Healthy Elote Dip Recipe (2024)

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This easy and healthy Elote Dip Recipe is a crowd pleasing side dish. If you love the flavors of Mexican Street Corn, you’ve got to give this Mexican Corn Dip recipe a try!

Whether you’re needing a delicious app for a happy hour celebration or celebrating Cinco de Mayo with friends, this is an easy recipe that always pleases a crowd.

Healthy Elote Dip Recipe (1)

If you’ve been to my site before, you know that I like to lighten up otherwise unhealthy recipes.This Mexican Street Corn Dip uses Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, mayonnaise, or cream cheese – but the results are just as creamy and binge worthy and your body will appreciate the boost of protein.

Where’s the recipe?

I receive a lot of questions about my recipes. In an effort to help all of my readers, I like to give a lot of information in my posts.

In this post you’ll find ingredient information, detailed cooking instructions, recipe tips, and healthy eating plan information. If you’d like to jump to the recipe with ingredients, measurements, and instructions, please scroll down to the bottom of the page where you’ll find the easy to print recipe for this Easy & Healthy Elote Dip with no mayonnaise.

Table of Contents

Ingredients in this Elote Corn Dip

  • Sweet Corn kernels: Canned whole corn kernels work great for this recipe, but you can also use frozen corn, or fresh corn kernels that have been shucked from an ear of corn.
  • Butter: This is used to sauté the corn. You can use another fat like olive oil if you prefer.
  • Cotija cheese: This is an aged Mexican white cheese, not to be confused with queso fresco. Cotija has a salty, milky flavor that is perfect for this dip. If you can’t find cojita in your area, feel free to use whatever your favorite cheese is. I’ve used both feta cheese and pepper jack cheese in a pinch and it was delicious.
  • Greek yogurt: This is a healthy substitute for the mayo or sour cream that you usually find with elote.
  • Cottage Cheese: Hold on, hear me out. I am not a fan of cottage cheese on it’s own, but, when you blend it together with Greek yogurt, you save so many calories without sacrificing creaminess or flavor.
  • Parsley: Fresh parsley is best, and looks beautiful when added as a garnish.
  • Lime juice: Fresh squeezed is always my favorite, but if you have bottled, that’s ok too.
  • Chili powder
  • Garlic powder

Optional Toppings:

  • Fresh cilantro
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Tajin Seasoning
  • Lime Zest
Healthy Elote Dip Recipe (2)

Directions for this Easy Elote Corn Dip:

  1. Roast the corn: In a medium sized cast iron skillet or frying pan set over medium heat, melt the butter and add in the corn.
  2. Cook: Cook the corn for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the corn has started to char on some pieces. The roasted corn taste of this recipe is what makes it so delicious.
  3. Remove: Remove the corn from the heat and transfer to a medium bowl. Allow the corn to cool for a few minutes before adding the remaining ingredients.
  4. Mix it all up: Add in the rest of the ingredients and stir together well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Enjoy: Enjoy with warm tortilla chips!
Healthy Elote Dip Recipe (3)

Recipe tips

  • If corn is in season, fresh corn cut off the cob is so delicious! I really like to grill mine for this recipe. You could also place the corn kernels on a baking sheet and broil on low for 5-10 minutes, stirring a few times in between. If you’re broiling something, don’t step away from the oven–it will quickly char your food.
  • You can store this in an air tight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
  • If you really don’t want to use the Greek yogurt and cottage cheese, you can use mayo instead-keep in mind that this recipe won’t be 21 Day Fix/Portion Fix friendly if you do that.
  • If you’d rather leave out the cheese, this recipe will taste just as delicious!
  • I do not love freezing this recipe. I feel like the creamy ingredients don’t thaw well. You can definitely cook and freeze the corn and spices ahead of time, though.
  • Looking for spice? I love drizzling hot sauce on this before eating!
  • Grocery stores in different parts of the country have different offerings in different sections. Ask your store manager where to find Cojita cheese for this recipe if it’s not with the other cheeses.
  • Serve with corn chips, tortilla chips, or veggies.

Healthy Eating Plans

The healthy ingredients in this recipe make it perfect for any healthy eating plan!

Portion Fix/21 Day Fix

  • Container counts for the entire recipe (I give you this count in case you change something in the recipe-it will make it a little easier to recalculate your containers): 3 yellow containers, 6 teaspoons, 1 blue container, 1 red container
  • Recipe serves 6
  • Container counts per 2/3 cup serving: Count each serving 1/2 yellow container, 1 tsp, 1/6 blue container, 1/6 red container.

