Grilled Elote Brisket Salad with Chipotle Lime Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Smoky brisket slices combined with grilled corn salad and a zesty chipotle lime dressing for a fresh twist on Texas BBQ flavors. This bbq & smoked-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes blends beef brisket, sliced thin, ears corn on the cob, husked, mayonnaise into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 BBQ & Smoked cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush 3 ears of husked corn with 1 tbsp olive oil and grill for 10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes until charred and tender. Let cool, then cut kernels off the cob and place in a bowl.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp minced chipotle pepper, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Toss the grilled corn kernels with the chipotle lime dressing, 1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro until well combined.
  4. Step 4: Arrange 1 lb thinly sliced beef brisket on a serving platter and top with the grilled elote salad.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with extra cilantro and a squeeze of lime if desired. Serve this vibrant salad warm or at room temperature for a smoky, tangy BBQ-inspired dish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Elote Brisket Salad with Chipotle Lime Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Elote Brisket Salad with Chipotle Lime Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Elote Brisket Salad with Chipotle Lime Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Elote Brisket Salad with Chipotle Lime Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Elote Brisket Salad with Chipotle Lime Dressing?

BBQ & Smoked beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.