Stop ruining your corn! If you’re just eating it off the cob, you’re missing out. This easy Grilled Mexican Corn Salad takes summer corn to the next level! It’s perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and parties!
Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe
Have you ever had Elote? It’s a popular Mexican street food featuring grilled corn on the cob slathered in creamy sauce, topped with crumbled cheese, chili powder, and a squeeze of lime. And let me tell you, if you’re not careful, you might find yourself channeling your inner Nacho Libre while devouring it.
Now, enter Elote Grilled Mexican Corn Salad! All the flavors of street corn without the mess. Juicy grilled corn, tossed with Mexican crema, cotija cheese, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, fresh lime juice, red onion, and cilantro! Every bite is bold, tangy, and downright addictive.
The key here is charring the corn just right. Too little, and you miss that smoky flavor; too much, and you’re eating burnt disappointment.
We first fell in love with elote at a tiny farmers’ market in Idaho (yes, Idaho!). Now, we make this salad at home all the time. It’s perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or just eating straight from the bowl with a spoon.
Want the best results? Use fresh corn, don’t skimp on the lime juice, and mix while the corn is warm so the flavors really soak in. Oh, and whatever you do—don’t skip the cotija. Trust me, it makes all the difference.
What’s Needed for Mexican Corn Salad?
Stop Bringing Boring Sides to Potlucks! This Mexican Corn Salad Is What You NEED! Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
- Fresh sweet corn
- Crema
- Lime juice
- Spices (cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper)
- Cotija cheese
- Red onion
- Fresh cilantro
The measurements for each ingredient can be found on the recipe card at the end of this post.
How to Avoid Mushy Corn:
Nobody wants a sad, mushy corn salad! The biggest mistake? Overcooking the corn until it loses its crisp bite. Whether you’re grilling or roasting, cook the corn just enough to get a nice char while keeping it firm.
Tip: Let the corn cool slightly before cutting it off the cob. This helps it stay juicy and keeps your salad from turning into a mushy mess!
What’s the Best Cheese for Elote Corn Salad?
What cheese should you use for elote corn? Oh boy, this is a tricky question because to be honest, even if there’s one that’s usually used, Chihuahua cheese or Cotija Cheese, not everywhere sells it. We most often use Cotija cheese because it’s available in all Utah stores, but if you can’t find either we recommend parmesan cheese in the can or fresh parmesan, or even a mild Feta.
read more: Looking for easy potluck