Fiesta Elote Salad Zesty Mexican Corn Salad

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a bit of sunshine on a plate? Ever craved that amazing elote flavor but wanted something a bit lighter? This zesty mexican salad is the answer.

It's got a fantastic sweet, spicy, and tangy flavour that'll get you hooked.

Brief Overview

This salad is inspired by Mexican street corn, also known as Mexican street corn salad , but it's easier to eat with a fork! This easy recipe takes only around 30 minutes.

It makes about 4-6 servings. Perfect for a side, light lunch, or even a taco filling.

Main Benefits

Honestly, it's the taste that's the star. But it’s also packed with goodness from the corn and other fresh ingredients.

It’s totally spot on for summer cookouts or a casual get-together with mates. What makes this recipe special? It's ridiculously easy and delivers huge flavour.

Plus, it can be adapted to be a Vegan Elote salad !

Craving that Authentic Mexican Flavor?

This is my take on the flavors of elote , that amazing grilled corn slathered in creamy, cheesy goodness you find on street corners in Mexico.

Imagine that, but in a light and refreshing salad. It's a perfect way to enjoy those iconic flavors without feeling too heavy.

Zesty Mexican Salad: the ingredients you need

Here’s what you'll need to whip up my version of this zesty mexican salad , based on an elote salad recipe .

First, grab your fresh corn about 4 ears or around 600g of frozen kernels will do. Don’t forget things like olive oil, mayo, Greek yogurt, lime, cilantro, garlic, and chili powder for that creamy, spicy dressing.

Let's Talk Ingredients & Gear

Alright, wanna whip up this awesome zesty mexican salad ? Here's the lowdown on what you'll need. No fancy chef skills required, promise.

It's more like throwing a fiesta in a bowl! Honestly, this Elote salad recipe is a game changer.

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Here's everything you'll need to create that authentic Mexican street corn salad flavor. We're talking fresh, vibrant ingredients that'll make your taste buds sing.

• Corn: 4 ears fresh corn (about 600g ), or 4 cups frozen kernels. The star of our show.
  • Quality Check: Fresh corn should have plump, milky kernels. If using frozen, make sure it's high-quality. No one wants sad, mushy corn.
• Dressing Base: 1/2 cup mayonnaise ( 120 ml ), 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt ( 60 ml ).
• Zingy Lime: 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice ( 30 ml ). Freshly squeezed, not the bottled stuff!
• Fresh Herbs: 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro ( 15 ml ), plus 1/4 cup for the salad ( 15 ml ). Cilantro is not mandatory if you are one of those who doesn't like it!
• Aromatic Punch: 1 small garlic clove, minced. This adds a bit of depth.
• Spice it Up: 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (or to taste). Pinch of cayenne pepper is optional, but recommended!
• Salty Goodness: 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese ( 75g ).
• Onion Bite: 1/4 cup finely diced red onion ( 40g ).
• Optional Heat: 1 jalapeño , seeded and finely diced ( 10g ).

Seasoning Secrets

Let's talk flavor boosters. This Mexican salad with creamy dressing is all about balance.

• The Holy Trinity: Salt, pepper, and lime are your best friends. Trust me.
• Spice It Right: Chili powder and cayenne bring the heat. Go slow and taste as you go.
• Aromatic Allies: Garlic and cilantro add that je ne sais quoi .
• Quick Sub: No cotija? Feta works in a pinch.

Essential Equipment

Don't need a ton of fancy gear for the zesty corn salad . If you have all of these, you are good to go.

• Grill (Optional): For charring the corn. A grill pan works great too.
• Big Bowl: For mixing everything.
• Small Bowl: For the dressing.
• Whisk: To emulsify that dressing.
• Alternative: If you don't have a grill, a skillet works perfectly. I have had good results even with a normal pan!

This summer corn salad will become your go-to. Let me know if you give it a whirl and how you make it your own!.

