Get your party, weeknight dinner or Taco Tuesday started with the most perfect side dish ever: Mexican Street Corn Salad. It’s slightly smoky, spicy, tangy and completely and utterly delicious. If you love elotes, you will love this salad that can also act as a salsa!

This is one of my favorite sides and dishes to pass during the summer. It’s so bold, vibrant and flavorful. Plus, it’s so easy to make and is sure to please. I love that this can be enjoyed on its own as a side salad or with your favorite chips as a salsa/dip.

Now, what exactly is in this salad? To start, sweet, crisp corn of course! It’s one of the best ways to showcase this summer time favorite. In addition to that, it’s packed with tons of great greens: green bell pepper, green onions, jalapenos and cilantro. To add some additional color and sweetness it includes red bell peppers as well! Toss all of this is a creamy, lightened up crema dressing and crumbled cotija cheese. Can you say yum!?

I like to make the dressing first and then let it chill in the fridge while I prepare the other ingredients. Since the other ingredients will be at room temperature, the salad will not be cooled. You can serve this right away after making it or you can chill it beforehand for at least 30 minutes and then serve. Consequently, chilling it before serving, it makes for a great make ahead dish! Especially if you are in a time crunch.

Make this whenever you are craving an elote because honestly, this is just like an elote, but without the mess! This dish is the perfect addition to your Taco Tuesday, summer BBQ, family gathering or even a weeknight dinner.

Did you make this? If so, make sure to tag and follow @prettyplatebymichelle on instagram or leave a comment below and let me know what you thought! I would love to see your Pretty Plate and hear from you!