Easy Peasy Elote Cheaters Street Corn Salad
Easy Peasy Elote: Cheater's Street Corn Salad
Fancy a bit of sunshine on a plate? I’ve been craving those Mexican street corn salad vibes lately. Seriously, is there anything better than sweet corn slathered in creamy, spicy goodness?
I’m sharing my shortcut, an easy street corn recipe , that’s perfect for lazy summer days or when you just need a flavour pick-me-up.
This recipe celebrates the iconic Elote, or Mexican street corn. We're ditching the grill for a speedy no grill street corn salad that brings all those amazing flavours together in a bowl.
It’s a doddle to make, taking about 25 minutes tops and yields around 6 servings. Perfect for sharing, or not, I won’t judge.
Why You'll Love This Corn Salad Recipe
Honestly, this isn't your average summer corn salad . The creamy, tangy dressing with a hint of spice just sings. Plus, corn is packed with fibre, so you can feel good about indulging.
It’s brilliant for BBQs, potlucks, or just a quick and easy side dish. What makes this elote salad recipe special? It's proper tasty!
The Key Ingredients to the Best Easy Corn Salad Recipe
Right, let's get down to the nitty gritty of what you'll need for this cracking quick street corn recipe . We are talking proper tasty ingredients for the best easy corn salad recipe .
Don't panic, it's nothing too fancy.
Time to Grab Your Gear! The Easy Street Corn Recipe Awaits!
Right, let's talk about what you'll need to get this easy street corn recipe , or should I say, this cheater elote recipe , going.
It's all pretty straightforward, nothing too fancy. Think of it like assembling an IKEA flatpack, but tastier!
Main Ingredients: Corn & Creaminess
- Corn: You'll need 6 ears of corn , kernels removed ( about 4 cups/950ml ). You can use two 15oz/425g cans if you are not a fan of that work, drained well. For fresh corn, keep an eye out for bright green husks and plump kernels!
- Olive Oil: If you're using fresh corn, you need 1 tablespoon/15ml for cooking.
- Mayo: 1/2 cup/120ml of mayonnaise. Full fat is best for that creamy texture.
- Mexican Crema: 1/4 cup/60ml . If you can't find it, sour cream or even Greek yogurt (for a tangy twist!) works fine.
- Cotija Cheese: 1/4 cup/55g , crumbled. If you absolutely can't find cotija, feta will do in a pinch, but it's not quite the same .
- Fresh Cilantro: 1/4 cup/10g , chopped. Gotta have that fresh, herby kick!
- Jalapeño: 1 , seeded and minced. Adjust to your spice level, mate!
- Garlic: 1 clove , minced.
- Lime Juice: From 1 lime ( about 2 tablespoons/30ml ). Freshly squeezed is always best!
- Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon or Tajin seasoning if you're feeling extra snazzy.
- Salt & Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon each (or to taste).
Seasoning Secrets: Spicing Things Up
This mexican street corn salad is all about balancing flavors. You want the sweetness of the corn, the creaminess of the dressing, and a bit of a kick from the chili and jalapeño.
The lime juice is key it adds brightness and cuts through the richness. For substitutions, play around with it! Smoked paprika can replace chili powder for a smoky depth, and a dash of hot sauce adds a fiery zing.
Oh my gosh! Don't be scared!
Essential Equipment: Keep It Simple
Honestly, you don't need much for this summer corn salad .
- Large Bowl: For mixing, duh.
- Skillet or Saucepan: If you're using fresh corn.
- Knife & Cutting Board: For chopping, obviously.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy is key!
- Citrus Juicer: Optional, but makes squeezing that lime so much easier.
And that's it! Now, go forth and make some corn salad with cotija cheese magic.
Easy Peasy Elote: Your Cheater's Guide to Street Corn Salad
Fancy some mexican street corn salad without the faff? Let's whip up an easy street corn recipe ! Honestly, this no grill street corn salad is so simple, it's almost embarrassing.
We're talking maximum flavour with minimum effort. It's perfect as a summer corn salad or any time you're craving that delicious elote salad recipe .
I always think of summer BBQs, you know? This is the side everyone fights over.
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place for the Win
Before you even think about firing up a hob, get your stuff sorted. Chop your cilantro , mince that garlic , and juice that lime .
Getting everything ready makes this quick street corn recipe fly by. I promise. Plus, it stops you from scrambling around later like a headless chicken.
Trust me, I've been there!
step-by-step: From Zero to Corn Salad Hero
- If using fresh corn, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add corn and cook for 5- 7 minutes .
