Healthy Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe (Esquites)

Healthy Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe (Esquites)

This Mexican Street Corn Salad has all the flavors of traditional Elote with roasted corn, cotija cheese, fresh herbs, and a creamy dressing lightened up by using Greek yogurt!

Ingredients

  • whole corn kernels)

    (454g

    5 c
  • red onion

    diced

    ½
  • jalapeno pepper

    pulp and seeds removed, diced

    1
  • red bell pepper

    diced

    1
  • cilantro

    chopped

    ½ c
  • cotija cheese

    crumbled

    ½ c
  • plain greek yogurt
    1 c
  • olive oil mayonnaise)

    (or your favorite mayo

    2 tbsp
  • lime

    zest and juice), (~2 tbsp lime juice

    1 small
  • chili powder
    ½ tsp
  • smoked paprika
    ½ tsp
  • garlic powder
    ½ tsp
  • kosher salt
    ½ tsp
  • black pepper
    ½ tsp

Directions

  1. 1

    If using fresh ears of corn, cook using your preferred cooking method and remove corn kernels from the cob. I coat mine with olive oil, salt, and pepper, wrap in foil, and roast it in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes. If you have a grill, that's even better for the flavor of this dish. If using frozen or canned corn, heat it in a skillet on medium-high heat until it is thawed and warmed, about 4-5 minutes.

  2. 2

    In a small bowl, make the Elote dressing by combining the Greek yogurt, olive oil mayonnaise, lime zest, lime juice and spices. Mix well to combine with a whisk or spoon.

  3. 3

    To assemble the salad, add the cooled corn, red pepper, cilantro, red onion, cotija cheese, and jalapeno to a large bowl. Pour the dressing on top and give it a good mix, making sure it is well coated.

  4. 4

    If you are making this salad in advance wait and add the cotija cheese and cilantro right before serving.

Healthy Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe (Esquites)

Healthy Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe (Esquites)

175 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving the vibrant, tangy flavors of authentic Mexican street corn but looking for a lighter, healthier twist? This Healthy Mexican Street Corn Salad, or Esquites, delivers all the classic taste with a fresh, wholesome approach that makes it perfect for any meal.

Why This Recipe Works

What makes this recipe truly special is its clever use of creamy Greek yogurt to lighten the rich dressing, offering a delightful tang without the heaviness of traditional versions. Combined with naturally sweet roasted corn kernels, fresh herbs, and savory cotija cheese, it's a dish that perfectly balances indulgence and wellness. It’s a smart way to enjoy your favorite street food flavors with an added boost of protein.

What you'll experience is a bright, lively salad bursting with flavor and texture. Each bite offers the sweet char of roasted corn, a zesty kick from lime and a hint of smoky spice from chili powder and paprika, all enveloped in a creamy, refreshing dressing. The crunch of red bell pepper and a subtle warmth from diced jalapeño add depth, making every spoonful an adventure. This delicious recipe is also naturally gluten-free, ensuring everyone can enjoy its vibrant taste as a side or a satisfying appetizer.

Customization & Variations

Feel free to adjust the heat level by including some of the seeds and pulp from the diced jalapeño, or skip it entirely for a milder salad. You can easily swap out the olive oil mayonnaise for your favorite brand of mayonnaise. For a different cheesy note, crumbled feta cheese can be a good substitute for cotija if you're in a pinch.

This versatile Esquites recipe is perfect as a vibrant side dish for a backyard barbecue, a flavorful addition to taco night, or a refreshing appetizer on a warm day. Serve it chilled for the best experience.

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