Picture this: It's a sweltering summer afternoon, and you're craving something refreshing and flavorful. Enter the Elote Cucumber Salad. This vibrant salad combines the creamy, smoky flavors of Mexican street corn (elote) with the crisp coolness of cucumber. It's a total game-changer, and I'm so excited to share this recipe with you. The first time I tried something similar was at a little street fair, a couple of years ago. And frankly, it was the most delicious thing I've ever tasted!
This salad is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time. It's perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or just a light and satisfying lunch. The combination of sweet corn, crunchy cucumber, creamy dressing, and spicy Tajin seasoning is simply irresistible. I genuinely believe this salad is a crowd-pleaser, so give it a try and let me know what you think!
Required Equipments
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Grill (optional)
Elote Cucumber Salad: Frequently Asked Questions
Elote Cucumber Salad
Elote Cucumber Salad: A refreshing and flavorful twist on classic Mexican street corn, combining sweet corn, crisp cucumber, creamy dressing, and a kick of Tajin seasoning for an unforgettable taste.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- First things first: Grill the Corn (Optional). If you're grilling your corn, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the corn, turning occasionally, until the kernels are slightly charred, about 8-10 minutes. Let it cool slightly, then cut the kernels off the cob. Alternatively, boil or steam your corn until tender, around 5-7 minutes. And hey, no grill? No problem! Canned corn, drained, will work in a pinch.
- Prep the Cucumber: While the corn is cooling (or if you're using pre-cooked corn), wash and dice your cucumber into bite-sized pieces. I like to leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients, but feel free to peel it if you prefer. Set the diced cucumber aside in your large mixing bowl.
- Assemble the Salad: In the mixing bowl with the cucumber, add the corn kernels. Now for the fun part – flavor! Add the mayonnaise, lime juice, Tajin seasoning, cilantro, and crumbled cotija cheese (if using).
- Mix It Up: Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is well combined and the cucumber and corn are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, or the cucumber might get a little mushy.
- Taste and Adjust: Give your elote cucumber salad a taste. Does it need more lime juice for extra zing? A bit more Tajin for a kick? Now is the time to adjust the seasonings to your liking. I sometimes add a pinch of salt, but taste it first!
- Chill (Optional): For the best flavor, cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to cool down. I almost forgot to mention, you should prepare to get messy, I know I did!
- Serve and Enjoy: When you're ready to serve, garnish with extra cilantro, a sprinkle of Tajin, and an extra crumble of cotija cheese, if desired. Serve it as a side dish, a topping for tacos, or just eat it straight out of the bowl—I won't judge!
📝 Notes
- Adjust Tajin seasoning to your spice preference.
- For a creamier salad, add a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 200 kcal
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 3 g
Calcium: 50mg
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2F242204-corn-in-a-cup-elote-en-vaso-DDMFS-4x3-47a1fe740c38491893d46f1290b9e8b5.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2F__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__simply_recipes__uploads__2015__08__mexican-street-corn-nachos-horiz-a-1200-9734ffc6a5ae48a5961c049d5adf2e7c.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
