Elote-Inspired Chopped Salad

This Elote-Inspired Chopped Salad is a vibrant and refreshing twist on the classic Mexican street corn, offering a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors. The combination of charred corn, creamy avocado, and tangy lime dressing creates a salad that’s light yet satisfying.

With its explosion of textures from the crunchy corn and creamy avocado, this salad is perfect for summer gatherings, a casual dinner, or even as a topping for tacos or grilled meats. The addition of cotija cheese gives it a savory, salty kick, while the cilantro and lime provide an authentic Mexican street corn experience.

Full Recipe:

• 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 large avocado, diced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon honey

• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until they begin to char and turn golden brown.

2. While the corn is cooking, combine the chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the corn and stir well to coat.

3. Remove the corn from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.

4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked corn, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and cotija cheese.

5. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, and hot sauce (if using) to make the dressing.

6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Adjust seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.

7. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving for enhanced flavors.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 7 minutes | Total Time: 17 minutes | Kcal: 240 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Why You’ll Love This Elote-Inspired Chopped Salad

There are many reasons to fall in love with this Elote-Inspired Chopped Salad. From its bold and bright flavors to its versatility, this salad has everything you could want in a dish.

1. Packed with Flavor: The combination of charred corn, avocado, tomatoes, red onion, and cotija cheese creates a flavor explosion in every bite. The smoky flavor of the grilled corn, the creamy texture of the avocado, and the tangy lime dressing make each mouthful irresistible.

2. Perfect for Summer: This salad is a perfect addition to any summer meal. Whether you’re having a barbecue, a picnic, or just enjoying a warm evening on the patio, this salad adds a refreshing and vibrant touch to your table.

3. Easy to Make: Unlike traditional elote, which requires grilling corn on the cob, this salad is quick and easy to prepare. Simply cook the corn, chop the vegetables, and toss everything together with the dressing. In less than 20 minutes, you’ll have a delicious dish ready to serve.

4. Customizable: This recipe is highly customizable to suit different tastes. If you’re a fan of spicy food, you can increase the amount of chili powder or add some diced jalapeños to the salad. If you prefer a milder flavor, feel free to adjust the seasonings. You can also make the salad vegan by omitting the cotija cheese or substituting it with a plant-based option.

5. Healthy and Nutrient-Packed: This salad is not only delicious but also healthy. Corn is a good source of fiber, while avocados provide healthy fats that are great for your heart. The tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making this dish both nutritious and satisfying.

Health Benefits of This Elote-Inspired Chopped Salad

This Elote-Inspired Chopped Salad offers more than just great taste; it’s also packed with nutrients that contribute to overall health.

1. Corn: Corn is rich in fiber, which is essential for digestive health. It also contains important vitamins such as vitamin C, thiamine, and folate, which support immune function and healthy skin. The natural sugars in corn also provide a quick energy boost.

2. Avocados: Avocados are packed with healthy monounsaturated fats that can help lower bad cholesterol levels. They are also a great source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, and contain a variety of vitamins, including vitamin K, vitamin E, and folate.

3. Tomatoes: Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers. They are also a good source of vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.

4. Cilantro: Cilantro is more than just a garnish—it has powerful antioxidant properties and is a good source of vitamin A. It also contains compounds that may help with detoxification and reducing inflammation.

5. Lime: Lime adds a burst of vitamin C, which is essential for the health of your skin, immune system, and tissues. It also aids in digestion and can help detoxify the body.

Serving Suggestions

This Elote-Inspired Chopped Salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in many different ways. Here are a few ideas for pairing:

1. As a Side Dish: Serve this salad as a side dish alongside grilled meats, tacos, or barbecued chicken. Its fresh and zesty flavors complement a variety of savory dishes.

2. Taco Topping: Add this salad as a topping to your favorite tacos for an extra burst of flavor. It pairs wonderfully with grilled fish, shrimp, or chicken tacos.

3. A Light Main Course: If you’re looking for a lighter meal, this salad can be enjoyed on its own. The creamy avocado and corn provide enough substance to make it filling, while the fresh vegetables keep it light and refreshing.

4. Picnic or Potluck Dish: This salad is perfect for sharing at a picnic, potluck, or barbecue. It’s easy to prepare in advance and can be served cold, making it ideal for outdoor gatherings.

Mistakes to Avoid When Making This Salad

While this recipe is straightforward, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure it turns out perfectly:

1. Don’t Overcook the Corn: When cooking the corn, avoid overcooking it. You want it to be slightly charred but still tender. Overcooking can make the corn too soft and reduce its texture.

2. Use Fresh Ingredients: The freshness of the vegetables is key to making this salad a success. Use ripe tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and creamy avocados for the best flavor.

3. Balance the Seasonings: Be mindful of the balance between chili powder, smoked paprika, and lime. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, but don’t overdo it with any one ingredient. The goal is a balance of smokiness, spice, creaminess, and tang.

Conclusion

This Elote-Inspired Chopped Salad is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of Mexican street corn in a light, fresh salad form. It’s easy to make, customizable, and packed with nutrients, making it a great addition to any meal. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing summer dish, a healthy side for tacos, or a light meal on its own, this salad delivers on all fronts. So next time you’re craving something flavorful and fun, give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!