A Street Food Favorite in Salad Form

Sweet, slightly smoky, and salty flavors all come together in this Mexican favorite. (Diane Rossen Worthington/TNS)

Traditional elotes, grilled Mexican street corn, are coated with a thin layer of garlic mayonnaise and rolled in cotija cheese, a salty, crumbly Mexican cheese. There are many versions of this sweet and salty classic. Some add a few tablespoons of Mexican crema to the mayonnaise mixture, while others add chopped cilantro or scallions as a finishing touch.

Cotija cheese tastes like a cross between feta and Parmesan cheese that complements the sweet corn kernels. So, what’s not to love about this flavor combination bonanza? For me, I need more napkins than a meal for 12 when I am savoring an elote.

That’s when I wondered how this dish would be taken off the cob and served as a summer side dish or salad. It turned out this was a major hit! No more needing napkins to wipe my face and clothes, while savoring all the same flavors.

When buying corn, look for fresh green husks and tender milky kernels that are plump and leave no space between the rows. Don’t buy ears with gigantic kernels.

If at all possible, eat corn the same day it is picked. Store corn very cold and for only a short time, since its delicious sugar will quickly turn to starch (an ice chest filled with ice will keep the corn at its best for a few hours).

Crumble the cheese with your fingers to make sure it is finely crumbled. You can substitute feta for cotija if you need to. You can also use chipotle or ancho chili powder instead of hot sauce.

I’ve enjoyed this recipe both warm and at room temperature. It’s also good as a side to any simple grilled dish.

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Serves 6 to 8

• 6 large ears corn, husked and silk removed (about 4 cups after shucking)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon chipotle hot sauce, or to taste
• Pinch salt and pepper
• 3/4 cup finely crumbled cotija cheese
• Microgreens or cilantro sprigs, for garnish

Prepare the grill for medium-high-heat grilling.

Grill the ears until evenly charred, turning occasionally to cook evenly, about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a large platter. Cool for a few minutes if serving warm; otherwise, cool completely.

While the corn is grilling, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, cumin, lime juice, chipotle hot sauce, and salt and pepper in a large serving bowl. Taste for seasoning. Add more hot sauce if you prefer spicier.

Using a very sharp knife or a corn stripper, remove corn kernels into a large serving bowl. Add the dressing and cotija cheese to the corn and mix well, until all is blended. Taste for seasoning. Garnish with greens and serve at room temperature or warm.

Diane Rossen Worthington is an authority on new American cooking. She is the author of 18 cookbooks, including “Seriously Simple Parties,” and a James Beard Award-winning radio show host. You can contact her at SeriouslySimple.com. Copyright 2021 Diane Rossen Worthington. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.