Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites) Recipe

Why this recipe works

This is a simple and inexpensive recipe that takes less than 20 minutes to put together.

Here is what else you will like about this recipe.

• Mexican street corn salad takes all the classic flavors of Mexican street corn and turns them into an easy, crowd-pleasing salad .
• The ingredients used in this recipe are simple ingredients that you may already have on hand.
• Personalizing this recipe is as easy as swapping out the cheese or using a taco seasoning.
• This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, is simple enough for beginner cooks, and always a hit at cookouts, potlucks, taco nights, and summer gatherings. Best of all, it can be made ahead of time, making it a stress-free side dish for almost any occasion.

Have you tried my recipe for Easiest 5 Ingredient Corn Casserole?

Made with corn and cornbread mix, that simple casserole side is savory, sweet, and full of all kinds of corn goodness! Both this recipe for street corn salad and that recipe for corn casserole are easy and delicious recipes that can be made with corn.

Chili powder adds that authentic flavor that you would expect from street corn. You can find chili powder here.

Ingredients needed.

• Sweet Whole Kernel Corn. Use canned corn that has been drained.
• Butter. Unsalted is preferred.
• Salt. You can omit this if you are using salted butter.
• Mayonnaise Use full-fat mayonnaise for optimal flavor.
• Lime Juice. Freshly squeezed is preferred.
• Chili Powder. This can be adjusted to your liking.
• Cotija Cheese Crumbly and perfect on top.
• Optional- chopped green onion or cilantro for serving.

Tips for making the best Street Corn Salad

Canned corn works best in this recipe as it is easier to drain. You could however, use fresh from the cob or frozen corn that has fully thawed. Sweet corn gives the salad the best natural flavor and texture.

More helpful tips for you.

1. Charring the corn in the skillet adds a smoky flavor that gives the salad more of that classic street corn taste. Make sure that you are 'lightly' charring the corn rather than cooking or (deep) browning the corn.
2. Make sure that you are using freshly squeezed lime juice rather than a bottled version. Fresh lime juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the creamy dressing.
3. Allowing the assembled salad to sit for 15 to 30 minutes before serving can help the flavors meld together beautifully.

FAQ

• What is Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)?
  Mexican Street Corn Salad, which can also be known as esquites, is an off-the-cob version of traditional Mexican street corn (or elote). This salad features sweet corn tossed with a creamy dressing or mayonnaise, lime juice, cheese, chili powder, and often fresh cilantro for a flavorful and easy-to-serve side dish.
• What is the difference between esquites and elote?
  Elote is grilled corn on the cob that is coated with mayonnaise, cheese, lime, and chili powder, while esquites is the same flavor combination served as a corn salad or corn cup. I like that this esquite is easier to serve for parties, potlucks, and family meals.
• What cheese should I use for Mexican Street Corn Salad?
  Cotija cheese is the traditional and best choice for authentic flavor in this recipe because it has a crumbly texture that works perfectly in esquites. Feta cheese is a good substitute if you cannot find Cotija cheese.
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
  Yes, this recipe can be made ahead of time, which makes it perfect for parties and meal prep while allowing the flavors to meld together. You can prepare it a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Give it a good stir before serving and add fresh garnishes if desired.
• Can I make this recipe without mayonnaise?
  Mayonnaise adds the perfect creamy soft texture with a flavor that adds a nice base to bring out the other flavors. You can replace some or all of the mayonnaise with sour cream, Mexican crema, or even plain Greek yogurt for a slightly lighter version.

Variations.

• Take this recipe up a notch. For a little extra heat, add in diced jalapeño, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce
• For a lighter version, swap some of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt, sour cream, or Mexican crema.
• To add flavors and colors, add a diced red onion, avocado, or black beans .

How to store Mexican corn salad

Leftover salad should be stored in an airtight container. When properly stored and refrigerated, this salad should keep for up to four days. I like to stir or toss the salad before serving.

Serve your esquites salad with one of these recipes.

• Easy BBQ Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
• Skillet Buffalo Chicken Thighs
• Mouth Watering Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs
• Crock Pot Beef Tips Recipe
• Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe
• Sheet Pan Tandoori Chicken