A Fresh & Flavor-Packed Summer Side Favorite

When summer hits Wisconsin, there’s nothing quite like fresh, sweet corn at its peak. Our culinary team loves finding new ways to highlight seasonal ingredients, and this Chilled Elote Summer Salad is a perfect example—bright, creamy, and packed with bold flavor.

Inspired by classic Mexican street corn, this dish takes everything you love about elote and gives it a refreshing twist. Fire-roasted corn kernels are folded into a rich lime crema with crumbles of cotija and queso fresco, fresh herbs, and creamy avocado. Finished with a touch of Tajín for that signature citrusy kick, it’s a dish our chefs love to make at home and one that’s perfect for backyard cookouts and summer gatherings. 

Even better? It’s a great way to repurpose leftover corn on the cob—so you can keep the flavors of summer going just a little longer.

Ingredients

• Fresh sweet corn (grilled or roasted, kernels removed)
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream or Mexican crema
• Fresh lime juice and zest
• Cotija cheese
• Queso fresco, crumbled
• Diced avocado
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Red onion, finely diced
• Jalapeño (optional), finely minced
• Chili powder or smoked paprika
• Tajín seasoning (for garnish)
• Salt and cracked black pepper

Directions

1. Char the Corn: Grill or roast corn until lightly charred. Cool and remove kernels.
2. Build the Base: Combine corn, red onion, jalapeño (optional), and cilantro.
3. Make the Lime Crema: Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, zest, chili seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine: Fold crema into corn mixture. Add cotija and queso fresco.
5. Finish Fresh: Fold in diced avocado just before serving.
6. Chill & Serve: Refrigerate until cold. Serve with Tajín rim and fresh lime.

Chef Tips

• Use locally grown Wisconsin sweet corn when it’s in season for the best flavor.
• Grill a few lime halves alongside your corn for a beautiful presentation.
• A Tajín-rim garnish adds both visual appeal and a pop of citrusy heat that ties the dish together.

From Our Culinary Team at The Ingleside Hotel

Behind every recipe shared from The Ingleside Hotel is a dedicated culinary team passionate about creating food that’s both approachable and memorable. Led by experienced chefs and supported by a talented kitchen team, we focus on fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and dishes designed to be enjoyed at any table.

From holiday brunches and special events to everyday favorites, our kitchen is a place where collaboration and creativity come together. We’re proud to share a little inspiration from our kitchen to yours—and we hope this recipe becomes a go-to favorite for your summer gatherings.