Mexican Corn Dip – Skinny and Easy to Make!
Posted: 05/05/2017
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Mexican corn dip has all the flavors of Mexican street corn in an irresistible dip format that you can actually feel good about eating! Only 123 calories per serving.
Recipe Overview
Why you’ll love it: Lots of veggies in a great tasting dip!
How long it takes: 15 minutes
Equipment you’ll need: sharp knife, mixing bowl, measuring utensils
Servings: 8
Imagine sitting poolside sipping on a cool beverage, watching kids splash around in the pool, and snacking on a flavorful dip made with fresh corn, cilantro, cotija, and more. When I served this dip to hubby, he said, “I closed my eyes and I woke up in Tijuana.” Sometimes he’s hilarious!
Sounds like a pretty good scenario, right? Especially since it’s still frigid in Michigan. That dip you’re snacking on has all the sunny flavors of Mexican corn on the cob (elote) except without the mess of having to eat the corn off the cob, cheese falling off (THE WORST), and stuff getting stuck in your teeth.
Plus, this way you get to enjoy tortilla chips, too. Always a good thing! Aren’t these blue corn tortilla chips pretty? Incidentally, they’re naturally blue and not dyed with food color. Did you know it’s so easy to make your own baked tortilla chips or air fryer tortilla chips?
Might I add that Mexican corn dip is also perfect for Cinco de Mayo which just so happens to be today? Also, this Mexicali dip or white queso in the slow cooker — made for Cinco! My new favorite is cheesy jalapeño popper dip.
Mexican corn dip is the party perfect dip and I just know it’s going to become a summer favorite of yours.
About This Corn Dip
This recipe is based on the popular street corn sold in Mexico called “elote”. Elote is grilled or roasted corn on the cob, slathered with mayo or Mexican creme and rolled in crumbled cotija cheese. It’s seasoned with salt, chili powder, and lime juice.
This dip incorporates the same ingredients with a few extras added. I think you’ll love it!
Look for the printable recipe card with complete instructions, measurements, and nutrition information at the end of this post.
What You’ll Need
- Corn: Fresh corn cut off the cob has the best flavor but drained canned corn or frozen corn is a good substitute. Corn is the main ingredient of this dip so use the best tasting corn you can. If you like, char it lightly in a grill pan or on the grill.
- Red Bell Pepper: Finely diced bell pepper adds color, flavor, and a nice crunch. Use whatever color bell pepper you like best.
- Canned Chopped Green Chiles: I like canned chopped green chiles and use them often. Try my green chile mac and cheese recipe!
- Cotija Cheese: If you’re not familiar with cotija cheese, it’s a Mexican variety that’s made from cows’ milk and has a crumbly texture and salty flavor, somewhat similar to feta cheese. Look for the aged cheese, not fresh.
- Fresh Cilantro: Use the leaves and small stems. It’s so good in this dip!
- Lime Juice: Squeeze your own, don’t be tempted to use bottled juice.
- Chili Powder: A blend of spices that usually includes salt. Buy your favorite brand.
- Green Onions: Provide plenty of fresh onion flavor without overpowering the dip.
- Mayonnaise and Greek Yogurt: Keep the dip “skinny” by using Greek yogurt as the base, with just a touch of mayonnaise, which lends a smooth texture and tones down the sharp tanginess of yogurt.
How To Make This Dip
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and serve! It’s so easy to make!
You’ll love Mexican corn dip all on its own (seriously, it’s so good!), on tortilla chips (obviously),or on a salad. Simply top lettuce and a grilled chicken breast with this dip and you have an instant main course salad!
If you’re looking for a warm corn dip, try this cheesy baked corn casserole with bacon and jalapeño. It’s so creamy that it makes a wonderful dip even though it’s a casserole recipe.
For a flavor variation, why not stir crumbled cooked bacon into this dip? It’s easy to make a few strips of bacon when you make air fryer bacon.
Loving Mexican street corn? You have to try this Mexican street corn pasta salad!! It’s always a huge hit at picnics.
Storage Tips
Store leftover dip in the fridge in a covered container for up to three days. Stir before serving.
more great Tex-Mex dips
- 7 Layer Dip Recipe – THE BEST!
- Mexican Spinach Dip Recipe
- Black Bean and Avocado Salad (great with chips!)
- Poblano Queso Dip – delicious & creamy!
- Healthy Queso Dip or Healthy Queso Dip with Butternut Squash
- Southwestern Black Bean Dip
- Restaurant Style Salsa or Chipotle Salsa (easy blender recipe)
- Salsa Verde (with roasted tomatillos)
- Instant Pot Refried Beans
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
servings
Mexican corn dip has all the flavors of Mexican street corn in an irresistible dip format that you can actually feel good about eating!
Ingredients
- 4 cups corn kernels, canned or fresh (about 5 large ears fresh)
- 1 can (4.5 oz) chopped green chiles
- ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- ¼ cup diced red bell peppers
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (I like the kind made with olive oil)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Tortilla chips for serving, opt.
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a mixing bowl until well combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Spoon into serving dish.
- Serve with tortilla chips.
Notes
- I charred my corn slightly using a grill pan before slicing it off the cob. You can also use canned or frozen corn. If using canned corn, drain well. If using frozen corn, thaw first.
- Make a meal. Scoop dip on top of chopped romaine lettuce and top with grilled chicken. Instant main dish salad!
- Nutrition information does not include tortilla chips.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 123kcal, Carbohydrates: 18g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 6mg, Sodium: 138mg, Potassium: 211mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 494IU, Vitamin C: 16mg, Calcium: 45mg, Iron: 1mg
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Liz says
Look forward to making this for a healthy work potluck.
Any suggestions for cilantro substitute?
Rachel Gurk says
I’d just leave it out if you don’t like it it. Lots of great flavor without it. :)
Salley says
If using canned corn do you need to cook it first?
Rachel Gurk says
No, you can just drain it and put it in. Great question!
Carolyn says
This looks incredible! The perfect snack!
Megan @ Megunprocessed says
Great way to use that summer corn! It looks like it has so much flavor!
Crystal Faulkner says
I love this!
Rachel Gurk says
Thank you, Crystal! I’m so happy to hear that!
Liz Della Croce says
Perfect for summer parties! Can’t wait to try this!
Elizabeth @ Confessions of a Baking Queen says
Yes my sisters will be all over this dip!!
Nat says
Is the Greek yogurt replacing sour cream or any other creamy variant preferred??
Rachel Gurk says
You could use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt if you’d like.
Patti says
This was SO good! I made it for my book club last night and it got rave reviews! I totally forgot to add the cheese, but it was delicious anyway. I may have just found my go to potluck dish!
Rachel Gurk says
I’m so glad to hear it! Thanks for taking the time to come back and leave your thoughts, I appreciate it so much!