Elote Salad Recipe

Corn: Fresh ears of corn are grilled to bring out their natural sweetness and smoky flavor.

Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together.

Cotija cheese: A crumbly Mexican cheese that provides a salty and tangy flavor.

Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a zesty and tangy kick.

Chili powder: Adds a touch of heat and depth of flavor.

Cilantro: Freshly chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness and color.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Pepper: Adds a hint of spiciness and balances the flavors.

When grilling the corn, ensure you rotate the ears frequently to achieve an even char. This not only enhances the flavor but also gives the salad a visually appealing look. If you don't have a grill, you can also roast the corn in the oven at 450°F for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through. This method will still give you that delicious, slightly smoky taste.

• corn - Substitute with frozen corn kernels: If fresh corn is not available, frozen corn kernels can be used. Just thaw and cook them as you would fresh corn.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a similar creamy texture and tanginess while being lower in fat and calories.

• cotija cheese - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese has a similar crumbly texture and salty flavor, making it a good alternative to cotija.

• lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can provide a similar acidity and brightness to the dish if lime juice is unavailable.

• chili powder - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can add a mild heat and smoky flavor, though it is less spicy than chili powder. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

• cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can provide a fresh, herbaceous note similar to cilantro, though it lacks the distinctive citrusy flavor.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, but use sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can provide a similar heat and flavor without the black specks, which might be preferable for aesthetic reasons.

• To store your elote salad, transfer it to an airtight container. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.
• Place the container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the mayonnaise and lime juice.
• If you wish to freeze the elote salad, it's best to do so without the mayonnaise and cotija cheese. These ingredients do not freeze well and can alter the texture of the salad.
• To freeze, place the grilled corn kernels in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date.
• When you're ready to enjoy the elote salad, thaw the corn in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, mix in the mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
• If you find the salad a bit dry after thawing, you can add a little extra mayonnaise or a splash of lime juice to revive its creamy texture.
• For best results, consume the elote salad within 1 month of freezing. This ensures the corn retains its flavor and texture.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Once the oil or butter is hot, add the elote salad.
  4. Stir occasionally until the salad is heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, creamy goodness.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the elote salad in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
  3. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. Check the temperature and heat for an additional 30 seconds if necessary.
  5. Let it sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute evenly.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Transfer the elote salad to an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  4. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
  5. Remove from the oven, stir, and serve immediately.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the elote salad in an air fryer-safe dish.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check the temperature and heat for an additional 2-3 minutes if necessary.
  5. Serve hot and enjoy the slightly crispy texture.

• Grill: Used to cook the corn until it is charred and cooked through.

• Tongs: Handy for turning the corn on the grill to ensure even cooking.

• Knife: Essential for cutting the kernels off the cob once the corn is grilled.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting the kernels off the cob.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the corn kernels with the other ingredients.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for measuring out the mayonnaise and cotija cheese.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the lime juice and chili powder accurately.

• Spoon: Useful for mixing all the ingredients together in the bowl.

• Serving dish: Ideal for presenting the elote salad once it is ready.

Pre-cook the corn: Boil the corn for a few minutes before grilling to reduce cooking time.

Use frozen corn: Substitute fresh corn with frozen corn to skip the grilling step.

Pre-mix the dressing: Combine mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, and chili powder ahead of time.

Chop cilantro in advance: Prepare and store cilantro in the fridge to save time during assembly.

Use a corn stripper: Invest in a corn stripper to quickly remove kernels from the cob.