Fire up your grill and make elotes ! This Mexican street corn is grilled to smoky perfection then smothered in vegan mayo, cheese, and lime crema.

Grilled corn is a delicious side dish on its own, but it becomes extra special with the addition of vegan Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, and the bomb lime crema. Once you try elotes, you are never going to want corn any other way! (Okay, maybe corn nuggets are an exception.) This is one of my favourites for summer grilling season and it’s a recipe we make for both weeknight dinners and weekend get-togethers with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Elotes Recipe

• It’s vegan . Unlike traditional Mexican street corn, this recipe uses plant-based alternatives for the cheese and mayonnaise, which means you can finally enjoy elotes as a vegan!
• Full of flavour . The combination of smoky and sweet grilled corn, creamy mayonnaise, tangy lime crema, and savory Parmesan cheese means every single bite is jam-packed with flavour.
• Always a crowd-pleaser . Make this for a backyard barbecue and watch it disappear! No one can resist the deliciousness of grilled corn smothered in creamy toppings.

Notes on Ingredients

Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.

• Corn – The highlight of summer! Go to your farmers market or a local farm stand for the freshest, most delicious corn.
• Vegan mayonnaise – You can use homemade vegan mayonnaise or store-bought.
• Seasonings – Garlic powder and red chili powder infuse this recipe with flavour.
• Vegan Parmesan cheese – You can make vegan Parmesan or use store-bought. Nutritional yeast also works.
• Chopped cilantro
• Vegan feta cheese – My vegan feta cheese recipe is perfect for this!

For the Lime Crema:

• Vegan Greek yogurt – Make sure it’s plain.
• Lime juice – I recommend fresh lime juice for the best flavour.
• Garlic
• Water – Only if you need to thin the sauce a bit. This will depend on the consistency of the yogurt you use.
• Sea salt and ground black pepper
• Lime wedges

How to Make Elotes (Mexican Street Corn)

• Make the crema . Stir all of the crema ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate while you work on the rest of the recipe.
• Grill the corn . Set the corn on a grill heated to high and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, turning often.
• Husk the corn . Carefully remove the corn from the grill. Remove the husks and silk.

• Make the mayo mixture . Mix the vegan mayonnaise, garlic powder, and chili powder. Brush this onto the corn.
• Assemble . Drizzle the lime crema over the corn, then add more chili powder, vegan Parmesan, and feta. Serve with lime wedges.

Tips for Success

• Choose fresh corn . Fresh corn on the cob will yield the best results. Look for corn with bright green husks and moist silk at the top. When you feel the top of the ear of corn, the kernels should feel plump.
• Rotate frequently . Turning the corn often while it’s on the grill ensures even cooking and prevents burning. Don’t just put the corn on the grill and walk away!
• Serve immediately . Elotes are best enjoyed fresh off the grill while the toppings are still warm and melty.

Serving Suggestions

Tacos are my favourite pairing for this Mexican street corn recipe. Try my jackfruit tacos , vegan birria tacos , or crispy beer-battered vegan fish tacos . Since you’re firing up the grill anyway, these easy grillable veggie burgers would also be great served alongside elotes!

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Rather than storing the whole ears of corn, which can be unwieldy, I recommend slicing the kernels off the cob. This is easier to store and reheat.

You can reheat the elotes in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. You can also eat it like a cold salad or use it as a topping for tacos.

Can I Freeze This Recipe?

I also recommend removing the kernels from the cob if you are freezing this recipe. Store the elotes in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

More Vegan Corn Recipes

• Corn Soufflé
• Corn Succotash
• How to Make Vegan Creamed Corn
• 15 Minute Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas
• Quinoa and Corn Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing

Ingredients

• 6 ears corn , unhusked
• 1/4 cup Vegan mayonnaise
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
• Red Chili powder , to taste
• 1/4 cup vegan Parmesan cheese
• Chopped Cilantro , for garnish
• vegan feta cheese , optional

Lime Crema

• 1/4 cup Greek vegan yogurt
• 2 teaspoons lime juice
• 1/2 tsp finely minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon water , optional
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• lime wedges , for garnish

Instructions

Lime Crema

• In a bowl, mix all the ingredients together. Add a tablespoon or two of water to thin out the lime crema for drizzling if you so desire. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Place in a squeeze bottle and in the fridge until ready.

