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Flavorful Grilled Elote Corn Salad with Cotija and Lime Crema

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A quick and easy grilled corn salad featuring smoky charred corn, tangy lime crema, and salty cotija cheese, perfect for summer gatherings and casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn, husked
  • 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema (or dairy-free yogurt)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brush each ear of corn lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and encourage even charring. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C).
  2. Place the corn on the grill, turning every 2-3 minutes so all sides get nicely charred but not burnt—aim for a golden-brown color with some blackened spots. Grill for about 10-12 minutes.
  3. Remove the corn from the grill and let cool for 5 minutes. Use a sharp knife to carefully slice the kernels off the cob into a large mixing bowl.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream (or crema), lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Add chopped cilantro, green onions, and diced jalapeño (if using) to the bowl with corn kernels. Pour in the lime crema and gently fold everything together to coat the corn evenly.
  6. Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese over the salad and fold lightly to combine.
  7. Taste the salad and add salt or more chili powder if needed. Serve immediately or chill for 15-20 minutes to let flavors meld.

Notes

If you don’t have a grill, use a cast iron skillet or broiler to char the corn. For vegan versions, substitute cotija cheese with firm tofu or vegan feta and use dairy-free yogurt for the lime crema. Keep lime crema separate if prepping ahead to maintain freshness. Use a spray bottle of water to control grill flare-ups.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled corn salad, elote salad, cotija cheese, lime crema, summer salad, Mexican side dish, easy corn recipe

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/flavorful-grilled-elote-corn-salad-recipe-with-cotija-and-lime-crema-made-easy/