Delightful Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites) Recipe

Name: Delightful Mexican Street Corn Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4 ears of corn); 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 2 limes); 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Published: January 28, 2026

by marie

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare
Packed with fresh flavors
Customizable ingredients
Perfect for healthy meals

Are you ready to elevate your summer barbecue or picnic with a dish that bursts with flavor? Delightful Mexican Street Corn Salad, also known as Esquites, is here to steal the show! This vibrant salad combines sweet corn with zesty lime, creamy cheese, and aromatic spices, creating a delightful explosion of taste that everyone will love.

This recipe is not just about taste; it’s also about texture and color. The juicy corn kernels blend perfectly with fresh herbs and crunchy vegetables, making it a feast for the eyes as well. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it on its own, this Mexican Street Corn Salad is bound to become a favorite at your gatherings. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First and foremost, this Delightful Mexican Street Corn Salad is incredibly easy to make. With minimal preparation time and simple ingredients, you can whip up this flavorful dish in no time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick side for your next cookout.

Another reason to fall in love with this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the ingredients based on your preferences. Whether you like it spicy or creamy, you can adjust the seasonings to suit your palate. This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, tacos, or even on its own as a light lunch.

Key Ingredients

Delightful Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites) ingredients

The key to an unforgettable Delightful Mexican Street Corn Salad lies in the freshness and quality of its ingredients. Here are the essential components you’ll need:

Fresh Corn: Sweet corn serves as the base of this salad and brings natural sugars that enhance the flavor.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds tanginess that brightens up the entire dish.
Cotija Cheese: This crumbly cheese adds creaminess and saltiness, balancing the other flavors perfectly.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro offers a burst of herbal freshness that elevates the salad’s taste.
Red Onion: Chopped red onion contributes a mild sweetness and crunch to each bite.
Mayonnaise: A dollop of mayonnaise helps bind all ingredients together while adding creaminess.
Chili Powder: This adds a warm kick without overwhelming the palate.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Select and Prepare Corn: Start by selecting fresh corn on the cob. Remove husks and silk before cooking them on a grill or boiling until tender (about 5-7 minutes).
Cut Kernels Off Cob: Once cooked and cooled slightly, use a sharp knife to carefully cut the kernels off each cob into a large mixing bowl.
Add Vegetables: To the bowl of corn kernels, add chopped red onion and cilantro. Mix well to combine.
Create Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Toss Everything Together: Pour dressing over corn mixture and gently toss until all ingredients are well coated in the creamy dressing.
Finish with Cheese: Finally, sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese over the top before serving for an extra layer of flavor!

Expert Tips

Delightful Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)

If you want to take your Delightful Mexican Street Corn Salad to another level, consider using grilled corn instead of boiled for added smokiness. This will enhance its flavor dramatically! Additionally, if you’re looking for extra heat, try adding diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the dressing.A touch of spice can make all the difference!

An important tip is to always use fresh ingredients whenever possible. This ensures maximum flavor, especially in salads where each component shines through. Lastly, feel free to prepare this dish ahead of time; however, add cotija cheese just before serving to maintain its crumbly texture.This will keep everything fresh!

Presentation Ideas

Proudly serve your Delightful Mexican Street Corn Salad in vibrant bowls that reflect its colorful nature! Consider garnishing it with extra cilantro leaves on top or lime wedges on the side for an extra pop of color. For an elegant touch at gatherings, place individual servings in small cups or jars; this makes for easy eating while mingling with guests!

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Yes! Frozen corn can be a convenient alternative when fresh corn isn’t available. Just thaw and drain it before adding it to your salad mix. While fresh corn gives an unmatched sweetness and crunch, frozen corn still holds flavor well when prepared properly.

How long does this salad last in the refrigerator?

Your Delightful Mexican Street Corn Salad can last about 3-4 days in an airtight container stored in your refrigerator. However, keep in mind that after day two, some ingredients may lose their crispness due to moisture from dressing absorption.

Can I make this salad vegan?

You can certainly adapt this recipe for vegan diets! Simply replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo or tahini and omit cotija cheese entirely or substitute it with nutritional yeast for added flavor without dairy!

What dishes pair well with Esquites?

This versatile salad pairs beautifully with various dishes such as grilled chicken tacos, barbecued ribs, or even alongside spicy shrimp! Its refreshing flavors complement rich meats wonderfully while providing texture contrast!

Is there any way to make it spicier?

If you’re looking for more heat in your Delightful Mexican Street Corn Salad experience consider adding diced jalapeños directly into the mix or drizzling hot sauce over each serving plate before enjoying!