Mexican-Style Elote (Corn) Salad Recipe

Modified: Jan 19, 2026 · Published: Nov 16, 2024 by Juyali (ju-ja-lee) · This post may contain affiliate links · 34 Comments

Jump to Recipe

5 from 14 votes

You will love the sweetness of the corn, combined with a tangy flavor and a hint of spice, in this delicious Mexican-Style Elote (Corn) Salad Recipe. A perfect mix of fresh corn kernels, creamy yogurt and mayo, lime, and smoky spices, this dish transforms traditional Mexican Street Corn into an easy way to enjoy it in salad form.

With simple ingredients and the delicious flavor of air-fried corn, this salad is the perfect side dish for any occasion. It’s like a bite of Mexico in every spoonful!

This Elote Salad is inspired by traditional Elote sold by street vendors in the streets of Mexico. This popular Mexican Street Food is typically served on the cob and slathered with mayo, cheese, salty cotija cheese, chili, and lime. I use a combination of cayenne pepper and ground chipotle peppers for an extra little bit of heat and extra smoky flavor.

This salad version, also known as an Esquites recipe (a delicious Mexican snack), is a more convenient way to enjoy these flavors. It’s a lettuce-less salad packed with the best fresh produce, perfect for summer months and even summer potlucks.

A healthy take on the traditional version, it’s a great option for those who love mexican street corn recipes but want the versatility of a salad.

Jump to:

❤️Why You Will Love This Mexican Corn Salad Recipe
Equipment
Salad Ingredients and Substitutions
How to Make This Recipe
Recipe Variations
Storage suggestions
Serving Suggestions for Elote Salad
⭐Leave a review!
Related Recipes
Pairing Suggestions
📖 GET THE RECIPE! 🍽️

❤️Why You Will Love This Mexican Corn Salad Recipe

This mildly spicy Mexican Street Corn Salad has everything you crave; if you are making Mexican Corn Salad for the first time, you are in for a treat!
Uses a Creamy Lime Dressing that brings a tangy, zesty twist. The sweetness of the corn paired with smoky spices creates a good mix of flavors that you’ll want to make again and again.
Perfect Summer Salad! - an easy recipe perfect for hot summer days.
Packed with fresh produce, it’s one of my favorite sides for bbqs or picnics.
Ideal for meal prep - making it a perfect healthy lunch or a crowd-pleasing easy side dish.

Equipment

Large Bowl for mixing the corn mixture. Small bowl to whisk the creamy sauce and the remaining dressing ingredients.

Salad Ingredients and Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need for the the BEST RESULTS!

ongredients for Mexican-Style Corn Elote Salad Recipe

See the Printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities

Fresh corn – use fresh sweet corn for the best taste, but frozen corn or canned corn works too.
Butter melted – helps add a roasted flavor when air-fried; substitute with olive oil or avocado oil.
Mayo – use traditional mayonnaise or light mayo for a lower-calorie option.
Plain greek yogurt – swap with sour cream or mexican crema.
A mix of Ground chipotle peppers – brings a little bit of smokiness; red chili powder works too and Cayenne pepper – adjust the heat to your preference. Garlic Powder and Salt.
Fresh lime juice – fresh is vital for the best flavor.
Cotija Cheese – Cotija is a delicious crumbly Mexican cheese now more easily found in grocery stores. But if you can’t find it, substitute with Feta Cheese or Parmesan Cheese for a similar salty tang. I do NOT recommend Queso Fresco cheese in this recipe.
Chopped fresh cilantro – adds a bright color and herbaceous flavor.

How to Make This Recipe

In this recipe, I will provide three different ways to cook the corn for the method that better suits you.

Air Fryer Method

corn on the cob for Mexican-Style Corn Elote Salad Recipe

Preheat the air fryer to 385°F.
Brush corn ears with melted butter.

corn on the cob in air fryer for Mexican-Style Corn Elote Salad Recipe

Place in the air fryer basket and cook for 7-10 minutes at 385°F, turning halfway to char evenly.
Remove and let cool before cutting off the corn kernels into a big bowl.

Would you like to save this recipe?

We'll email this recipe post to you, so you can come back to it later!

Stove Top Method

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. I recommend using a Cast Iron Pan to char the corn for a deeper flavor.
Remove the kernels from the corn cobs, heat the butter, and cook for 5 minutes until slightly charred and soft. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and cool down.

Grilled Corn Method

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Brush the ears of corn with the melted butter and grill corn for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally for an even char.
Remove and let cool before cutting off the corn kernels into a big bowl.