• Heat your grill on high. Place the corn directly over the heat and grill for 10-15 minutes, turning often.

• Remove corn from grill and remove the husks and silk strings from the corn. Mix together vegan mayonnaise, garlic powder and some red chili powder and brush on corns while hot.

• Drizzle the lime crema over the top.

• Sprinklesome more red chili powder, vegan parmesan cheese, and crumbled vegan feta cheese.

• Serve with the lime wedges to squeeze over the corn and enjoy!

Notes

Elotes (Mexican Street Corn)

Ingredients

• 6 ears corn unhusked
• 1/4 cup Vegan mayonnaise
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
• Red Chili powder to taste
• 1/4 cup vegan Parmesan cheese
• Chopped Cilantro for garnish
• vegan feta cheese optional

Lime Crema

• 1/4 cup Greek vegan yogurt
• 2 teaspoons lime juice
• 1/2 tsp finely minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon water optional
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• lime wedges for garnish

Instructions

Lime Crema

• In a bowl, mix all the ingredients together. Add a tablespoon or two of water to thin out the lime crema for drizzling if you so desire. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Place in a squeeze bottle and in the fridge until ready.

• Heat your grill on high. Place the corn directly over the heat and grill for 10-15 minutes, turning often.

• Remove corn from grill and remove the husks and silk strings from the corn. Mix together vegan mayonnaise, garlic powder and some red chili powder and brush on corns while hot.

• Drizzle the lime crema over the top.

• Sprinklesome more red chili powder, vegan parmesan cheese, and crumbled vegan feta cheese.

• Serve with the lime wedges to squeeze over the corn and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Nutrition

Elotes (Mexican Street Corn) https://jessicainthekitchen.com/grilled-mexican-street-corn/ June 26, 2024

You’ll love making these amazing vegan summer recipes for all your parties and cookouts. I’ve got all the grilled main dishes, easy sides, and no-bake desserts to make this the best summer yet!

I love summer, but I hate bringing the extra heat into my house when it’s hot outside! These vegan summer recipes are perfect for family dinners, pool parties, cookouts, and all your summer potlucks!

Grilling is one of my favourite things about summer cooking. Everything just tastes better with a little smoke, even grilled fruit ! Most of our dinners are a combination of a grilled dish, a simple but flavourful summer salad, and a fresh fruit dessert. This recipe roundup is a combination of all three!

22 Delicious Vegan Summer Recipes

Whether you need vegan grilled recipes, simple summer salads and side dishes, or decadent no-bake desserts, I’ve got all the recipes you’ll need for the whole season.

Strawberry Panzanella Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Use your fresh strawberries with this savoury summer recipe! It’s made with just 6 main ingredients and is perfect for lunch or dinner.

Easy Grilled Pineapples

If you’ve never had caramelised pineapples, you’re in for a treat! They’re even sweeter and juicier than fresh pineapple with no added sugars or ingredients.

Black Bean and Quinoa Burgers with Strawberry BBQ Sauce (Vegan + GF)

These quinoa and black bean burgers will transform the way you look at veggie burgers, I swear. No need for ketchup — this strawberry BBQ sauce is also so tangy and delicious with a little sweetness.

No Bake Brownie Energy Bites

Love brownies but don’t wanna turn on the oven? These no-bake gluten-free brownie energy bites are made with only 5 ingredients and are a perfect quick healthy breakfast or snack!

Vegan Pasta Salad

It’s just not a cookout without pasta salad. This simple recipe is tossed in a homemade Italian vinaigrette

Grilled Peach, Basil and Vegan “Goat” Cheese Pizza

Grilled peaches are my favourite summertime fruit, and this pizza topped with basil and vegan goat cheese is a crowd pleaser! Don’t forget the tangy balsamic drizzle too.

3-Ingredient Frozen Yogurt Granola Cups

Summer snacks should be absolutely delicious! These 3-ingredient Frozen Yogurt Granola Cups are so incredibly easy to make. They’re great for healthy meal prep and pool day snacks.

