Elote Corn Salad

If you’re ready to savor summer on a plate, let me introduce you to Elote Corn Salad, a dish that captures all the smoky, creamy, tangy magic of Mexican street corn in a vibrant, shareable bowl. Perfect for cookouts, potlucks, or a weeknight treat, this salad brings together charred corn, creamy dressing, zesty lime, and salty Cotija cheese for a symphony of textures and flavors. It’s no wonder this recipe has become a recurring favorite in my kitchen every corn season!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Elote Corn Salad celebrates really simple but seriously essential ingredients. Each component adds its own pop of taste, texture, or color, turning everyday corn into a dish that’s anything but ordinary.

• Corn: Fresh sweet corn is the absolute star here—charring it brings incredible depth and a bit of smokiness.
• Red onion: Adds sharpness and a gorgeous pop of color; dice finely for the best distribution.
• Unsalted butter: Melting it into the warm corn gives a silky texture and another layer of richness.
• Sour cream: This is the creamy base that binds everything together and delivers classic elote comfort.
• Fresh lime juice: The secret weapon for bright, tangy flavor—it lightens every bite.
• Smoked paprika: Adds gentle smokiness and a hint of color that makes each bite a little more special.
• Cumin: Warm and earthy, it gives the salad complexity and depth without overpowering the corn.
• Cilantro: For fresh, herbal flavor and a lovely burst of green—don’t skip it unless absolutely necessary!
• Chopped fresh chives: Their mild onion flavor rounds everything out and adds another shot of green.
• Cotija cheese: Crumbly, salty, and unmistakably authentic; it’s what pushes this salad over the top.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all those vibrant flavors into perfect balance.

How to Make Elote Corn Salad

Step 1: Grill and Prep the Corn

Start by grilling your corn, which is truly where most of the magic happens. Whether you use an outdoor grill for that backyard sizzle or a stovetop grill pan for convenience, cook the corn until it’s beautifully charred on all sides, rotating every few minutes. As soon as it’s cool enough to handle, carefully slice off the kernels using a sharp knife—try standing the cob upright in a big bowl for a mess-free hack.

Step 2: Build the Salad Base

Transfer those sweet, smoky kernels to a large bowl. While the corn is still warm, add the diced red onion right on top. The heat helps mellow the onion just enough while still keeping its fresh crunch.

Step 3: Mix in Creamy Goodness

Next, stir in the unsalted butter, letting it melt into the warm corn and onions, then follow with the sour cream and fresh lime juice. This creamy duo is what makes each bite feel both luscious and light.

Step 4: Add the Signature Spices

Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and cumin, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. These spices are the little details that shift the flavor from “just corn salad” to unmistakable Elote Corn Salad territory.

Step 5: Finish with Herbs and Cheese

Now for the fun part—fold in the chopped cilantro, fresh chives, and crumbled Cotija cheese. This final combination brightens the salad, delivers those traditional flavors, and provides excellent texture. Taste and adjust with an extra squeeze of lime, more cheese, or a pinch more salt if needed. Serve immediately for the freshest, most vibrant flavor.

How to Serve Elote Corn Salad

Garnishes

A final scattering of fresh cilantro, a few more crumbles of Cotija cheese, and maybe an extra dusting of smoked paprika will make your Elote Corn Salad look (and taste!) absolutely irresistible. I love finishing with a squeeze of lime just before serving for a hit of zing right on top.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with all your summer favorites. Try serving it alongside grilled meats, tacos, or even simple roasted veggies. Elote Corn Salad also makes a fabulous topping for nachos or inside burrito bowls—the possibilities are endless!

Creative Ways to Present

Want to really wow your guests? Spoon the salad into individual cups for a party-friendly appetizer, or heap it over a bed of crunchy lettuce for a light lunch. You can also pile the corn salad on top of grilled avocado halves for a super unique spin!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, simply transfer your Elote Corn Salad to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to two days—sometimes the flavors get even better as they mingle overnight!

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, as the creamy elements and fresh herbs tend to lose their texture and brightness after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or after a short stint in the fridge!

Reheating

Most fans agree: Elote Corn Salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If you do want to warm it up, gently reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring often, just until it loses its chill. Avoid overheating to preserve the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen or canned corn instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If fresh corn isn’t in season, eight cups of canned (drained) or thawed frozen corn work perfectly. You can even lightly char it in a hot skillet for extra flavor before mixing the salad.

What cheeses can I substitute for Cotija?

If you can’t find Cotija cheese, try crumbled feta, queso fresco, or even a little grated Parmesan. Each option brings its own twist but all keep that signature salty tang.

Can I make Elote Corn Salad in advance?

Yes! You can prep and combine everything up to one day ahead and keep it tightly covered in the fridge. Just give it a good stir and add a touch more lime or cheese before serving if needed.

Is Elote Corn Salad spicy?

This version is mild, relying mostly on smoked paprika and cumin. If you’re craving a kick, add chopped jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or even a sprinkle of chili powder to suit your spice preferences.

How do I make this salad dairy-free?

Swap the sour cream and butter for your favorite plant-based alternatives, and use a non-dairy cheese or skip it—the salad will still be delicious, bright, and ultra-satisfying.

Final Thoughts

Bursting with flavor and impossible to resist, Elote Corn Salad is a surefire way to steal the spotlight at any meal. Give it a try, and I’m confident it’ll find a permanent place in your summer recipe rotation—you might even catch yourself eating it straight from the bowl!

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