Caitlin Prettyman's Kale and Corn Salad with Chipotle-Lime Dressing Is Like Elote 'Just Lightened Up'

Mar. 15, 2025

Caitlin Prettyman’s Elote Kale Salad.Photo:JENNIFER CAUSEY

JENNIFER CAUSEY

Caitlin Prettymanhad a clear vision when crafting this salad.

“My goal was to create a flavor-packed, nutritious salad that had all the key elements of traditional Mexican street corn, called elote, but just lightened up,” says the author ofFast and Fresh Cal-Mex Cooking. “Massaged kale is tossed with pops of fresh sweet corn, creamy avocado and cotija cheese enrobed in a zesty cilantro-lime dressing with crunchy tortilla strips in every bite!”

To turn the salad into a showstopping main, Prettyman suggests adding some meat to the dish. “Add your favorite protein — like grilled chicken or steak — and it quickly becomes a delicious weeknight meal made with little to no fuss!” she says.

If your grocery stores doesn’t carry cotija cheese, “feta can be used as a replacement — it is similar in texture but has a stronger tang,” says Prettyman.

Caitlin Prettyman’s Elote Kale and Corn Salad with Chipotle-Lime Dressing

½ cup plain whole-milk strained Greek-style yogurt

¼ cup fresh lime juice (from 3 limes)

¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves and stems

2 medium garlic cloves

¼ tsp. chipotle chile powder

½ tsp. kosher salt, divided

3 medium ears fresh corn, shucked and silks removed

1 (9-oz.) bunch kale, stemmed and chopped (about 6 cups)

2 Tbsp. olive oil

2 oz. crumbled cotija cheese (about ½ cup)

½ cup thinly sliced red onion (from 1 small onion)

2 medium (6-oz.) avocados, sliced or diced

Crushed tortilla chips, for serving

1.Process yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, chipotle powder and ¼ teaspoon of the salt in a food processor until smooth, about 30 seconds. Cover with plastic wrap; chill in refrigerator until ready to serve.

2.Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add corn cobs, cover, and boil until tender, 2 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board; let cool 10 minutes. Cut kernels from cobs, keeping ribs of kernels intact as much as possible to yield about 2 cups.

Serves:6Active time:15 minutesTotal time:30 minutes

source: people.com