If you just have one serving, and don’t eat this often, I’d skip counting the 1/6 of the blue and red.

Weight Watchers

2 Points per serving on the 2023 Plan when using fat free cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. You may need to use less of these ingredients in the recipe because the fat free dairy if going to be a little more watery than the full or reduced fat versions.

2B Mindset

  • This is a recipe that I’d eat with lunch and use veggies to dip in, or fill baby bell peppers with the elote dip to get veggies in!

More healthy Mexican recipes

  • Healthy Green Chili Chicken
  • Vegetarian Mexican Casserole
  • Easy Homemade Salsa
  • Spicy Mexican Meatloaf
  • How to make Polenta
  • Calabacitas Tacos

Healthy Elote Dip Recipe (4)

4.84 from 6 ratings

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Healthy Elote Dip

Created by: Becca Ludlum

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Approximate Serving Size: about 2/3 cup

Servings 6

This easy Elote Dip is a crowd pleasing side dish, and uses protein packed Greek yogurt and blended cottage cheese instead of mayo. If you love traditional Mexican Street Corn you've got to give this recipe a try!

Equipment

  • Enameled Cast Iron Pan

  • Mixing Bowls

  • Vitamix Blender

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 15 oz whole corn kernels, canned (about 3 cups corn)
  • cup Cotija cheese
  • 6 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
  • 6 tbsp cottage cheese blended together with the yogurt, so there are no chunks
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 lime juiced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder

Instructions

  • In a medium sized cast iron skillet or frying pan set over medium heat, melt the butter and add in the corn. 2 tbsp butter 2 15 oz whole corn kernels, canned

  • Cook the corn for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the corn has started to char on some pieces. The roasted corn taste of this recipe is what makes it so delicious.

  • Remove the corn from the heat and transfer to a medium bowl. Allow the corn to cool for a few minutes before adding the remaining ingredients.

  • Add in the rest of the ingredients and stir together well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 1/3 cup Cotija cheese 6 tbsp plain Greek yogurt 6 tbsp cottage cheese 2 tbsp fresh parsley 1 lime 1 tsp chili powder 1/2 tsp garlic powder

  • Enjoy with warm tortilla chips!

Notes

Recipe tips

  • If corn is in season, fresh corn cut off the cob is so delicious! I really like to grill mine for this recipe. You could also place the corn kernels on a baking sheet and broil on low for 5-10 minutes, stirring a few times in between. If you’re broiling something, don’t step away from the oven–it will quickly char your food.
  • You can store this in an air tight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
  • If you really don’t want to use the Greek yogurt and cottage cheese, you can use mayo instead-keep in mind that this recipe won’t be 21 Day Fix/Portion Fix friendly if you do that.
  • If you’d rather leave out the cheese, this recipe will taste just as delicious!
  • I do not love freezing this recipe. I feel like the creamy ingredients don’t thaw well. You can definitely cook and freeze the corn and spices ahead of time, though.
  • Looking for spice? I love drizzling hot sauce on this before eating!
  • Grocery stores in different parts of the country have different offerings in different sections. Ask your store manager where to find Cojita cheese for this recipe if it’s not with the other cheeses.
  • Serve with corn chips, tortilla chips, or veggies.

Healthy Eating Plans

The healthy ingredients in this recipe make it perfect for any healthy eating plan!

Portion Fix/21 Day Fix

  • Container counts for the entire recipe (I give you this count in case you change something in the recipe-it will make it a little easier to recalculate your containers): 3 yellow containers, 6 teaspoons, 1 blue container, 1 red container
  • Recipe serves 6
  • Container counts per 2/3 cup serving: Count each serving 1/2 yellow container, 1 tsp, 1/6 blue container, 1/6 red container.

If you just have one serving, and don’t eat this often, I’d skip counting the 1/6 of the blue and red.

2B Mindset

  1. This is a recipe that I’d eat with lunch and use veggies to dip in, or fill baby bell peppers with the elote dip to get veggies in!

Nutrition

Calories: 219kcal | Carbohydrates: 16.3g | Protein: 23.5g | Fat: 6.7g | Saturated Fat: 3.9g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 271mg | Potassium: 180mg | Fiber: 1.6g | Sugar: 6.9g | Calcium: 213mg | Iron: 2mg

Make This Recipe?