Alright, let’s chat about making this zesty mexican salad . Seriously, this is one of my go-to dishes when the sun's out.

It's like sunshine in a bowl, y'know? Let’s imagine a salad inspired by the flavors of a classic Mexican street corn Elote, but in salad form.

Fiesta Elote Salad: The Cooking Method Breakdown

Prep Steps: The Essential Bits

First things first, get your mise en place sorted. Translation? Have all your ingredients prepped and ready. Chop your red onion, mince your garlic, and get that cilantro chopped.

This will seriously speed things up. I can't stress this enough. Also, remember to seed that jalapeño unless you fancy blowing your head off.

This elote salad recipe is supposed to be fun, not a fire drill.

step-by-step Salad Magic

1. Cook the corn. You can grill it ( 10- 15 minutes ), pan-fry it ( 8- 10 minutes ), or boil it ( 5- 7 minutes ).
2. Make the dressing. Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, chili powder, and a pinch of cayenne. Taste, and adjust!
3. Combine everything. In a large bowl, mix the corn, dressing, cotija cheese, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro.
4. Toss it gently. Get everything well combined without squashing the corn.
5. Taste and adjust. More lime for that zesty punch? More chili powder for a kick? You're the boss, boss.

Pro Tips for a Killer Salad

• Charring the corn is a game changer. It adds a smoky depth. Don't be shy! But don't burn it, obviously.
• Don't drown the salad in dressing! Add it bit by bit. This way, you can also make a Mexican salad with creamy dressing . Start with less dressing and add more as needed. You want the salad to be coated, not swimming.
• You can make the corn and the dressing ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and then combine it all just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Honestly, this zesty corn salad is so adaptable. Want to make it vegan? No problem! Just swap out the mayo and cheese for vegan alternatives.

Looking for a spicy Mexican salad ? Add more jalapeño! And don't forget that fresh lime juice, which is key.

No bottled stuff, alright?

Recipe Notes: All the Extra Bits for Your Zesty Mexican Salad

Right then, let's dive into a few extra bits and bobs to make sure your zesty mexican salad is absolutely spot on.

Honestly, I reckon these tips will take it from 'nice' to 'Oh my gosh, this is amazing!'. I've messed this up before, so learn from my mistakes!

Serving Suggestions: Make it Look Good, Mate!

Presentation is key, innit? For a fancy touch, try plating the Mexican street corn salad in individual bowls. Top it with extra cotija cheese and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro .

Looks proper posh, doesn't it?

This zesty corn salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish. It's also amazing alongside some proper BBQ ribs. Don't forget a refreshing margarita or a cold beer, perfect for a summer arvo!

Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh

If you've got leftovers (unlikely!), shove them in an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for up to three days .

The lime dressing salad might get a bit watery after a while, you know?

Freezing isn't ideal because of the mayonnaise in the dressing. It can get a bit weird. But if you must, freeze the corn separately.

To reheat, just give it a good stir. Add a squeeze of fresh lime to brighten it up. Sorted!

Variations: Make it Your Own!

Fancy a vegan version of this Elote salad recipe ? Easy peasy! Use vegan mayo and yogurt. Swap the cotija cheese salad for a vegan alternative. Boom!

For a bit of seasonal flair, add some grilled peaches in the summer. In autumn, roast some butternut squash and chuck that in. Keeps it interesting, eh?

Nutrition Basics: Good For You, Too!

This Mexican corn salad recipe easy is packed with good stuff. We're talking about fiber from the corn, plus vitamins from the veggies.

It's got a decent bit of protein from the cheese, too. Win-win!

The spicy Mexican salad has some fats, mostly from the mayo and cheese. But remember, it's all about balance, yeah? It is an awesome addition to any meal.

So, there you have it! All the insider tips for your Fiesta Elote Salad: Zesty Mexican Corn Salad . Don't be afraid to experiment and have a laugh.

Get that summer corn salad done. You can do this, and I bet it is going to be blinder!