Elote-Style Quinoa Salad

Hey there! So, I just have to share this elote-style quinoa salad recipe with you—it’s like a little burst of sunshine in a bowl! Imagine all the flavors of that delicious Mexican street corn you love, but mingled with these fluffy quinoa grains that are all about the nutrition… It’s fresh, it’s creamy, and oh man, it’s perfect for summer picnics or just a light dinner at home. Seriously, every bite is a little fiesta in your mouth!

Why You’ll Crave It

• Perfect for those summer get-togethers—everyone asks for the recipe!
• Creamy dressing that ties everything together, making each bite divine.
• Totally customizable—add your favorite veggies or proteins for a twist!
• Nutritious but feels indulgent… like, how great is that?
• Great for meal prep! Tastes even better the next day, if there are any leftovers, that is…

My family fights over the last serving, no joke!

What You’ll Need

• Quinoa: 1 cup, there’s just something about quinoa’s nutty flavor and fluffy texture
• Water: 2 cups, for cooking the quinoa perfectly
• Corn: 2 cups, either fresh off the cob or frozen works great
• Red bell pepper: 1, diced, for that sweet crunch
• Red onion: 1/2, finely chopped, because it adds flavor and a bit of zing
• Cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped, as it adds that fresh herb vibe
• Lime: 2, juiced; the zing is just… essential
• Cotija cheese: 1/2 cup, crumbled, brings the creamy richness we want
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, a smooth dressing base
• Chili powder: 1 teaspoon, for a little kick
• Salt: to taste, because seasoning is key!
• Pepper: to taste, always good to add a bit more flavor

Easy How-To

Getting Started with the Quinoa

First things first, rinse that quinoa under cold water. You don’t want any bitterness hanging around, right? Then, in a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil and throw in your 1 cup of quinoa. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover it up, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until all that water’s absorbed. Just fluff it up with a fork afterward and let it cool a bit—trust me, it makes a difference!

Prepare the Corn

While the quinoa’s doing its thing, let’s talk corn! If you’ve got fresh corn, you can grill or boil it until it’s nice and tender… Then, just cut those kernels off the cob. If you’re using canned or frozen, just drain it and give it a quick rinse. Super simple!

Mix It All Together

Alright, in a large bowl, combine that cooled quinoa, your corn, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and crumbled Cotija cheese. It looks vibrant already, doesn’t it? Now, for my favorite part—

Dressing Time!

In a small bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder… oh, don’t forget the salt! Then pour this dressing over your quinoa mix and stir it all up until it’s all beautifully coated. This is going to be so good!

Time to Serve

Give your salad a taste, and add more salt or pepper if needed. You can serve it right away, or pop it in the fridge to chill for about an hour. It lets those flavors meld together beautifully, but either way, it’s gonna be a hit!

Good to Know

• If you want more protein, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some chickpeas—yum!
• Leftovers? No worries! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for about three days.

Serving Ideas

• Enjoy it as a refreshing side to your favorite grilled meats or eat it solo with some crusty bread!

Top Tricks

• Roasting the corn gives it a delicious smoky flavor—if you’ve got the time, it’s so worth it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Yep! Frozen corn is totally fine—just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the salad.

Is it possible to make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Just remember to add the dressing right before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.

What can I substitute for quinoa?

You can swap it out for rice, farro, or even cauliflower rice if you want to keep it light!

How do I store leftovers?

Simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—it holds up pretty well!

Can I add protein to the salad?

For sure! Grilled chicken, black beans, or chickpeas can make this salad a complete meal!

Conclusion

So there you have it—this elote-style quinoa salad is not just a tasty dish, but it also brings a fun twist to your meals… Friends and family will love it, and it’s pretty easy to whip up. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll definitely become a staple in your kitchen!

More recipe suggestions and combinations

Spicy Black Bean Quinoa Salad

Mix cooked quinoa with black beans, jalapeños, corn, diced tomatoes, and avocado for a spicy twist.

Cilantro Lime Rice Salad

Swap quinoa for cilantro lime rice, adding cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a zesty lime dressing for a refreshing variation.

Vegetable and Chickpea Medley

Combine quinoa with roasted vegetables and chickpeas, drizzling your favorite dressing over the top for added flavor.

Avocado and Mango Salad

Blend quinoa with diced avocado, ripe mango, red onion, and a coconut lime dressing for a tropical version.

Grilled Chicken Quinoa Bowl

Top your quinoa salad with grilled chicken, paired with a creamy dressing, to add protein and smokiness to the dish.