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Flavorful Elote Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe Easy Smoky Twist

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A creamy, smoky Mexican street corn salad with a chipotle twist, perfect for potlucks and family gatherings. Quick and easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears of fresh corn, grilled or roasted, kernels removed (or 4 cups frozen corn, thawed and charred in a skillet)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (preferably Hellmann’s)
  • ¼ cup Mexican crema or sour cream
  • Juice of 2 medium limes (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle powder or 1 small minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • ½ cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: diced jalapeño for extra heat or a pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat grill or cast iron skillet to medium-high. Grill ears of corn, turning occasionally, until charred and slightly blackened on all sides (about 8-10 minutes). If using frozen corn, thaw first, then cook in a dry skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until charred spots appear (about 5-7 minutes).
  2. Once cooled, stand each ear upright on a cutting board and carefully slice downward with a sharp knife to remove kernels, aiming for about 4 cups.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Mexican crema (or sour cream), lime juice, chipotle powder, smoked paprika, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Add charred corn kernels, chopped cilantro, and half the crumbled cheese to the dressing. Toss gently to coat evenly.
  5. Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Add diced jalapeño if desired. Serve immediately or chill for 10-15 minutes to let flavors meld.

Notes

Char the corn properly for smoky flavor without burning. Adjust chipotle powder for desired heat. Mix gently to avoid crushing kernels. Save half the cheese for topping to prevent sogginess. Can substitute Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternatives to lighten or veganize.

Nutrition

Keywords: Elote, Mexican street corn, corn salad, smoky, chipotle, creamy, summer side dish, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/flavorful-elote-mexican-street-corn-salad-recipe-easy-smoky-twist/