This vibrant Mexican Street Corn Salad recipe brings the beloved flavors of authentic elotes straight to your kitchen. Bursting with fresh summer corn, creamy dressing, and a spicy kick, it’s the ultimate side dish for barbecues, picnics, or any gathering. Easy to prepare and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, this salad will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.
What is Mexican Street Corn Salad? A Taste of Elotes
Mexican Street Corn Salad, also known as Esquites, is essentially deconstructed elotes. Elotes are a popular Mexican street food – grilled corn on the cob slathered in creamy mayonnaise, chili powder, lime juice, and cotija cheese. This salad captures all those irresistible flavors in a convenient, spoonable form. Perfect for those who love the taste of elotes but prefer a less messy eating experience, or want to serve a larger group.
Why This Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe Works
This recipe is designed to be both authentic in flavor and incredibly easy to make. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Authentic Elote Flavor: We stay true to the classic elotes taste profile, using ingredients like Cotija cheese, lime, and chili for that genuine Mexican street corn experience.
- Fresh Summer Corn: The star of the show is fresh summer corn, grilled to perfection for a smoky sweetness that elevates the entire salad.
- Quick & Easy: Minimal steps and readily available ingredients mean you can whip up this flavorful side dish in no time.
- Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or as a vibrant addition to your taco night. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, vegetarian mains, and everything in between.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors meld together beautifully as it chills, making it an ideal make-ahead dish for easy entertaining.
Close-up of vibrant Mexican Street Corn Salad in a white bowl, showcasing grilled corn, creamy dressing, cilantro, and red pepper flakes.
Key Ingredients for the Best Mexican Corn Salad
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create this flavorful salad:
- Fresh Corn: Sweet summer corn is essential. Grilling it adds a delicious smoky char that enhances the flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base reminiscent of traditional elotes. For a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or a combination of both. Vegan mayo works wonderfully too!
- Lime Juice & Zest: Essential for that signature tangy zest that cuts through the richness of the mayo and brightens the overall flavor.
- Garlic & Scallions: Add a savory, pungent depth. Scallions offer a milder oniony bite compared to red or white onions.
- Cotija Cheese: A hard, salty Mexican cheese that provides a crucial salty, umami punch. If unavailable, feta cheese is a good substitute.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note that is characteristic of Mexican cuisine.
- Smoked Paprika: Lends a smoky depth that complements the grilled corn and adds complexity. Chili powder is also a great alternative for a different kind of heat.
- Jalapeño: For a touch of spice! Adjust the amount to your preference. Pickled jalapeños can also be used for a tangy variation.
- Sea Salt: Brings all the flavors together and enhances the natural sweetness of the corn.
Overhead shot of ingredients for Mexican Street Corn Salad laid out on a wooden surface: grilled corn on the cob, lime, jalapeno, cilantro, spices, cotija cheese, and mayonnaise.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mexican Street Corn Salad
Making this salad is a breeze! Here’s a simple guide:
- Grill the Corn: Husk your corn and lightly brush with olive oil. Grill over medium-high heat until kernels are tender and slightly charred, turning occasionally.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lime juice, and lime zest.
- Combine Ingredients: Once the corn is cool enough to handle, cut the kernels off the cob. In a large bowl, combine the grilled corn kernels, chopped scallions, crumbled Cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, smoked paprika, and diced jalapeño.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the corn mixture and gently fold to combine everything evenly.
- Chill & Serve: For the best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serving Suggestions for Mexican Street Corn Salad
This salad is incredibly versatile! Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:
- As a Side Dish: Perfect alongside grilled chicken, steak, fish, or vegetarian burgers. It’s a fantastic addition to any barbecue or picnic spread.
- Taco Topping: Add a scoop to your tacos or nachos for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Burrito Bowl Addition: Incorporate it into burrito bowls with rice, beans, and your favorite toppings.
- Salad Enhancement: Mix it into a larger green salad for a burst of flavor and color.
- Party Appetizer: Serve it with tortilla chips for a fun and flavorful appetizer.
Mexican Street Corn Salad served in small bowls alongside grilled veggie burgers, suggesting it as a side dish for barbecues or picnics.
Variations to Make it Your Own
- Make it Vegan: Easily veganize this recipe by using vegan mayonnaise and omitting the Cotija cheese, or substituting with a plant-based feta alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Spice it Up: Increase the amount of jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat. You can also use a hotter pepper like Serrano for a more intense kick.
- Add Black Beans or Avocado: For extra heartiness and creaminess, add black beans or diced avocado to the salad.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley or chives in addition to or instead of cilantro.
This Mexican street corn salad recipe is a guaranteed hit. Its vibrant flavors and easy preparation make it the perfect side dish for any occasion. Give it a try and bring a taste of authentic Mexican street food to your table!
