Description
Elote Corn Salad captures the bold flavors of Mexican street corn in a creamy, tangy, slightly smoky side dish. Fresh corn, lime juice, Cotija cheese, and herbs combine to create a vibrant salad perfect for Cinco de Mayo, taco nights, BBQs, and summer gatherings.
Ingredients
4 cups corn kernels from fresh corn on the cob or thawed frozen corn
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the corn and cook until heated through and lightly charred in spots, about 5 to 7 minutes.
2. Transfer the cooked corn to a large mixing bowl and allow it to cool slightly.
3. Add the chopped red onion, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, smoked paprika, cumin, cilantro, and chives to the bowl.
4. Stir the mixture until the corn is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
5. Fold in most of the crumbled Cotija cheese and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the elote corn salad to a serving bowl and sprinkle the remaining Cotija cheese and extra herbs on top before serving.
Notes
Fresh grilled or roasted corn provides the best smoky flavor for this elote corn salad.
Frozen corn works well if thawed and patted dry before cooking.
Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a lighter dressing.
Parmesan cheese can substitute for Cotija if it is unavailable.
Adjust spice level by adding extra smoked paprika or chili powder if desired.
Serve slightly warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Cinco de Mayo Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
