Mexican street corn, also known as elote, is a beloved street food known for its rich flavors and creamy, tangy goodness. This Mexican Street Corn Salad takes all the bold flavors of traditional elote and transforms them into a delicious, easy-to-eat dish perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or a simple weeknight side. Packed with roasted corn, creamy dressing, zesty lime, and a little kick of spice, this salad is sure to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold & Tangy Flavor: A perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and creamy flavors.
Easy to Make: Ready in under 20 minutes!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it as a side dish, dip, or taco topping.
Customizable: Adjust the heat and ingredients to suit your taste.

Mexican Street Corn Salad (Bold & Tangy!)

Kev

A bold and tangy Mexican Street Corn Salad packed with charred corn, creamy dressing, zesty lime, and a kick of spice. Perfect as a side dish or dip for a fresh, flavorful bite!

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine Comfort Food, Mexican, street food, Tex-Mex

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

4 cups corn kernels fresh, frozen, or canned
2 tbsp butter or olive oil for a lighter option
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt for a healthier twist
1/2 cup cotija cheese or feta cheese
1 tsp chili powder adjust for spice preference
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 clove garlic minced
Juice of 1 lime
1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
1/2 tsp salt or to taste
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional for extra heat

Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Corn

For an authentic smoky flavor, roast the corn:
Stovetop: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and corn, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred (about 5-7 minutes).
Grill: For a more authentic touch, grill fresh corn on the cob over medium heat until lightly charred, then cut the kernels off the cob.

Step 2: Mix the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Add the roasted corn to the bowl with the dressing. Stir in the cotija cheese and fresh cilantro. If you love extra spice, sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with extra cheese, cilantro, and a lime wedge. Enjoy warm or chilled!

Notes

Corn Options: You can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn for this salad. Fresh corn provides the best flavor, but frozen or canned are great time-savers.
Charred Corn: For an authentic street corn flavor, grill or char the corn in a skillet for a few minutes until slightly crispy. This step adds a nice smokiness.
Cheese: If you can’t find cotija cheese, feta cheese is a good substitute, though cotija has a more crumbly texture and saltier flavor.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder, cayenne, and smoked paprika to match your spice tolerance. You can also leave out the cayenne for a milder version.
Make Ahead: The salad can be made ahead of time, but it’s best served fresh for the most vibrant flavors. If storing, keep the dressing separate to avoid sogginess.
Storage: If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Keyword Mexican corn salad, elote salad, street corn, spicy corn salad, summer salad, tangy corn, easy side dish, creamy corn, Mexican-inspired salad, vegetarian salad, charred corn recipe.

Serve the dish and garnish with extra cheese, cilantro, and a lime wedge. Enjoy warm or chilled!

Pro Tips for the Best Street Corn Salad

Use Fresh Corn: If possible, use fresh corn on the cob for the best flavor.
Char for Authentic Flavor: Light charring adds a smoky depth.
Adjust the Spice: Add more chili powder or cayenne for extra heat.
Make it a Meal: Serve over grilled chicken or tacos for a full meal.

Variations & Substitutions

Healthier Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayonnaise.
Cheese Options: If cotija isn’t available, feta or Parmesan works well.
Add Crunch: Toss in some chopped jalapeños or diced bell peppers for extra texture.
Vegan-Friendly: Substitute dairy with vegan mayo and plant-based cheese.

What to Serve with Mexican Street Corn Salad

This versatile dish pairs well with:

Grilled meats like steak, chicken, or shrimp.
Tacos, burritos, or quesadillas.
Tortilla chips for a dip-like experience.
A fresh avocado or black bean salad for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add lime juice and fresh cilantro just before serving for the freshest taste.

Can I use frozen corn? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat it dry before roasting to prevent excess moisture.

Is this dish spicy? It has a mild kick, but you can adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the chili powder and cayenne pepper.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Street Corn Salad is the ultimate side dish for any gathering. It’s bold, tangy, and packed with irresistible flavors that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you serve it warm or cold, as a side or a dip, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit!

Give this recipe a try and let us know how you liked it in the comments below. Don’t forget to share it with your friends and family!