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Flavorful Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote Bowl) with Creamy Spice

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A quick and easy Mexican street corn salad with a creamy, spicy dressing and charred corn kernels, perfect for summer parties and casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears of fresh corn, husked and cleaned (or about 4 cups frozen corn, thawed)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup Mexican crema or sour cream (use dairy-free yogurt if needed)
  • Juice of 1 large lime (about 2 tablespoons)
  • ½ cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (smoky chipotle recommended)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for roasting the corn)

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill, grill pan, or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Brush corn with olive oil or melted butter.
  2. Place corn on grill or pan and cook, turning every 2-3 minutes, until all sides are charred and kernels blistered, about 10-12 minutes. For frozen corn, sauté in hot skillet with oil until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Let roasted corn cool slightly. Stand each ear upright on cutting board and slice downward to remove kernels. Collect kernels in a medium bowl.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Mexican crema or sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Pour dressing over warm corn kernels and toss gently to coat.
  6. Fold in crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese and chopped cilantro.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, lime juice, or chili powder if desired.
  8. Serve immediately while slightly warm or refrigerate for an hour to let flavors meld. Can be served chilled.

Notes

Roasting the corn is key for smoky flavor; avoid boiling. Mix dressing separately before tossing to avoid mushy salad. Add cheese and cilantro just before serving if prepping ahead. Can substitute mayo with Greek yogurt or vegan alternatives for lighter or vegan versions.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican street corn salad, elote bowl, creamy corn salad, easy corn salad, summer salad, BBQ side dish, spicy corn salad

Find it online: https://snappyspoon.com/flavorful-mexican-street-corn-salad-recipe-easy-creamy-elote-bowl-guide/