Description
Make this refreshing Mexican-inspired salad that captures the flavors of Elote street corn using crisp cucumber. It features a creamy, tangy dressing with lime, chili, and cotija cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large cucumbers, diced
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed (optional, for true Elote flavor)
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the cucumbers: Dice the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. If using fresh corn, lightly char it in a dry skillet over medium-high heat until lightly browned, then cool and cut kernels off the cob. If using frozen corn, thaw it completely.
- Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream or crema, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the diced cucumbers, corn (if using), and minced jalapeño (if using).
- Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture. Toss gently until all vegetables are lightly coated.
- Add cheese and herbs: Fold in half of the crumbled cotija cheese and half of the chopped cilantro.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Before serving, top the salad with the remaining cotija cheese and cilantro.
Notes
- For a smokier flavor, lightly grill or char the cucumbers before dicing them.
- If you cannot find cotija cheese, use feta cheese as a substitute.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder or add cayenne pepper for more heat.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 20