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Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote Salad)

Close-up of creamy, charred corn kernels topped with crumbled white cheese, red onion, and cilantro, ready to eat as street corn salad.
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Make this creamy, zesty Mexican Street Corn Salad at home. It captures the bold flavor of street corn in a simple side dish perfect for BBQs and potlucks.

Ingredients

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  • 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (thawed if frozen)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
  • 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta 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 ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)

Instructions

  1. If using frozen corn, thaw it. If you want a charred flavor, heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned in spots, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth. This is your creamy dressing.
  3. Add the cooled corn, red onion, cilantro, and minced jalapeño (if using) to the dressing.
  4. Gently fold all the ingredients together until the corn and vegetables are evenly coated in the dressing.
  5. Stir in half of the crumbled Cotija cheese.
  6. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.
  7. Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
  8. Before serving, transfer the salad to a serving dish and sprinkle the remaining Cotija cheese over the top.

Notes

  • For a smoky flavor without grilling, you can add 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the dressing mixture.
  • If you are making this ahead of time, wait to mix in the cilantro and Cotija cheese until just before serving to keep them fresh.
  • Serve this salad with tortilla chips for a street corn dip style experience.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastethisplate.com/street-corn-salad-recipe-easy-elote-salad/