Description
his Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites) is a creamy, zesty, and slightly smoky dish loaded with charred corn, fresh veggies, and crumbled cotija cheese. It’s perfect as a side dish for tacos, grilled meats, or even as a dip with tortilla chips!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4 cups frozen or fresh corn kernels
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise (plus more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Juice of 1 lime (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup diced red onions
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1 medium avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or queso fresco) + more for garnish
- Diced jalapeños (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Char the Corn:
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat (no oil needed).
- In batches, char the corn kernels by letting them sit undisturbed for a few minutes, then stirring to char the other side.
- Let the corn cool on a sheet pan for faster cooling.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a large bowl, mix together mayonnaise, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and fresh lime juice.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add charred corn, red onions, cilantro, cherry tomatoes, and diced jalapeños (if using) to the dressing. Stir to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Final Ingredients:
- Gently fold in diced avocado and crumbled cotija cheese.
- Serve:
- Top with extra crumbled cotija cheese for garnish.
- Enjoy warm or cold!
Notes
- Corn Options: Use fresh or frozen corn for best results. Avoid canned corn, as it may be too wet.
- Charring Tip: Char corn in batches in a single layer for the best texture and flavor.
- Make-Ahead: Prep all ingredients in advance but wait to mix with dressing and cheese until serving to avoid sogginess.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Add avocado right before serving to prevent browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg