Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe (Weight Watchers Friendly) – Detailed Guide
This Mexican Street Corn Dip is a flavor-packed, creamy, and savory dish that perfectly captures the essence of the popular Mexican street corn (elote). Made with fresh ingredients and a blend of bold spices, it is a great addition to any gathering. Whether you’re looking for a dip to serve at a party, a side dish to complement your meal, or something to enjoy with tortilla chips, this Mexican Street Corn Dip will not disappoint.
For those following Weight Watchers or anyone looking to enjoy a lighter version, this recipe has been optimized for low points without sacrificing flavor. It’s creamy, tangy, and indulgent while being a better-for-you version of the beloved street corn dish.
Recipe Overview
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Weight Watchers Points: 2 Points per serving (using WW’s PersonalPoints™ system)
Cuisine: Mexican
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Category: Dip, Appetizer, Side Dish
Ingredients (For the Weight Watchers Version)
- 2 cups frozen corn kernels (or fresh corn if in season)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (non-fat) – a healthier substitute for sour cream
- 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed for the best flavor)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds depth and a mild smokiness)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish and freshness)
- 2 tablespoons reduced-fat cotija cheese (crumbled, or you can use a lighter version of parmesan cheese)
- 1 tablespoon fresh jalapeño, finely diced (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil (to sauté corn)
Instructions
- Prepare the Corn: Begin by cooking the corn. If you’re using frozen corn, simply place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it according to the package directions. Alternatively, you can sauté fresh or frozen corn in a skillet. Heat the olive oil over medium heat, add the corn, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the corn is golden brown and slightly caramelized. This step enhances the flavor of the corn, giving it a slightly smoky, roasted taste.
- Combine the Dip Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the non-fat Greek yogurt and light mayonnaise. These two ingredients will serve as the creamy base for the dip, providing a rich and smooth texture while keeping the calorie count low.
- Add the Spices: To the yogurt-mayo mixture, add the chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed. The combination of these spices will give the dip that signature tangy and spicy flavor profile that you expect from street corn.
- Mix in the Corn: Add the sautéed or microwaved corn to the bowl with the creamy mixture. Stir gently until all the corn is coated in the creamy sauce and the spices are evenly distributed. The corn should be warm when added, as this will help to meld the flavors together.
- Add Lime and Cilantro: Squeeze in the freshly squeezed lime juice to brighten the flavors, and toss in the chopped cilantro. Lime and cilantro are key elements in Mexican street corn, and they’ll add a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the creamy dip.
- Top with Cotija Cheese and Jalapeño: Sprinkle the dip with the crumbled cotija cheese for that traditional, tangy flavor that’s synonymous with Mexican street corn. If you like a little heat, add freshly diced jalapeños on top as well. For a bit of crunch and flavor, you could also sprinkle additional cilantro on top.
- Chill Before Serving (Optional): While this dip is delicious right away, allowing it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes can help the flavors meld even more. If you’re in a rush, serving it immediately is fine, but for the best result, give it a little time to chill.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the dip with tortilla chips, vegetable sticks, or baked pita chips for a lighter option. You can also serve it as a topping for tacos, grilled chicken, or even roasted vegetables for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutritional Information per Serving (1/8th of the Recipe)
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 190mg
- WW Points: 2 Points per serving (PersonalPoints™ System)
Why This Recipe Works for Weight Watchers
This Mexican Street Corn Dip is a perfect option for anyone following the Weight Watchers program because it strikes the right balance between indulgence and health.
Low Points Without Sacrificing Flavor
One of the highlights of this recipe is that it has only 2 WW Points per serving, even though it doesn’t compromise on flavor. By using non-fat Greek yogurt in place of sour cream and light mayonnaise, we’ve significantly reduced the fat content, making this recipe a guilt-free treat.
Smart Ingredient Choices
- Greek Yogurt: By opting for non-fat Greek yogurt, you boost the protein content of the dip while keeping it low in fat. Greek yogurt also provides probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health.
- Light Mayonnaise: A healthier version of traditional mayonnaise that reduces fat and calories without sacrificing creaminess.
- Cotija Cheese: We’ve reduced the quantity of the cheese but still maintain that signature salty, tangy taste by using reduced-fat cotija. A little goes a long way, allowing you to indulge without going overboard.
Vegetables and Fiber
Corn may have a higher carbohydrate content than some vegetables, but it also provides dietary fiber, which is beneficial for digestion and can help you feel fuller for longer. This dip includes a good amount of fiber, thanks to the corn and the Greek yogurt.
Tips for Making the Best Mexican Street Corn Dip
- Use Fresh Corn When Possible: If you can get your hands on fresh corn during the summer months, use it for an even fresher taste. Fresh corn kernels can be grilled and cut off the cob for an authentic, smoky flavor.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to heat, omit the jalapeños or reduce the amount to just a small pinch. You can also use a pinch of cayenne pepper instead of chili powder for extra heat.
- Make Ahead for Better Flavor: This dip tends to taste even better after it has been allowed to sit in the refrigerator for a few hours. This allows the spices and lime juice to marinate and infuse into the corn.
- Serve With Fresh Veggies: To make this dip even healthier, serve it with a variety of fresh vegetable sticks such as cucumbers, bell peppers, or carrots. They add crunch and freshness while keeping the dish light and low in calories.
- Try as a Topping: This dip is not only perfect as a dip for chips but can also be used as a topping for grilled meats, tacos, or roasted vegetables. It adds a creamy, tangy element that enhances almost any dish.
Health Benefits of Mexican Street Corn Dip
While traditional Mexican street corn (elote) is delicious, it can be heavy with butter, cheese, and mayonnaise. This lighter version retains the full flavors of Mexican street corn, but with fewer calories and fat. By incorporating Greek yogurt and light mayo, you get the creaminess without the added calories. This dip also provides beneficial nutrients like fiber and protein while keeping your overall caloric intake in check.
The addition of cilantro and lime adds a burst of freshness, which not only enhances flavor but also provides antioxidant-rich nutrients. The corn offers a solid source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and B-vitamins, which are important for immune health and energy production.
Final Thoughts
This Weight Watchers-friendly Mexican Street Corn Dip is an indulgent yet healthy option for anyone looking to enjoy the flavors of traditional Mexican street corn while keeping their diet on track. With just 2 points per serving, it’s perfect for your next gathering, taco night, or even as a snack. The creamy texture, zesty lime, smoky paprika, and spicy jalapeño make this dip irresistible. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be used as a topping or side dish.
Whether you’re following Weight Watchers or simply looking for a healthier alternative to your favorite dip, this Mexican Street Corn Dip delivers all the bold flavors you love without the guilt. Try it today