Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)

Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)

This Mexican Street Corn Salad is loaded with all the flavors of elote and esquites. You'll love the fresh flavors of this salad--tangy crema dressing, cotija cheese, cilantro, chili and lime!

Ingredients

  • sweet corn

    4-6 ears of corn

    4 c
  • chopped cilantro
    ⅓ c
  • finely minced red onion
    ¼ c
  • cotija cheese or queso fresco

    crumbled

    ¼ c
  • finely minced jalapeño
    1 tbsp.
  • mayonnaise
    ⅓ c
  • fresh lime juice
    2 tbsp.
  • chili powder
    ½ tsp.
  • kosher salt
    ¼ tsp.
  • black pepper

    cayenne pepper, or additional cilantro or cotija, for garnish

Directions

  1. 1

    . If you haven’t already, boil or grill the corn to cook it through, then cut the corn off the cob. (You can also cut the corn off the cob and cook it in a pan with a little butter for 4-5 minutes.)

  2. 2

    . In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, and chili powder. Taste the dressing and add salt and pepper or more chili powder, to taste.

  3. 3

    . Add the corn to a large mixing bowl, along with jalapeño, red onion, cotija cheese, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over the salad, and gently toss to combine. (For a pretty finish, garnish with a little extra cilantro, some lime zest, and cotija cheese)

  4. 4

    . Enjoy the salad right away, or cover and store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. (The salad will continue to soften over time.)

Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)

Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)

5.0(1)190 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving the vibrant, tangy flavors of Mexican street corn but prefer to enjoy it without the mess of eating it on the cob? This Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites) brings all those beloved elote elements into a convenient, irresistibly delicious bowl that's perfect for any occasion.

This recipe truly captures the essence of authentic esquites by balancing sweet corn with a rich, creamy, and zesty dressing. The key lies in the harmonious blend of fresh cilantro, crisp red onion, and a touch of heat from the jalapeño, all brought together by the tangy lime and savory cotija cheese. It's a symphony of textures and flavors designed to satisfy.

Prepare for a delightful combination of textures and tastes with every spoonful. You'll experience the juicy pop of sweet corn kernels mingling with the smooth, tangy mayonnaise-based dressing. The salty, crumbly cotija cheese adds depth, while the fresh lime juice provides a crucial bright counterpoint that cuts through the richness. A gentle warmth from the chili powder and finely minced jalapeño creates a subtle kick, making this salad both refreshing and satisfying. It’s an easy-to-assemble dish that delivers complex flavors with minimal effort.

This versatile salad is incredibly accommodating to personal tastes. For those who love a bit more heat, feel free to add an extra pinch of chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper, which is listed as an optional garnish. If authentic cotija cheese is hard to find, the recipe already suggests that crumbled queso fresco makes an excellent, mild, and salty substitute that still delivers on texture. You can also increase the amount of fresh cilantro for a brighter, more herbaceous profile.

This lively Mexican Street Corn Salad is an ideal accompaniment to any summer barbecue, taco night, or casual potluck. Serve it chilled, allowing the vibrant flavors to meld completely, alongside grilled chicken, carnitas, or your favorite Mexican-inspired main course. It's also fantastic as a light lunch on its own.

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