Hot Cheeto Elote “Salad”

Updated April 2025

Because Balance, Right?

Listen, I debated whether this belongs in the salad category, but let’s be real—that’s why “salad” is in quotes. This dish is comprised of corn, cheese, crema, and Flamin Hot Cheetos living their best lives together in a bowl. If that’s not balance, I don’t know what is.

I first stumbled upon this genius combo at a Cinco de Mayo festival in Oakland, where a vendor was serving elote (Mexican street corn)—but with Hot Cheetos. It was a game-changer. And while classic Mexican street corn is delicious, this bowl-style elote with a spicy, crunchy upgrade takes things to another level. Plus, who doesn't love an easy canned corn recipe.

What is Elote?

If you’ve never had elote, prepare to have your life changed. Elote (pronounced eh-loh-teh) is Mexican street corn, typically served grilled on the cob and slathered in creamy mayo, Cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice.

It’s smoky, tangy, cheesy, and completely addictive. But here’s the twist—this recipe takes all those amazing flavors and puts them into a bowl, making it way easier to eat and perfect for sharing at your next potluck. And, of course, we’re adding Hot Cheetos for an extra kick of spice and crunch!

No matter how you serve it, this Hot Cheeto Elote Salad will steal the show. Just be prepared for everyone to go back for seconds!

Also, side note: If you’re not eating Hot Cheetos with chopsticks and dipping them in cream cheese, are you even living? (We can discuss this in another blog post.)

Hot tip: using chopsticks for Cheeto helps keep your fingers powder free!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

🌽 Elote, but easier – No need to deal with corn on the cob. Everything gets tossed in a bowl for maximum flavor, minimal effort. This recipe is pure prep time with no cooking - unless you're going to be extra and use fresh grilled corn!
🔥 Hot Cheetos = The Ultimate Crunch – Spicy, cheesy, and absolutely necessary.
⏱️ Quick & Customizable – Adjust the spice, add more cheese, or even roast the corn for extra char.
🥑 Perfect with Everything – Serve it with tacos, burritos, or a steaming bowl of pozole.

How to Make Hot Cheeto Elote Salad

Crumble the Hot Cheetos – Set them aside for the grand finale.
Mix the Good Stuff – Combine canned corn (because we’re keeping it simple), cilantro, Cotija cheese, diced red onions, crema Mexicana (or sour cream), spices, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
Top with the Hot Cheetos – Sprinkle generously (or dump the whole bag—your call).
Taste, Adjust, Enjoy – A little more lime? More crema? You do you.

This bold, spicy, creamy, and crunchy elote salad is proof that Hot Cheetos make everything better. And if anyone questions whether this is a “salad,” just remind them: balance.

What to Serve with Hot Cheeto Elote Salad

This dish is the ultimate sidekick to all your favorite Mexican meals. Here’s how to make it part of an epic feast:

🌮 Taco Night – Pair this with carne asada, al pastor, or carnitas tacos for the perfect mix of flavors and textures.

🌯 Burritos & Quesadillas – Serve alongside a loaded burrito or gooey cheese quesadilla for the ultimate comfort meal.

🍲 Pozole or Birria – The creamy, spicy crunch of this salad is a match made in heaven with a big, warm bowl of pozole or birria.

🍹 Drinks & Snacks Spread – Want a fun, casual vibe? Serve it with guacamole, chips & salsa, margaritas, or micheladas for the perfect party setup.

Hot Cheeto Elote “Salad” Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes, Total Time: 20 minutes

Serves: 6-8

Ingredients:

2 cans of corn (I like to use canned corn, using fresh corn is way too much work. But, if you want to go that route, by all means do it! If you want to get fancy, you could roast the corn over the grill to get some char going).
A handful of chopped cilantro
1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
1/4 to 1/2 cup of red onions (diced)
1/3 cup of Crema Mexicana (check your local Mexican market for crema, if not sour cream is a great substitute)
Paprika, cumin, Mexican oregano (to taste)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Juice from 1-2 limes (to taste)
Hot cheetos (as many as your heart desires!)

Directions:

Crumble up some hot cheetos by placing them in a plastic bag and crushing them using a rolling pin or if you don’t mind some red powder on your fingers, just use your hands (set aside).
Toss all of the other ingredients in a bowl. Top the mixed ingredients with the hot cheetos and squirt with lime juice. This recipe couldn’t be easier and I recommend taste testing along the way so you get the flavors to your liking.
If you're planning to serve at a later time, top the elote with your Flamin Hot Cheeto mixture when you're ready to serve - no one wants soggy Cheetos!