Vegan Strawberry Coconut No-Churn Ice Cream

One of my favourite parts about summer is the endless amounts of homemade ice cream. This no-churn ice cream is deliciously creamy and only takes 4 ingredients!

3-Ingredient Easy Watermelon Granita

This Watermelon Granita is the easiest dessert you’ll ever make! It’s only 3 ingredients, completely healthy and tastes unbelievably delicious.

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

I love this simple and delicious Mediterranean Chickpea Salad! It’s loaded with fresh, crisp veggies and ready in just 15 minutes. Your guests will love it!

Vegan Yogurt Parfait Breakfast Popsicles

Who says you can’t have popsicles for breakfast? These Vegan Yogurt Parfait Breakfast Popsicles are perfect on-the-go, or a quick and easy summer treat to cool you down. Great for kids, too!

Grilled Mexican Street Corn

This Grilled Mexican Street Corn is grilled to smoky perfection and smothered in a delicious and creamy vegan mayonnaise blend and Lime Crema. It’s the best summer side dish!

Rainbow Fruit Salad with Maple Lime Dressing

Dress up your summer fruit salad with this bright and sweet maple lime dressing! I make a batch and eat it all week for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Filled with strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, kiwis, and pineapple, too!

Strawberry Jalapeño Salsa

Change up your chips and dip this year with yummy strawberries and spicy jalapeños! This strawberry salsa only takes 10 minutes to make and is a total crowd pleaser for pool parties.

Vegan Pulled “Pork” Mushroom Sandwiches

You’ve had jackfruit sandwiches, but I love these mushroom sandwiches because they take way less effort to prep! They’re hearty, packed with umami flavour, and so easy to make. I use oyster mushrooms for the best pulled “pork” texture.

Grilled Peaches with Coconut Ice Cream

Grilled Peaches with Coconut Ice Cream is the perfect summer treat! The peaches are juicy, smoky and sweet and the homemade ice cream on top is perfect to cool down after a day in the sun.

Black Bean Avocado and Corn Salad

This Black Bean Avocado and Corn Salad is the easiest salad you’ll ever make! It takes 15 minutes, is loaded with a variety of delicious flavours and is so versatile as a dip, salsa or salad.

Watermelon Mint Popsicles (3 Ingredients)

These Watermelon Mint Popsicles are deliciously refreshing, sweet and made with only three ingredients! These Popsicles were SO easy to make that it’s almost embarrassing to share such an easy recipe, but they were even easier to devour.

15-Minute Quinoa Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing

This Asian-inspired Quinoa Salad is loaded with so much flavour! It’s a colourful vegan meal perfect for a light lunch or dinner. I love this sesame ginger dressing so much I put it on everything.

Loaded Vegan Potato Salad with Coconut Bacon

You’ll never believe this loaded potato salad is vegan — including the bacon! It’s creamy, has amazing texture and is topped with divine homemade coconut bacon.

Quinoa Stone Fruit Salad

This quinoa and stone fruit salad is a beautiful summer salad loaded with peaches and plums. It’s all drizzled with a maple lime dressing for a bright and light fruity treat!

Watermelon Feta Salad with Balsamic Reduction

This watermelon and feta salad is a summer classic! Watermelon and vegan feta cheese are a match made in heaven. Add the balsamic reduction, and it’s a knockout recipe you’ll make all summer long.

Whether you’re a grill master or throwing your first pool party, I’ve got some tips and tricks to make the best vegan summer recipes ever:

• Preheat your grill . Whenever you’re grilling, you want to start with a warm grill — just like you start with a warm oven! Even if your grill doesn’t have a special preheat option, let it run 10 to 15 minutes before you want to use it.
• Make it in advance. So many salad and dessert recipes can be made a day early. In fact, many pasta salads and summer salads have even better flavour the second day. Make your pool party prep easier by making your ice cream, popsicles, and veggie burger patties the night before.
• Get a grill basket. If you love grilled vegetables but hate watching them fall into the flames, try a metal grill basket. You get all that charred flavour without risking a lost veggie!
• Use fruit in everything. I use fruit in so many recipes from savoury to sweet all summer long! If you’re new to savoury fruit recipes, start with some simple grilled peaches and you’ll be converted forever!