Elevate your summer bbqs: learn the unbeatable recipe for a mouthwatering elote corn salad

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn with this tantalizing elote corn salad recipe. This refreshing and versatile dish is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, and as a healthy side dish. Learn the secrets of creating this culinary masterpiece with our step-by-step guide.

Ingredients:

• 6 ears of fresh corn (kernels removed)
• 1 red bell pepper (diced)
• 1 green bell pepper (diced)
• 1 jalapeno pepper (seeded and minced)
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Corn: Remove the kernels from the corn cobs using a sharp knife or a corn cobber. You can also buy pre-cut corn kernels for convenience.

2. Sauté the Peppers: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bell peppers and jalapeno pepper and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels, sautéed peppers, cilantro, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, Cotija cheese, and red onion. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the elote corn salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Serve chilled as a side dish or as a topping for tacos, burritos, or salads.

Tips for the Perfect Elote Corn Salad:

• Use Fresh Corn: Fresh corn on the cob will give your salad the best flavor. If fresh corn is unavailable, frozen or canned corn can be substituted.
• Don’t Overcook the Peppers: Sauté the peppers until they are softened but still retain a slight crunch. Overcooking will make them mushy.
• Adjust the Heat Level: The amount of jalapeno pepper used can be adjusted to your desired heat level. For a milder salad, remove the seeds before mincing.
• Use Authentic Mexican Cheese: Cotija cheese is a crumbly, salty cheese that adds a traditional Mexican flavor to the salad. If Cotija is unavailable, queso fresco or feta cheese can be used as a substitute.

Variations and Additions:

• Add Grilled Corn: For a smoky flavor, grill the corn kernels before adding them to the salad.
• Incorporate Black Beans: Add cooked black beans for a protein boost and a touch of sweetness.
• Top with Avocado: Add diced avocado for a creamy and refreshing touch.
• Garnish with Lime Wedges: Serve the salad with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

• As a Side Dish: Serve the elote corn salad as a refreshing side dish to grilled meats, fish, or tacos.
• As a Topping: Use the corn salad as a topping for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas.
• As a Dip: Serve the salad with tortilla chips or vegetable sticks for a flavorful dip.

The Final Verdict

Elote corn salad is a vibrant and versatile dish that is easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you are hosting a party or simply looking for a healthy and refreshing side dish, this recipe will become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Experiment with the variations and additions to create a salad that suits your taste preferences.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, the elote corn salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Refrigerate it until ready to serve.

Q: Is it okay to use frozen corn?
A: Yes, frozen corn can be used as a substitute for fresh corn. Thaw the corn before adding it to the salad.

Q: What is a good substitute for Cotija cheese?
A: Queso fresco or feta cheese are good substitutes for Cotija cheese.