Easy Elote Corn Salad

A creamy, tangy, and smoky corn salad that embodies the flavors of Mexican street corn. Perfect for potlucks and easy to prepare, this salad is a fun and summery dish.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 210

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 cups Corn, fresh or frozen, cut off the cob If using frozen corn, thaw and pat dry; skillet-char for extra flavor.
1 cup Mayonnaise Can substitute half with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter version.
2 tablespoons Lime juice Fresh lime juice is recommended.
1 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled Feta cheese can be used as a substitute.

Seasonings

1 clove Garlic, grated or minced Adds flavor to the dressing.
1 teaspoon Chili powder or Tajín Adjust according to heat preference.
2 tablespoons Cilantro, chopped (optional) Adds freshness; can be omitted.
2 stalks Green onion, chopped Provides crunch.
to taste Salt and pepper Season according to preference.

Method

Preparation

Cook the corn. For fresh corn, quickly char it in a skillet. If using frozen, thaw, dry, and brown it in a skillet for enhanced flavor.
In a bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, and a pinch of salt.
Add the cooked corn, green onion, cilantro, and cotija cheese to the bowl. Mix well and taste.
If time allows, chill the salad for 20 minutes before serving. Adjust lime or chili as desired.

Notes

This salad is versatile and can be enjoyed with tortilla chips, tacos, or as a side to grilled meats. It can be made ahead for parties. To enhance flavor, save some cotija for garnish and fresh lime wedges for serving.