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Flavorful Elote Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe with Cotija and Lime Perfect for Summer

elote Mexican street corn salad - featured image
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A creamy, tangy Mexican street corn salad featuring charred corn, cotija cheese, lime juice, and a hint of chili powder. Perfect for summer gatherings and quick to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears of fresh corn, shucked (or about 4 cups of frozen corn, thawed)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (120 ml)
  • ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese
  • Juice of 2 limes (about 3 tablespoons or 45 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: finely diced jalapeño for spicier version
  • Optional: thinly sliced green onions for extra crunch

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C).
  2. Grill the corn with husks removed, turning every 2–3 minutes until all sides have grill marks and some blackening, about 10–12 minutes.
  3. Let the corn cool slightly so you can handle it without burning your fingers.
  4. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the kernels off the cob by running the blade downward. Stand the cob upright in a bowl to avoid mess.
  5. Transfer the corn kernels to a large mixing bowl.
  6. Add mayonnaise, crumbled cotija cheese, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, chopped cilantro, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat every kernel.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Fold in jalapeño or green onions if using.
  8. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Notes

For a smokier flavor, char corn over an open flame or broil it, turning occasionally. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. If using frozen corn, pan-roast it to get golden spots. Salad is best eaten within 24 hours to avoid sogginess. Mayo can be substituted with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for dietary preferences.

Nutrition

Keywords: elote, Mexican street corn salad, cotija cheese, lime, summer salad, grilled corn, creamy corn salad, easy side dish

Find it online: https://novanosh.com/flavorful-elote-mexican-street-corn-salad-recipe-with-cotija-and-lime-perfect-for-summer/