3 Elote Salad Recipe

If you love the bold, creamy, and zesty flavors of Mexican street corn (elote), then you’re in for a treat! Elote salad is everything you adore about grilled corn slathered in crema, cotija, lime, and chili—just in a more scoopable, shareable form. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or meal-prepping for the week, this dish brings sunshine to your plate in every bite.

In this post, you’ll find three tasty variations of elote salad—classic, spicy avocado, and vegan—each with simple steps, flexible ingredients, and plenty of flavor.

Cooking Tools You’ll Need:

• Large skillet or grill pan

• Mixing bowls

• Cutting board & knife

• Measuring cups & spoons

• Spatula or spoon for mixing

• Citrus juicer (optional)

3 Elote Salad Recipes:

Get ready to spice up your meals with 3 irresistible Elote Salad recipes that bring the bold, zesty flavors of Mexican street corn to your table.  Read below to discover easy, flavor-packed ways to enjoy this creamy, tangy, and satisfying salad!

Recipe 1: Classic Elote Salad

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh corn (from about 5 ears or frozen and thawed)

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

• Juice of 1 lime

• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Grill the corn: If using fresh corn, grill it over medium-high heat until slightly charred (about 2–3 minutes per side), then cut the kernels off the cob.

2. Prep remaining ingredients: Chop cilantro, crumble cheese, and squeeze the lime.

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the grilled corn, mayo, sour cream, and lime juice.

2. Add cotija cheese, cilantro, chili powder, and smoked paprika.

3. Stir until well coated and season with salt and pepper.

4. Chill for 15 minutes or serve immediately.

Full recipes: Elote Salad

Recipe 2: Spicy Avocado Elote Salad

Ingredients:

• 4 cups grilled corn

• 1 ripe avocado, diced

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons sour cream

• 1/2 cup crumbled cotija

• 1/4 cup chopped red onion

• Juice of 1 lime

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• Salt to taste

Preparation:

1. Grill or pan-roast corn and cut from cob if fresh.

2. Dice avocado and red onion.

3. Crumble cotija and prep remaining ingredients.

Instructions:

1. Mix grilled corn, red onion, mayo, sour cream, lime juice, and cayenne in a bowl.

2. Gently fold in the avocado and cotija.

3. Taste and adjust seasoning.

4. Serve fresh or refrigerate for later.

Full Recipes: Avocado Elote Salad

Recipe 3: Vegan Elote Salad

Ingredients:

• 4 cups corn (grilled or pan-roasted)

• 1/4 cup vegan mayo

• 2 tablespoons lime juice

• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)

• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

• 1/4 cup chopped scallions

• 1 minced garlic clove

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Pinch of cumin

• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Grill or cook corn until slightly charred.

2. Chop cilantro and scallions.

3. Mix lime juice, vegan mayo, and spices into a dressing.

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, toss corn with the dressing.

2. Stir in cilantro and scallions.

3. Chill before serving for best flavor.

4. Garnish with extra herbs or vegan cheese if desired.

Full Recipes Vegan Mexican Street Corn Salad

 

Pro Tips:

• Charring is key: A smoky char brings out the traditional “street corn” flavor.

• Fresh vs frozen: Frozen corn works well, but fresh off-the-cob is next-level.

• Customize the heat: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chili powder for spice lovers.

• Double the batch: It disappears fast at parties—make extra!

Serving Ideas:

• As a side dish with grilled meats, tacos, or burgers

• Scooped with tortilla chips like a chunky dip

• Over a bed of romaine as a main salad

• Tucked into tacos, quesadillas, or burritos

• Alongside other summer salads for a colorful potluck spread

Extra Add-Ons:

• Crumbled bacon for a smoky crunch

• Diced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra kick

• Black beans for added protein

• Chopped cherry tomatoes or red bell pepper

• A sprinkle of Tajín or lime zest for zippiness

• Swap cotija with feta or parmesan if unavailable

Nutrition Stats (Per 1-Cup Serving):

Values may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Key Takeaway:

Elote salad is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn into an easy-to-make, serve-anywhere form. Whether you stick with the classic, spice it up with avocado, or go totally plant-based, you’ll have a bold, creamy, crave-worthy salad that’s perfect for any occasion.

Thanks for Reading!

Thanks for stopping by and checking out these elote salad recipes! I hope you found one (or all three) to love and make on repeat. Don’t forget to bookmark this page, share it with a friend, or pin it for later.

FAQs:

Can I make elote salad ahead of time?
Yes! It keeps well in the fridge for 2–3 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving.

Is it spicy?
Only mildly. You can dial the heat up or down depending on your chili or cayenne preferences.

Can I use canned corn?
Absolutely! Just drain and dry it before charring in a skillet for best flavor.

What if I can’t find cotija cheese?
Feta is a great substitute with a similar salty, crumbly texture.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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