The magic of Mexican street corn meets the convenience of a scoopable salad in this creamy, bold, and irresistibly zesty Elote en Vaso. Featuring sweet charred corn, tangy lime juice, smoky chili powder, and salty cotija cheese, this dish delivers an explosion of flavors in every bite. Perfect as a side dish or a stand-alone snack, this salad is ideal for cookouts, taco nights, or potlucks. Its vibrant colors and crave-worthy taste will steal the show at any gathering. With just 20 minutes of prep, it’s a fast and festive addition to your recipe rotation.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
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1/4 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup sour cream
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon chili powder
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
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1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese
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2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: Tajín seasoning and lime wedges for garnish
Directions:
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If using fresh corn, grill or sauté until slightly charred. For frozen corn, thaw and lightly sauté. For canned corn, drain and dry before lightly sautéing to enhance flavor.
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In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, and lime juice.
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Add the cooked corn and mix until evenly coated.
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Stir in cotija cheese and chopped cilantro.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
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Garnish with additional cotija, Tajín, cilantro, and lime wedges if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Bold and Creamy Celebration: Mexican Corn Salad (Elote en Vaso)
Mexican Corn Salad, also known as Elote en Vaso or Esquites, is a delightful street food staple that transforms simple corn into a creamy, spicy, tangy flavor explosion. It’s a dish that tells the story of Mexican culinary heritage, rooted in tradition yet endlessly adaptable. Served warm or cold, this corn-based salad is perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, taco nights, or simply as a flavorful side that steals the spotlight.
Let’s take a deeper look at what makes this dish so special and why it deserves a permanent place in your recipe collection.
Origins: A Street Food Classic Turned Global Favorite
Elote and Esquites have long been cherished as street snacks throughout Mexico. “Elote” refers to grilled corn on the cob, often slathered in a creamy mixture of mayo, lime juice, chili powder, and cheese, while “Esquites” is the off-the-cob version, served in a cup. The word esquites itself is believed to be derived from the Nahuatl word izquitl, meaning toasted corn.
Traditionally, vendors serve esquites from large pots kept warm over a burner, scooping the corn into cups and garnishing it generously. The result is a spoonable version of the grilled elote, easier to eat but just as satisfying. As Mexican cuisine has gained international popularity, this humble dish has taken on new life in kitchens around the world.
Why It’s So Addictive: The Flavor Profile
Mexican Corn Salad is a study in contrasts, which is what makes it so addictive. You get the sweetness of corn, intensified when it’s grilled or sautéed, paired with creamy mayo and sour cream that coat each kernel in luxurious richness. The tang of lime juice adds brightness, while chili powder and smoked paprika provide gentle heat and smoky depth. Cotija cheese gives the dish its signature salty bite, and fresh cilantro finishes everything off with herbal freshness.
Together, these ingredients create a complex balance of sweet, salty, spicy, sour, and creamy the five pillars of great taste.
Nutrition Notes: More Than Just a Side Dish
While it’s undoubtedly rich and creamy, Mexican Corn Salad can be surprisingly balanced nutritionally. Corn provides fiber and complex carbohydrates, keeping you fuller for longer. Cotija cheese adds protein and calcium, while lime juice and cilantro offer a dose of vitamin C and antioxidants.
For those watching calories or dairy intake, the dish can be easily adjusted swap out the mayo and sour cream for Greek yogurt or a vegan alternative. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or opt for a lower-fat variety to keep it lighter without sacrificing flavor.
How to Serve: Hot, Cold, or Room Temperature
One of the beauties of Elote en Vaso is its versatility in serving temperature. It’s delicious warm, right after preparation, making it a perfect winter comfort food. But it’s equally enjoyable cold or at room temperature, which means it can be made ahead and served at a picnic or party without any loss of flavor or texture.
You can serve it in cups, bowls, or even lettuce wraps for a fun presentation twist. It’s just as delicious eaten with a fork or scooped up with tortilla chips like a dip.
Pairing Suggestions: From Tacos to BBQ Platters
Mexican Corn Salad is a natural pairing with any dish that loves bold flavors. Here are a few top combinations:
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Taco Tuesdays – Use it as a taco topping for carne asada, chicken, or veggie tacos.
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BBQ Companion – Serve it alongside grilled meats, burgers, or sausages.
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Tex-Mex Platters – Pair it with enchiladas, burritos, or nachos.
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Seafood Boost – Add it next to grilled shrimp or fish tacos for contrast.
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Brunch Side – Try it with chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, or breakfast burritos.
Because it holds well and gets even better as it sits, it’s also a great addition to potlucks and buffets.
Customization & Variations
One of the best things about Mexican Corn Salad is how easily you can customize it to fit your preferences or dietary needs.
Vegan or Dairy-Free
Replace the mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives like cashew cream or coconut yogurt. Use nutritional yeast or vegan cotija in place of the cheese.
Extra Heat
For spice lovers, add finely chopped jalapeños, serranos, or even a dash of hot sauce. Tajín seasoning is another popular way to enhance flavor and heat without overpowering the dish.
Protein-Boosted
Add black beans or grilled chicken to make it a more substantial meal. This also turns it into a great lunch prep option.
Low-Carb
Replace some or all of the corn with chopped cauliflower for a lower-carb version that still satisfies.
Herb Swaps
No cilantro? Try fresh parsley or even chopped green onions for a different but delicious take.
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
This dish is a meal prep superstar. It can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. In fact, many people find the flavors deepen and improve after a few hours in the fridge. If you plan to serve it cold, just give it a quick stir and refresh with a squeeze of lime before serving.
If you’re planning to serve it warm, simply reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before garnishing.
Elote vs. Esquites: What’s the Difference?
It’s easy to confuse elote and esquites, especially because they contain the same basic ingredients. The main difference lies in presentation:
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Elote is served on the cob, often grilled and slathered in the creamy sauce.
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Esquites (or Mexican Corn Salad) is off the cob, typically served in a cup or bowl.
Both are delicious, but many people prefer the spoonable format of esquites for convenience, especially at gatherings or as part of a plated meal.
A Perfect Dish for All Seasons
While Mexican Corn Salad feels especially at home in summer, when corn is at its peak, it’s a dish you can enjoy year-round. Frozen or canned corn works beautifully when fresh isn’t available, making this a pantry-friendly recipe that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
It also transitions well between different types of events. Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard BBQ or preparing a festive Cinco de Mayo feast, this dish fits right in. Even better it’s a vegetarian-friendly side that appeals to a wide variety of diets.
Conclusion:
Mexican Corn Salad, or Elote en Vaso, is more than just a side dish it’s a celebration of Mexican flavor, texture, and culinary joy. It’s fast, flexible, and endlessly customizable, making it a must-have recipe for busy home cooks and foodies alike.
Whether you’re pairing it with grilled meats, spooning it over tacos, or enjoying it straight from the bowl, this creamy, zesty, chili-dusted corn salad delivers comfort and boldness in every bite.
