How to Make the Perfect Mexican Street Corn Salad Esquites
Mexican · Easy · 20 min · 4 servings
Esquites is the bowl version of the beloved Mexican elote street corn, packed with charred corn kernels, creamy cotija cheese, and a tangy chili-lime dressing. It is a crowd-pleasing salad that captures all the bold flavors of Mexican street food in every single bite.
Why this recipe works
This Mexican Street Corn Salad Esquites recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 20 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 280 calories with 8g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 whole lime juiced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 0.5 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Char the Corn
Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat with no oil. Add the corn kernels in a single layer and cook without stirring for 3 to 4 minutes until charred spots appear, then stir and cook another 3 minutes.
Step 2: Cool the Corn
Remove the charred corn from the heat and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Allow it to cool for 5 minutes before adding the other ingredients.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
Add the mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, and chili powder to the cooled corn. Season with salt and toss everything thoroughly to combine.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Transfer to serving bowls, top generously with crumbled cotija cheese and fresh chopped cilantro. Serve immediately while still slightly warm.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- cotija cheese → crumbled feta cheese which has a similar salty briny flavor
- mayonnaise → Mexican crema or sour cream
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Stirring the corn constantly which prevents the kernels from developing the characteristic charred flavor
- Adding the mayonnaise while the corn is still very hot which causes it to become greasy and separate
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 280 calories, 8g protein, 32g carbs, 14g fat, 4g fiber.
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