Feta Corn Salad (Knock-Off Elote)

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pinterest elotesalad

Introducing: knock-off elote! It’s not elote but it’s a lot like elote.

Last weekend I was seriously in the mood for some elote, but with not cotija cheese (one of the main elements of elote), I had to improvise with the ingredients I had on hand.

Don’t call it a copycat elote recipe – because it’s definitely not traditional by any means. BUT the flavors are strikingly similar to the real deal, so I’m calling it a knock-off. Feta cheese is used instead of cotija. The two cheeses share the same flavorful notes and soft texture; the biggest difference being cotija is from Mexico and feta originates from Greece.

This elote-inspired corn salad can be served as a side – or eaten straight out of the bowl, like I did. In fact, I might even prefer this version of “elote” over the real deal!

feta corn salad

Knock-Off Elote Salad

The Starving Chef
For this knock-off recipe, feta cheese is used instead of cotija for a simple and refreshing corn salad.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Mexican, Salad
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups sweet corn
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 4 tablespoons lime juice
  • 3 tablespoons French onion chip dip
  • ¼ teaspoons smoked paprika + more for topping
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ cup feta
  • ½ cup red onion chopped
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl combine the mayo, lime juice and French onion chip dip. Stir well to combine.
  • In a separate large bowl, combine the sweet corn, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, red onion, melted butter and half of the feta. Stir it all together so that the ingredients are well incorporated.
  • Pour the mayonnaise sauce over the corn salad and mix it in so that the corn is evenly coated. Add the remaining feta and cilantro. Chill for at least one hour or until ready to serve. Enjoy!
Keyword corn, cotija, lime
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!