Mexican Street Corn Salad, also known as Esquites, is a vibrant and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Mexican street food culture.
It’s a delightful combination of grilled corn kernels tossed with a creamy dressing, tangy lime juice, savory cheese, and zesty spices.
This recipe for Mexican Street Corn Salad is both delicious and easy for you. Charring the corn kernels adds a smoky flavor, while the creamy dressing and tangy cotija cheese create a perfect balance of flavors.
Plus, with simple preparation and minimal cooking time, you can whip up this flavorful salad in no time.
Whether you’re serving it as a appetizer, side dish for a barbecue or as a topping for tacos, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Serving Suggestions for Mexican Street Corn Salad
Here are some serving suggestions to complement your Mexican Street Corn Salad:
Tacos: Serve the salad alongside your favorite tacos, such as carne asada, chicken, or shrimp tacos, for a delicious and flavorful meal.
Grilled Meats: Pair the salad with grilled meats such as steak, chicken, or pork for a complete and satisfying barbecue spread.
Quesadillas: Enjoy the salad as a side dish with cheese quesadillas for a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Mexican Rice: Serve the salad alongside Mexican rice for a hearty and filling meal that’s bursting with flavor.
Tortilla Chips: Use the salad as a dip and serve it with tortilla chips for a fun and tasty appetizer at parties or gatherings.
Avocado: Add sliced avocado on top of the salad for an extra creamy and delicious addition that complements the flavors of the corn and dressing.
Grilled Vegetables: Pair the salad with grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and onions for a nutritious and colorful meal.
Salsa and Guacamole: Serve the salad with fresh salsa and guacamole on the side for a festive and flavorful Mexican-inspired feast.
These serving suggestions will complement the flavors of the Mexican Street Corn Salad and create a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
Cooking Tips
Here are some cooking tips to help you make the perfect Mexican Street Corn Salad:
Char the Corn: Charring the corn kernels in a skillet or on a grill adds a delicious smoky flavor to the salad. Make sure to cook the corn until it is lightly charred but still tender.
Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh corn kernels for the salad. Fresh corn has the best flavor and texture, but you can also use canned or frozen corn if fresh corn is not available.
Adjust Seasonings: Taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasonings to your preference. You can add more lime juice for extra tanginess, more chili powder for spiciness, or more salt and pepper as needed.
Customize Toppings: Feel free to customize the toppings based on your taste preferences. You can use crumbled cotija cheese, feta cheese, or queso fresco for a tangy flavor, and add extra chopped cilantro or sliced jalapeños for more heat.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the salad in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just wait to add any fresh herbs or toppings until right before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
Serve Chilled: For best results, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste of the salad.
Garnish Before Serving: Garnish the salad with additional toppings such as crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges just before serving to add freshness and visual appeal.
Serve with Lime Wedges: Serve the salad with extra lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top just before eating. The fresh lime juice adds a burst of citrus flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
By following these cooking tips, you’ll be able to make a delicious and flavorful Mexican Street Corn Salad that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups corn kernels fresh, canned, or frozen
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese or feta cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño pepper seeded and diced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 lime juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: additional crumbled cotija cheese chopped cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly charred, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked corn kernels, olive oil, mayonnaise, sour cream, crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, diced jalapeño pepper, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, and lime juice. Mix until well combined.
- Taste the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with additional crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges, if desired.
- Serve the Mexican Street Corn Salad immediately, and enjoy!