Print

Quick & Creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)

A white bowl filled with vibrant mexican street corn salad, topped with cotija cheese, cilantro, and chili powder.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this easy Mexican Street Corn Salad for a vibrant side dish that captures the smoky, tangy flavor of authentic elote. It comes together fast, making it perfect for summer BBQs or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups frozen corn kernels (or fresh corn, about 3 ears)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
  • 1/4 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled, plus more for topping
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until the corn is lightly charred, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. While the corn cools, prepare the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Mexican crema (or sour cream), crumbled Cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the slightly cooled charred corn, diced red onion, minced jalapeño (if using), and chopped cilantro.
  4. Pour the dressing over the corn mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  5. Taste the salad and adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed.
  6. Transfer the Mexican street corn salad to a serving dish. Sprinkle with extra crumbled Cotija cheese before serving. You can serve this warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

Notes

  • For a healthier version, substitute half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
  • If you do not have Cotija cheese, use finely crumbled feta cheese as a substitute.
  • Char the corn in a dry skillet over high heat for the best smoky flavor, mimicking street corn preparation.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishcraze.com/mexican-street-corn-salad-recipe/