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.
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❤️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!
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
- 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!
🧑🍳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.
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📖 GET THE RECIPE! 🍽️
Mexican-Style Elote (Corn) Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
- Category: Side
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
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!
Equipment needed: 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!
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.
Ramona says
Wow, this looks amazing! What could I sub the cotija cheese for? I am not sure I will find that here - is it similar to cottage cheese?
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Hi Ramona,
You can sub the Cotija cheese with grated parmesan or romano. Enjoy! Let me know how it turned out for you. Thanks for trying the recipe.
Genevieve says
Elote corn is so good and this salad looks incredible! I can't wait to make it.
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Thanks, Genevieve! Let me know how it turns out for you.
Kim Beaulieu says
This is the perfect corn salad recipe. We gobbled it up so quickly!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Thank you! I’m so glad you loved it — sounds like this corn salad didn’t stand a chance! 😄 Love it!
Nora says
My little girl loves corn salad, so I tried your recipe. She was so delighted! We are making this more often for sure!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Awh. Thank you! That’s so sweet to hear — sounds like you’ve got a little corn salad fan in the making.❤️😊
Nicole Kendrick says
This is such a delicious corn salad. I really love the bold flavors.
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Thank you! I’m so happy you enjoyed it. 😊