Make sure to follow on Pinterest @bludlum and on Instagram @beccaludlum

Healthy Elote Dip Recipe (5)

Becca Ludlum

Healthy recipe creator, self-confessed food snob, and certified Level 1 Precision Nutrition Coach. I create healthy recipes with minimally processed ingredients, but have never turned down a homemade brownie. ;)

Healthy Elote Dip Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How many calories are in Mexican street corn dip? ›

Healthy Hacks
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories215
Total Fatg
Saturated Fatg
8 more rows

Is Elote good for you? ›

Elote is a favorite summer BBQ treat. Caramelized grilled corn is slathered with a sauce made from Mexican crema, then sprinkled with cotija cheese and cilantro. Butter may be good, but this corn cannot be beat. Corn is rich in fiber and carotenoids, which makes it healthy for the gut and eyes.

Can diabetics eat elote? ›

Yes, you can eat corn if you have diabetes. Corn is a source of energy, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It's also low in sodium and fat.

Is Mexican cheese dip unhealthy? ›

Although salsa is often associated with tortilla chips, Mexican cheese dip — or queso — is a common side as well. While Mexican cheese dip is not the healthiest food choice, it does provide protein.

Why is Mexican street corn so good? ›

Mayo gives the corn a lightly creamy coating. Lime juice and zest make it bright & zingy. Garlic & scallions add sharp, oniony accents. Cotija cheese dots it with tangy, salty pops of flavor.

What is the difference between elote and Mexican street corn? ›

Elote, or Mexican street corn, is corn on the cob covered in creamy mayo and topped with cilantro, lime juice, Cotija cheese, and chili powder. It's the most delicious Mexican side dish! If there's a dish that embodies what a Mexican summer feels like, this elote recipe is it!

What kind of mayo is used for elote? ›

Elote Recipe Ingredients

Mayonnaise – It creates a creamy coating for the corn and helps the other fixings stick. I love the flavor of 100% mayo on elote, but if you prefer, you can sub Mexican crema or sour cream for some or all of it. Fresh lime juice and zest – For brightness.

What's the difference between elote and street corn? ›

Elote, commonly called Mexican Street Corn, is grilled corn smothered in a creamy mayo sauce and topped with chili powder, cheese and lime. Serve it as a snack or side dish for summer BBQ's and potlucks.

Does corn tortilla spike blood sugar? ›

Corn tortillas and wheat tortillas score lower on the glycemic index than flour tortillas, which means they are less likely to spike your blood sugar levels. However, like flour tortillas, these options likely also contain additives to preserve the food for longer, as well as bleaching agents.

Why can't diabetics eat corn? ›

Corn is low in fat and low in salt, so it is suitable for diabetics' dietary guidelines. However, corn is still a starchy food group, so people with diabetes should not eat a lot of corn. To avoid difficulty controlling blood sugar.

Does corn raise blood pressure? ›

Corn Is Good for Lowering the Risk of High Blood Pressure

Adding corn to your diet can also increase your intake of dietary fiber, which has been shown to lower blood pressure levels. Corn is also a low-fat food and contains no cholesterol, making it a healthy option for those with high blood pressure.

What is the red stuff in elote? ›

The classic seasoning for elote is chili powder, but we have also found that we love it with smoked paprika. So maybe do a few cobs with each and see which one you prefer.

What is the yellow stuff on an elote? ›

Elote (pronounced: eh-loh-teh) is a dish comprised of cooked sweet corn slathered in a spicy mixture of mayonnaise, crema, and chili powder, and then sprinkled with cheese.

What cheese is used for elotes? ›

What Is Elote? Elote, or Mexican corn on the cob, is a popular street food in Mexico (that's why it's also known as Mexican street corn). Corn on the cob is charred on the grill, slathered with butter and mayonnaise, and finished with salty Cotija cheese.

How many calories are in corn dip? ›

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
297Calories
23gFat
17gCarbs
9gProtein
Jan 8, 2024

How many calories are in cheese dip from a Mexican restaurant? ›

El Terrifico Tamale Co White Cheese Dip, Mexican Restaurant Style (2 tbsp) contains 2g total carbs, 2g net carbs, 7g fat, 4g protein, and 80 calories.

How many calories are in Mexican street corn chips? ›

Heb Mexican Street Corn Tortilla Chips (1 serving) contains 17g total carbs, 17g net carbs, 8g fat, 2g protein, and 150 calories.

How many calories are in a Mexican layer dip? ›

Quick & Easy
Nutrition Facts
For a Serving Size of 4 oz (113g)
How many calories are in 7 Layer Dip? Amount of calories in 7 Layer Dip: Calories 260Calories from Fat 207 (79.6%)
% Daily Value *
How much fat is in 7 Layer Dip? Amount of fat in 7 Layer Dip: Total Fat 23g-
16 more rows

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