Description
Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites) is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring charred sweet corn kernels mixed with a zesty lime and mayonnaise dressing, complemented by fresh herbs, cheeses, and spicy jalapeño. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a delicious side, this salad is quick to prepare and packed with bold Mexican-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons real mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Salad
- 3 cups sweet corn kernels (cut off the cobs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (finely grated)
- 1 cup freshly chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper (chopped)
- 1/2 cup green onions (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup red onion (chopped)
- 1 jalapeño pepper (seeded and chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup Cotija cheese (crumbled)
Instructions
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the lime juice, mayonnaise, ground cumin, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Use a hand whisk to incorporate well, trying to dissolve the mayonnaise mostly. Set the dressing aside; it can be made ahead and chilled until ready to use.
- Cook Corn: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sweet corn kernels and cook for 5 minutes, stirring only occasionally to allow some kernels to char nicely. Then, turn off the heat.
- Mix Salad Ingredients: Add the grated parmesan cheese, chopped cilantro, red bell pepper, green onions, red onion, jalapeño, and garlic powder to the skillet with the corn. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Toss with Dressing and Serve: Pour the prepared dressing over the corn mixture and toss until everything is well coated. Finally, sprinkle the crumbled Cotija cheese on top. Serve the salad at room temperature or chilled according to your preference.
Notes
- This Mexican Street Corn Salad recipe is quick, simple, and epically delicious!
- For a vegetarian option, ensure the cheeses are vegetarian-friendly or substitute with a vegan alternative.
- The salad is great for parties, potlucks, and lunch.
- You can make the dressing in advance to let flavors meld better.
- If Cotija cheese is not available, feta cheese can be used as a substitute.
- Adjust jalapeño amount based on desired spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 95 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 274 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
