Description
This Mexican Street Corn Quinoa Salad brings together everything you love about elote in a lighter, protein-packed version perfect for any meal. It’s smoky, creamy, zesty, and loaded with sweet corn, fresh cilantro, cotija cheese, and a lime-spiked yogurt dressing. Whether you’re searching for quick breakfast options, easy dinner ideas, or healthy snack recipes, this flavorful dish checks every box. Great for meal prep, potlucks, or as a delicious side for taco night, this easy recipe is one you’ll make on repeat.
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa (uncooked)
2 cups water
2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
1/2 red onion, diced
1/3 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice (from 1–2 limes)
1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or mayo for a richer version)
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove bitterness.
2. Combine quinoa and water in a pot, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Let it cool.
3. If using fresh corn, grill or sauté until lightly charred. If using frozen, thaw and lightly toast in a skillet.
4. Dice the red onion and chop the cilantro.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lime juice, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
6. In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, corn, onion, cilantro, and dressing. Mix until well combined.
7. Fold in the cotija cheese gently.
8. Taste and adjust seasonings—add more lime, salt, or chili if needed.
9. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Let quinoa cool fully before mixing to prevent soggy salad.
For extra depth, char the corn lightly in a dry pan or on the grill.
Taste and adjust lime or chili based on your flavor preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiled, Mixed
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 10mg