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Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe)

A close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy, bright yellow street corn salad topped with crumbled white cheese and fresh cilantro.
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You can make this vibrant Mexican Street Corn Salad, also known as Esquites, quickly. It captures the smoky, creamy, and zesty flavors of authentic street corn, making it a perfect, easy side dish for any gathering.

Ingredients

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  • 4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste (optional for heat)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

Instructions

  1. If using frozen or canned corn, pat it dry with paper towels. 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 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the corn from the heat and let it cool slightly.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using) until the dressing is smooth.
  3. Add the slightly cooled, charred corn to the dressing mixture. Stir well to coat all the kernels evenly.
  4. Gently fold in the crumbled Cotija cheese, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro into the corn mixture.
  5. Taste the salad and adjust the salt or spice level as needed.
  6. Serve the street corn salad immediately while warm, or chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend before serving.

Notes

  • For an extra smoky flavor, you can grill the corn on the cob first, then cut the kernels off before mixing.
  • If you cannot find Cotija cheese, you can substitute it with crumbled feta cheese.
  • Serve this salad with tortilla chips for dipping or use it as a topping for tacos or grilled chicken.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyjade.com/easy-street-corn-salad-recipe-esquites/