Elote Corn Salad: A Flavorful Summer Delight

Elote Corn Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines the sweet, smoky flavors of Mexican street corn with a medley of wholesome ingredients. This delightful salad not only excites your taste buds but also adds a pop of color to any table setting. Whether served as a side at barbecues or a main dish during summer gatherings, this corn salad pleases everyone.
Furthermore, the beauty of Elote Corn Salad lies in its versatility. You can easily customize it with your favorite herbs, spices, or toppings. As a result, it’s perfect for both casual meals and special occasions. With its creamy dressing and zesty accents, this corn-based salad is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
What Makes This Salad Special:
Elote Corn Salad stands out with its vibrant flavors reminiscent of traditional Mexican street corn. Unlike your typical side salad, this dish combines juicy corn, zesty lime, and creamy cheese, creating a delicious medley that excites the palate. The smoky hints from grilled corn lend a depth that sets it apart, while a sprinkle of chili powder adds a gentle kick.
Moreover, the versatility of this salad allows it to shine at barbecues, picnics, or as a delightful accompaniment to grilled meats, like in our Street Corn Chicken Tacos. There’s something truly special about the way fresh cilantro complements the rich flavors, making every bite so refreshing. The creamy dressing enhances but doesn’t overpower the sweetness of the corn, making it an appealing option for everyone, even those who might be hesitant about salads. This Elote Corn Salad is not just a dish; it’s an experience that celebrates vibrant summer flavors!

Ingredients for Elote Corn Salad:
Prepare a vibrant and delicious Elote Corn Salad with these fresh ingredients. This salad combines the sweet taste of corn with zesty flavors, making it a perfect side dish for your next gathering!
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Corn, husks removed | 8 ears |
Red onion, diced | 1/2 cup |
Unsalted butter | 2 Tablespoons |
Sour cream | 1/2 cup |
Fresh lime juice | 2 Tablespoons |
Smoked paprika | 1/2 teaspoon |
Cumin | 3/4 teaspoon |
Cilantro, chopped | 1/2 cup |
Fresh chives, chopped | 2 Tablespoons |
Cotija cheese, crumbled | 1/2 cup |
To elevate your experience, try pairing this salad with other delightful recipes like Mexican street corn salad. The combination of flavors will surely impress your guests, making any meal memorable.
Whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a picnic, this Elote-inspired salad adds a refreshing twist. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it brings a taste of Mexico right to your table!
How to Prepare Elote Corn Salad:
Step | Instruction |
---|---|
1 | Grill or boil 8 ears of corn until tender. Let cool and cut the kernels off. |
2 | In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. |
3 | Sauté ½ cup of diced red onion for about 3 minutes, until translucent. |
4 | In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn and sautéed onions. |
5 | Add ½ cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons lime juice, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, and ¾ teaspoon cumin. Mix well. |
6 | Stir in ½ cup chopped cilantro and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives. |
7 | Top with ½ cup crumbled Cotija cheese and serve immediately. |
For more delicious variations, explore the Elote Salad Recipe. Enjoy this delightful and colorful salad at your next gathering!
Tips for the Best Elote Corn Salad:
Creating a vibrant and delicious Elote Corn Salad is all about fresh ingredients and balanced flavors. First, always choose sweet corn during peak season for the best taste. You can either grill the corn or use canned or frozen varieties, but fresh is advisable for flavor. Consider adding a squeeze of lime juice to enhance the corn’s natural sweetness and provide a zesty kick. Don’t skimp on the cheese; cotija cheese is traditional, but feta works great too.
Additionally, including cilantro adds freshness, while chili powder gives it an authentic kick. For added texture, mix in some diced bell peppers or avocado, which also pairs wonderfully in other dishes like avocado chickpea salad wraps. Lastly, let the salad chill for a little while before serving. This resting time allows flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in an irresistible dish every time!
Variations :
Elote Corn Salad is versatile and can be customized to fit various tastes and occasions. One delicious twist is adding black beans for extra protein and fiber. This option creates a more filling meal, perfect for lunch or a side dish during a barbecue. Additionally, you can spice things up by incorporating diced jalapeños for a bit of heat, creating a delightful contrast with the creamy dressing.
For a fresh twist, consider including diced avocado, which adds richness and a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a satisfying vegetarian option, pair this salad with a Greek salad in a jar or even serve it alongside grilled chicken. Combining flavors not only enhances the dining experience but also gives you a chance to explore new tastes. Try adding grilled corn for a smoky flavor that elevates the dish further. Each variation allows you to experiment while keeping the essence of Elote Corn Salad intact.
Storage Tips for Elote Corn Salad:
To keep your delicious Elote Corn Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3 days for optimal flavor. If you have leftovers, consider using them in a refreshing variation like a Mexican Street Corn Salad, which can be made into a vibrant side dish. Always give it a good stir before serving!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is Elote Corn Salad?
Elote Corn Salad is a vibrant dish inspired by the classic Mexican street corn, or elote. It combines fresh corn, creamy dressing, lime juice, and spices to create a deliciously refreshing salad. This dish is perfect as a side item at cookouts or a stand-alone vegetarian option.
How can I make Elote Corn Salad healthier?
To enhance the health benefits of your Elote Corn Salad, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for the dressing. Additionally, you can add more vegetables, such as bell peppers and red onions, to increase the nutritional value while maintaining crunch and flavor.
Can I prepare Elote Corn Salad in advance?
Yes! Elote Corn Salad can be prepared ahead of time. Just remember to mix the corn and dressing separately to keep the salad fresh and the corn crisp. Toss everything together shortly before serving for the best results.
Is Elote Corn Salad gluten-free?
Indeed, Elote Corn Salad is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent option for those with gluten sensitivities. Just ensure that the ingredients, especially any pre-packaged items, are labeled gluten-free to avoid any issues.

Elote Corn Salad: A Flavorful Summer Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Elote Corn Salad is a creamy, zesty, and smoky Mexican street corn salad perfect for BBQs and summer meals. Easy to make and full of flavor.
Ingredients
8 ears of fresh corn, husks removed
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup red onion, finely diced
½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for lighter version)
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¾ teaspoon ground cumin
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
½ cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: diced jalapeño, avocado chunks, black beans
Instructions
-
Grill or boil the corn until cooked through and slightly charred. Let it cool and cut the kernels off the cob.
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In a large skillet, melt the butter and sauté the red onion until translucent, about 3 minutes.
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In a large bowl, combine corn kernels and cooked onion.
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Add the sour cream, lime juice, paprika, and cumin. Mix well until everything is coated.
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Fold in cilantro, chives, and Cotija cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Chill for 15–30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
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Serve cold or at room temperature. Garnish with extra cheese or herbs if desired.
Notes
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For a smoky flavor, always grill the corn instead of boiling.
-
Substitute feta cheese if Cotija is unavailable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilled, Mixed
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: Elote corn salad, Mexican street corn salad, grilled corn salad, summer corn side dish, creamy elote salad, easy corn salad, cilantro lime corn, cotija corn salad, picnic salad, BBQ side