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Irresistible Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe (Elotes Salad)

This vibrant Mexican street corn salad brings all the authentic flavors of elotes right to your table with creamy, tangy corn combined with zesty lime, spicy chili, and salty cotija cheese. Perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, or as a fresh weeknight side, this easy-to-serve salad transforms classic street corn into a crowd-pleasing dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 6 ears fresh corn, husked
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Lime wedges for serving

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the corn ears lightly with oil and grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until kernels are tender and slightly charred. Alternatively, you can roast the corn in a 400°F oven for 20-25 minutes.
  2. Once the corn is cool enough to handle, stand each ear upright on a cutting board and carefully slice downward to remove the kernels. Transfer the corn kernels to a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Mexican crema, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), and minced garlic until smooth and well combined.
  4. Pour the dressing over the corn kernels. Add the chopped red onion, cilantro, and half of the cotija cheese. Gently toss everything together until the corn is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
  5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with the remaining cotija cheese. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for extra zing!

Notes

Grill for best smoky flavor; can be made 2 hours ahead; adjust spice level to preference; feta works as cotija substitute; fresh corn recommended for best flavor