- In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup mayo, 1/4 cup crema, 1/4 cup cotija cheese , 1/4 cup cilantro, 1 minced jalapeño (optional), 1 clove garlic, juice of 1 lime , 1 teaspoon chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the corn to the dressing. Mix well.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes .
- Serve and enjoy this glorious easy corn salad recipe !
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Elote Game
Want to really impress? Roast your corn in the oven at 400° F ( 200° C) for 15- 20 minutes .
It adds a smoky depth. Don’t skip the chilling time; it lets the flavours really meld. And always taste as you go! More lime for zing, chili powder for a kick.
This also makes a banging street corn salad .
This cheater elote recipe is seriously adaptable. If you want the full "authentic" street corn experience, I would also use Tajin Clásico seasoning instead of only chilli powder.
So there you have it, my friend! A super easy corn salad recipe that's perfect for any occasion.
Recipe Notes That’ll Make You Shine
Alright, let's talk about making this easy street corn recipe absolutely sing . I've whipped this up more times than I care to admit (mainly because it's always a hit!), and I've learned a few tricks along the way.
Think of these as friendly pointers rather than strict rules cooking should be fun, yeah?
Get Your Presentation On Point
Want to impress? Plating matters! Spoon your street corn salad into a cute bowl and top with extra cotija cheese and cilantro.
It's like adding a cherry on top of your sundae. This easy corn salad recipe is great as a side with grilled burgers or fish tacos.
I even use it as a cheater elote recipe topping for quesadillas sometimes! A simple glass of ice-cold lemonade or a crisp Mexican beer goes down a treat with it.
Storage Savvy
Right, so you've made a huge batch of this mexican street corn salad . What now? No worries! You can store this in the fridge in an airtight container for up to three days.
I wouldn't recommend freezing it, though. The mayo can get a bit weird upon thawing. Honestly, it never lasts that long in my house anyway.
When reheating, give it a good stir. It might need a squeeze of lime to freshen it up.
Tweak It Your Way: Variations are Key
Fancy a bit of a change? If you're going vegan, use a good vegan mayo and skip the cotija cheese or sub with a vegan alternative.
You can also make a summer corn salad by adding some diced avocado for extra creaminess. A spicy street corn salad version? Add a pinch of cayenne or more minced jalapeño.
Make sure is a no grill street corn salad for even easier preparation.
Nutrition Breakdown
Okay, I'm no dietitian, but a quick heads-up! This corn salad recipe has around 250 calories per serving. You're getting some protein and fibre from the corn, plus healthy fats from the mayo.
Corn salad with cotija cheese is a great source of calcium. Consider the elote salad recipe is also packed with vitamins from the lime juice and herbs.
It's a tasty way to sneak in some goodness!
So there you have it, my friend! Remember, this is just a guide. Feel free to experiment, have fun, and make this quick street corn recipe your own!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this easy street corn recipe actually easy, even for a beginner cook?
Absolutely! This easy street corn recipe is designed to be super simple. The prep mainly involves chopping and mixing ingredients, so even if you're just starting out in the kitchen, you can definitely nail this one. Think of it as easier than putting the kettle on for a cuppa!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time, or does it need to be served immediately?
Good news, you can definitely make this ahead! In fact, chilling the easy street corn salad for at least 30 minutes (or even longer) allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. This step is crucial for optimal flavour fusion. It also gives you more time to prepare the rest of your main event!
What if I can't find cotija cheese? Is there a good substitute for this street corn recipe?
No worries if you can't find cotija, it's not always readily available. Feta cheese is a decent substitute, although it has a saltier and tangier flavor. If you're not a fan of these bolder tastes, you can reduce the amount of feta. Remember it might affect the end flavor profile slightly.
I'm not a huge fan of spice. How can I tone down the heat in this easy street corn recipe?
Not a problem! Simply reduce or omit the jalapeño pepper entirely. If you still want a touch of flavor without the heat, you could try using a small amount of finely diced green bell pepper. Or, if you like smokiness without the burn, add a tiny pinch of smoked paprika instead of chili powder.
It's all about tailoring the recipe to your taste!
How should I store any leftover easy street corn salad?
Store any leftover easy street corn salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. Just be aware that the corn may release some moisture over time, so give it a good stir before serving. This ensures the best flavor and texture!
Can I grill the corn instead of sautéing it for this easy street corn recipe?
Absolutely! Grilling the corn adds a fantastic smoky flavor that takes this recipe to the next level. Grill the whole corn cobs until they're slightly charred, then let them cool slightly before cutting off the kernels. This method requires more skill but is well worth it!
Easy Peasy Elote Cheaters Street Corn Salad
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 3g |
