Elote salad is a refreshing side dish that will take your taste buds on a summer adventure! Inspired by traditional Mexican street corn, elote salad is a clever twist on the classic. An enticing dressing bathes crisp and crunchy vegetables. The star of this salad is the charred corn kernels, which add smokiness throughout the dish. The textures and flavors will awaken your taste buds.
Elote Street Corn Salad
Each bite of elote street corn salad is a fiesta in your mouth. Featuring grilled corn kernels, crisp celery, colorful bell peppers, spicy jalapeno, and red onions, all tossed together in a tangy lime dressing. The sweet, smokey, and spicy flavors transport you to Mexico’s sunny beaches.
What makes the creamy salad unique? It is the surprise waiting in every spoonful. A generous sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco perfectly complements the charred corn. It adds a creamy, savory element to the mix.
The salad is a refreshing, simple side dish. Serve it with a backyard BBQ, Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches, or a potluck gathering. It pairs flawlessly with grilled meats, tacos or as a light, satisfying meal. However you serve it, this salad will steal the show.
The salad’s bold flavors and vibrant colors celebrate summer’s bounty. It is a culinary journey you will not want to miss. Elevate your taste experience with this clever combination of ingredients. Bring Mexico’s vibrant streets to your table. Get ready to fall in love with the Mexican street corn salad sensation!
Elote Street Corn Salad Ingredients
- 4-5 ears of corn, husks, and silks removed
- 1/2 cups diced celery
- 1-diced bell pepper
- 1 small diced red onion
- 1-jalapeno, seeds removed and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tbsp. chili powder
- 1/2 tbsp cumin
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions for Elote Street Corn Salad
Grill and Cut the Corn:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Grill the ears of corn, turning occasionally, until charred and cooked through.
- Allow the corn to cool.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the kernels off the cob and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
Prepare the Dressing:
- Add the lime juice, spices, mayo, and sour cream to a small bowl.
- Whisk until well combined
- Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble the Salad:
- Add the celery, red onion, bell pepper, jalapeno, and cilantro to the bowl with the corn kernels.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad.
- Toss gently to combine.
- Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese over the top of the salad.
- Toss one more time to coat everything.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Transfer the Elote Fiesta Twist Salad to a serving dish.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cotija cheese and a few cilantro leaves.
Elote Street Corn Salad Recipe Tips: Elevate Your Game
If you like Mexican street food, chances are you have tried elote at least once. This popular dish features grilled corn on the cob, slathered with mayo, and sprinkled with spices and cheese. The combination of flavors is irresistible.
Now imagine taking all those delicious elements and transforming them into a refreshing salad. That’s right, elote salad. It is an absolute game-changer for summer BBQs and gatherings. To help you perfect this delightful dish, here are some tips to remember.
Use Fresh Corn:
Instead of canned or frozen corn, choose sweet corn on the cob. The juiciness of freshly grilled corn adds flavor to your elote salad. Look for corn with plump, tight kernels and bright green husks for the best results.
Grill the Corn:
Grilling the corn is essential to achieve that smoky flavor and delightful char. Remove the husk and brush the cob with oil or butter. Cook it over medium-high heat until charred. This step takes elote salad to another level, infusing it with summertime favor.
Remove the Kernels:
Cut the kernels from the cob once they have cooled down. Hold the cob upright in a large bowl to avoid a mess. Cut them as close to the cob as possible, extracting all that delicious corn goodness.
Creamy Mayo Dressing:
The dressing is crucial to elote salad. Create a creamy sauce by mixing mayonnaise, lime juice, sour cream, or Greek yogurt. This combination adds a zesty kick but keeps the salad light and refreshing. Feel free to adjust the amount of mayo to your taste preferences.
Spice it up:
Traditional elote seasoning typically includes chili powder, cayenne pepper, and paprika. Experiment with different spices according to your preference. Add a pinch of cumin for smokiness, or sprinkle some Tajín seasoning for a tangy and mildly spicy twist.
Don’t Forget the Cheese:
A generous sprinkling of crumbled or grated cheese is essential. Cotija or feta cheese works best, adding a salty and tangy flavor. However, you can get creative and try a shredded Mexican cheese blend for that gooey goodness!
Customize with Add-ons:
While the classic elote salad is a phenomenon, you can tailor it to your liking. Add diced red onions, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or avocado chunks for freshness and crunch. Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions for a burst of flavor.
Elote salad is a versatile and delightful dish that seamlessly combines Mexican street food flavors with the ease of a salad. A light main course or a side dish, corn salad will satisfy your taste buds. Follow these tips and enjoy smoky, creamy, and zesty flavors.
Elote Street Corn Salad Alternatives
Elote Salad is that delicious Mexican corn salad with vibrant flavors. But if you want to switch things up and try something new, here are a few Elote Salad alternatives that will tantalize your taste buds and bring a burst of flavor to your summer meals!
Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad:
This salad pairs avocado’s creaminess with smoky grilled corn. It is a delightful combination. Add some tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro, and toss with a lime and olive oil dressing. You have a refreshing and satisfying salad, perfect for picnics or barbecues.
Southwest Quinoa Salad:
For a healthier alternative, swap the corn for quinoa! Cook and cool the quinoa before tossing it with black beans, diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, chopped avocado, and a sprinkle of feta cheese. The combination of nutty quinoa, creamy avocado, and tangy feta creates a unique and tasty salad that packs a punch.
Mediterranean Elote Salad:
Take a culinary journey to the Mediterranean with this twist on Elote Salad. Instead of traditional corn, use grilled zucchini slices as the base. Top it with cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh basil. Drizzle some lemon juice and olive oil to tie all the flavors together. This salad is a delightful fusion of Mexican and Mediterranean flavors that will transport you to sunny shores.
Hawaiian Pineapple Elote Salad:
If you like sweet and savory combinations, this variation is for you! Replace the corn with grilled pineapple and add diced red onions, jalapenos, cilantro, and crumbled cotija cheese. Add lime juice and chili powder for a burst of tropical flavors. This refreshing salad is perfect for summer gatherings or as a side dish to grilled meats.
Tex-Mex Elote Pasta Salad:
Combine the flavors of Elote Salad with pasta heartiness in this Tex-Mex twist! Cook your favorite pasta shape, like bowtie or rotini. Mix with grilled corn, diced red bell peppers, black beans, and chopped green onions. Toss in a dressing of mayo, lime juice, chili powder, and garlic. This filling and flavorful salad can be a main dish or a side salad at your next barbecue.
So, try these Elote Salad alternatives to spice up your salad game this summer. They offer flavors, textures, and ingredients that will delight your palate.
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