Prepare the dresssing and assemble de salad

creamy lime dressing for Mexican-Style Corn Elote Salad Recipe

In a small bowl mix yogurt, mayo, lime juice, and spices. Mix well.

gathered prepared ingredients for Mexican-Style Corn Elote Salad Recipe

In the large bowl, toss the corn kernels with the dressing and remaining ingredients. Stir until everything is coated.
Top with extra cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of cayenne for color and a spicy kick!

Recipe Variations

This Mexican Style Corn Salad has all the main ingredients in the more traditional recipe. Here are some suitable ingredient variations for extra flavor and texture.

Add red bell pepper or red onion for extra crunch.
Add diced Jalapeño Pepper or a splash of hot sauce for more spice.
Garnish with Green Onions for a fresh twist.

Storage suggestions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Serving Suggestions for Elote Salad

Serve with tortilla chips for a party-friendly appetizer.
Pair with burrito bowls or this Shrimp Bowl Recipe
Enjoy as a side for Pollo Asado or Carne Asada.
Top your favorite Mexican Street Tacos for added crunch and flavor.

⭐Leave a review!

Make a big impact by showing some love to your favorite food creators with just a click!

Your comments and ratings are crucial for supporting the culinary creators you love! ❤️ If you've tried this recipe or have any questions, don't hesitate – please take a moment to leave a rating by clicking the stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐below and leave a comment ?

Plus share your delightful photos on social media using #alatinflair or by tagging us @alatinflair

Your engagement helps us grow and keeps the foodie community buzzing!
Happy cooking! And Buen Provecho!
And thanks for visiting A Latin Flair! Gracias! ?

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

See more Main Dishes and Dinner →

Pairing Suggestions

📖 GET THE RECIPE! 🍽️

Mexican-Style Elote (Corn) Salad Recipe

This vibrant Mexican-Style Elote (Corn) Salad Recipe brings the flavors of traditional Mexican street corn into a quick, easy-to-make dish! Made with charred sweet corn, creamy lime dressing, smoky spices, and salty cotija cheese, it’s the perfect side dish for any meal. Enjoy it as a salad, dip, or topping!

5 from 14 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Side

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: elote mexicano

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 30

Servings: Servings

Calories: 285kcal

Author: Juyali (ju-ja-lee)

Equipment

An air fryer, skillet, or grill depending on the cooking method you choose. A couple of bowls to prepare the dressing and mix the salad.

Ingredients

4 Ears of Fresh Corn
2 tablespoons Butter Melted
1/4 cup Mayo
1/4 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
1/2 teaspoon Ground Chipotle Peppers
1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/4 teaspoon Kosher or Sea Salt
1 tablespoon Fresh Lime Juice
1/2 cup Cotija Cheese
1/4 cup chopped Fresh Cilantro.

Instructions

In this recipe, I will provide three different ways to cook the corn for the method that better suits you.

Air Fryer Method
Preheat the air fryer to 385°F. Brush corn ears with melted butter. Place in the air fryer basket and cook for 7-10 minutes at 385°F, turning halfway to char evenly. Remove and let cool before cutting off the corn kernels into a big bowl.
Stove Top Method
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. I recommend using a Cast Iron Pan to char the corn for a deeper flavor. Remove the kernels from the corn cobs, heat the butter, and cook for 5 minutes until slightly charred and soft. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and cool down.
Grilled Corn Method
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Brush the ears of corn with the melted butter and grill corn for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally for an even char. Remove and let cool before cutting off the corn kernels into a big bowl.
Prepare the dresssing and assemble de salad
In a small bowl mix yogurt, mayo, lime juice, and spices. Mix well. In the large bowl, toss the corn kernels with the dressing and remaining ingredients. Stir until everything is coated. Top with extra cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of cayenne for color and a spicy kick!

Would you like to save this recipe?

We'll email this recipe post to you, so you can come back to it later!

Notes

Serving Suggestions for Elote Salad
- Serve with tortilla chips for a party-friendly appetizer.
- Pair with burrito bowls or this Shrimp Bowl Recipe
- Enjoy as a side for Pollo Asado or Carne Asada.
- Top your favorite Mexican Street Tacos for added crunch and flavor.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Nutrition

Comments

5 from 14 votes

Mexican-Style Elote (Corn) Salad Recipe

❤️Why You Will Love This Mexican Corn Salad Recipe

Equipment

Salad Ingredients and Substitutions