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Mexican street corn, known as "Elote," is a beloved staple of street food culture in Mexico. This vibrant dish, traditionally served on a stick and slathered in creamy, spicy toppings, has found its way into homes and kitchens around the globe. The essence of elote is that it captures the richness of Mexican cuisine—its bold flavors, colorful presentations, and the communal spirit of sharing food. The Spicy Mexican Street Corn Salad takes everything we love about this classic dish and transforms it into a versatile salad that is perfect for gatherings, barbecues, or a delightful weeknight dinner.

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Discover the vibrant flavors of Spicy Mexican Street Corn Salad, a delicious twist on traditional elote! This refreshing dish blends sweet, smoky, and tangy notes with fresh corn, colorful veggies, and creamy cotija cheese. Perfect for barbecues or weeknight dinners, it celebrates the essence of Mexican cuisine. Easy to customize for dietary needs, this salad is sure to impress your family and friends! Try it today! #MexicanFood #Elote #HealthySalad #TastyRecipes #SummerEats

Ingredients
  

4 ears of fresh corn, husked

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese

1/2 cup diced red onion

1 cup diced cherry tomatoes

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)

Optional: hot sauce for extra heat

Instructions
 

Grill the Corn: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the corn with olive oil and season with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Grill the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is charred and cooked through. Remove from grill and let cool slightly.

    Cut the Corn Off the Cob: Once cool enough to handle, carefully cut the kernels off the cob using a sharp knife.

      Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grilled corn, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, diced red onion, cherry tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated.

        Season: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning as necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or lime juice according to your preference. For extra heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce.

          Chill and Serve: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side dish or a light main course.

            Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4-6