Looking to freshen up your menu this summer? Grilled corn and asparagus are seasonal stars that shine with just a little creativity. From street-style elote to bold, balsamic glazed asparagus, these versatile ingredients bring color, flavor, and fun to any plate.
Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Elote is a beloved Mexican street food that turns grilled corn into a bold, flavor-packed snack slathered with mayo, crema, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime. It’s a smoky, tangy, and spicy treat served right on the cob for a fun and satisfying bite.
Ingredients:
4 ears of corn, husked from Athena Farms
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta if unavailable)
1 garlic clove, minced
1 lime, cut into wedges
1 tsp chili powder or Tajín (adjust to taste)
2 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional)
Salt to taste
Instructions:
Grill the corn:
Preheat your grill to medium-high. Place the corn directly on the grill grates and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes until lightly charred on all sides.
Make the sauce:
In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or crema), garlic, and a pinch of salt.
Assemble:
Once the corn is grilled, brush the creamy mixture generously over each cob while still hot. Sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder or Tajín, and chopped cilantro if using.
Serve:
Squeeze fresh lime juice over each cob just before serving for a burst of acidity.
Grilled Asparagus with Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients:
Fresh asparagus spears from Athena Farms
Olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Trim the woody ends off the asparagus spears and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Grill the asparagus over direct heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and lightly charred.
Remove from the grill and drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.
Whether you’re crafting shareable apps, standout sides, or eye-catching specials, these recipes offer a fresh, seasonal foundation for creative menu items. With just a few bold twists, these summer staples can surprise your guests and bring new energy to your menu.
