Inspired by the beloved Mexican street food elote, this Mexican Street Corn Chopped Salad takes all the flavors of charred corn, tangy lime, and creamy chili-spiked dressing and tosses them with crisp veggies for a refreshing, bold, and addictive salad. It’s bright, zesty, and perfect as a side dish or light meal.
Whether you’re hosting a cookout or meal prepping for the week, this salad is guaranteed to steal the show!
Why You’ll Love This Salad
- ✅ Combines the flavor of elote with the crunch of a chopped salad
- ✅ Creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy dressing
- ✅ Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
- ✅ Great for make-ahead lunches, BBQs, and potlucks
- ✅ Naturally gluten-free and easily made vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 cups corn kernels (fresh grilled, frozen, or canned)
- 2 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
- ¼ cup chopped red onion
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 avocado, diced (optional)
For the Creamy Dressing:
- ¼ cup mayo
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: hot sauce or Tajín for extra heat
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Corn
Grill corn if using fresh, or sauté frozen corn in a dry skillet until slightly charred. Let it cool.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add a dash of hot sauce if you like spice.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine corn, lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and cotija. Add avocado if using. Drizzle with dressing and toss well.
Step 4: Serve
Top with extra cheese, a sprinkle of chili powder or Tajín, and a lime wedge for serving.
Tips & Variations
- 🌽 Use fire-roasted frozen corn to save time
- 🥑 Add black beans for extra protein
- 🌶️ Make it spicier with jalapeño slices or chipotle powder
- 🧀 Swap cotija for queso fresco, feta, or vegan cheese
- 🥬 Use chopped kale or cabbage for more texture and nutrients
Perfect For:
- 🌮 Taco nights
- 🍖 Summer BBQs and grill-outs
- 🥗 Meal prep lunches
- 🌽 Cinco de Mayo or game day spreads
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Street Corn Chopped Salad is bold, tangy, and loaded with layers of flavor and crunch. It takes everything you love about elote and turns it into a refreshing, spoonable dish that’s impossible to resist. Pair it with grilled meat or serve it on its own—it’s a fiesta in every bite!