Print

Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)

A close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy easy mexican street corn salad, topped with chili powder and fresh cilantro.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this quick Mexican street corn salad, or Esquites, right in your kitchen. This recipe captures the authentic, creamy, and spicy flavor of street corn without needing a grill.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups frozen or fresh corn kernels
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Mexican crema
  • 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese, plus more for topping
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (like Tajín or ancho chili powder)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. If using frozen corn, thaw it slightly. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until the corn is lightly charred in spots, about 8 to 10 minutes. This step mimics the grill flavor.
  2. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the corn cool for 5 minutes.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise (or crema), Cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, and cumin. Mix until smooth.
  4. Add the slightly cooled corn to the dressing mixture. Stir gently to coat all the kernels evenly.
  5. Fold in the chopped fresh cilantro.
  6. Taste the salad and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remember that Cotija cheese is salty.
  7. Serve the easy Mexican street corn salad warm or chilled. Top each serving with extra crumbled Cotija cheese and a sprinkle of chili powder.

Notes

  • For a healthier street corn salad alternative, substitute half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
  • You can prepare the dressing mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days.
  • If you want a smoky flavor without grilling, add 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the dressing.
  • This simple street corn dip works well served with tortilla chips as a vegetarian Mexican appetizer.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://blissbatter.com/easy-mexican-street-corn-salad/