Alternatively, broil corn on a baking sheet, turning every 2-3 minutes until charred on all sides.
  2. Let grilled corn cool slightly. Stand each ear upright on a cutting board and carefully slice off kernels to yield about 4 cups.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Mexican crema (or sour cream), lime juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  4. Add corn kernels, chopped red onion, and cilantro to the dressing. Gently fold together with a spatula until corn is evenly coated.
  5. Transfer salad to a serving bowl. Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese on top, add extra cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.
  6. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to meld flavors. Stir gently before serving if chilled.

Notes

If fresh corn is unavailable, use frozen kernels thawed and patted dry before grilling or roasting. For dairy-free, substitute vegan mayo and coconut yogurt for crema. Adjust chili powder and cayenne for desired spice level. Lime juice and chili powder are essential for flavor balance. Roasting corn in a skillet is an alternative if no grill or broiler is available.

Nutrition

Keywords: elote, Mexican street corn, corn salad, creamy corn salad, spicy corn salad, summer side dish, grilled corn salad

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