Elote Bowl from Sweetgreen features grilled corn, creamy cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and smoky chipotle sauce over a bed of crisp greens, delivering a vibrant and flavorful Mexican street food-inspired salad.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Salad bowl
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Spoon
- Measuring spoons/cups
Ingredients
- 4 ears corn
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 small red onion
- 1 medium avocado
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese
- 1/4 cup chipotle mayo or chipotle sauce
- Lime wedges
- Salt
- Pepper
Fresh corn is best when grilled for a smoky flavor, but you can use frozen corn in a pinch. Cotija cheese provides a creamy, salty contrast--crumbled finely for even distribution. Chipotle sauce adds a smoky heat; adjust the quantity based on your spice tolerance. Ensure your greens are crisp and fresh to maintain texture balance in the salad. If you're recreating the Elote Bowl from Sweetgreen, use a combination of romaine and arugula as the base to capture its signature crunch and peppery notes.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Husk corn and brush with olive oil.
- Sprinkle corn with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Grill corn, turning occasionally, until lightly charred (8–10 minutes).
- Remove corn from grill and let cool slightly.
- Cut grilled corn kernels off the cob.
- Chop romaine lettuce and arugula; add to salad bowl.
- Halve cherry tomatoes; dice red onion and avocado.
- Add grilled corn, tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and cilantro to greens.
- Crumble cotija cheese over salad.
- Drizzle chipotle mayo or chipotle sauce on top.
- Toss salad gently to combine.
- Garnish with lime wedges.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Elote Bowl from Sweetgreen copycat recipe combines grilled corn with smoky chipotle mayo, fresh cilantro, and cotija cheese over a mix of romaine and arugula for an authentic Mexican street food experience. If fresh corn is unavailable, frozen corn kernels can be sauteed as a convenient alternative without sacrificing much flavor. Should cotija cheese be hard to find, crumbled feta or queso fresco serve as suitable substitutes to maintain the creamy texture. You can adjust the chipotle mayo by mixing regular mayonnaise with chipotle powder or adobo sauce to control spice levels. Using a grill pan indoors works just as well as an outdoor grill, ensuring you can create this vibrant bowl year-round.
Tips
Make sure to grill the corn evenly by turning regularly to prevent burning and achieve a light char for the best smoky flavor. Use ripe but firm avocados to maintain texture once diced, avoiding mushiness in Your Elote Bowl. When chopping onions, rinse them briefly in cold water to reduce sharpness if you prefer a milder taste. Always taste and adjust salt, pepper, and chipotle sauce at the end to balance the smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors perfectly.
Nutritions
The Elote Bowl from Sweetgreen provides a nutrient-rich combination of fresh vegetables and grilled corn, which offers fiber and antioxidants essential for digestion and immune support. Creamy cotija cheese adds a source of protein and calcium, promoting bone health. Avocado contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and vitamins like E and C, while the chipotle sauce brings a smoky flavor with a touch of capsaicin that may boost metabolism. You'll enjoy a balanced meal with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats that support overall wellness.
Storage
To preserve the fresh flavors and textures of your Elote Bowl, store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep grilled corn, chopped vegetables, greens, avocado, cheese, and chipotle sauce in individual containers to prevent sogginess and maintain crispness. Assemble the salad just before serving to ensure the best taste and texture experience.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute grilled corn with roasted or sauteed corn if a grill is unavailable, maintaining the smoky flavor through smoked paprika and chili powder. Swap cotija cheese with feta or queso fresco for a similar creamy, tangy profile. For a lighter dressing, replace chipotle mayo with a lime-cilantro vinaigrette to keep the smokiness while reducing creaminess. Adding diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of cumin can intensify the spice and deepen the Mexican street food inspiration.
Allergies
The Elote Bowl from Sweetgreen contains common allergens such as dairy from cotija cheese and potential egg ingredients in the chipotle mayo or sauce. If you have a corn allergy, the grilled corn could trigger a reaction, and the smoky chipotle sauce may contain spices or additives that cause sensitivities. You should review all ingredient labels carefully and consult with the restaurant about cross-contamination risks before enjoying this dish.
Why this recipe?
The Elote Bowl at Sweetgreen is popular for its vibrant combination of roasted corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, cotija cheese, and a smoky chipotle dressing that creates a perfectly balanced and flavorful meal. Its fresh ingredients and bold taste make it both satisfying and nutritious, appealing to health-conscious diners. Creating a copycat version allows you to enjoy this restaurant-quality, delicious dish at home, tailoring the flavors and ingredients to suit Your preferences. This bowl is worth trying because it offers a unique fusion of Mexican-inspired flavors with wholesome, fresh produce that stands out in the salad market.