Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe)

Name: Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 7 ears of sweet corn; 1 roasted red pepper; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1/4 cup diced green onion; 2/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese; 1 cup low sodium black beans; 2 tablespoons mayo; 3 tablespoons plain yogurt; 4 teaspoons lime juice; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder; salt & pepper

Recipe By:

Stephanie

Posted:

August 1, 2025

Updated:

August 1, 2025

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This Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe) is a vibrant and flavorful dish that perfectly complements taco night or any summer BBQ. With its combination of grilled sweet corn, roasted red pepper, and a zesty chili lime cream sauce, this salad brings a burst of flavor to your table. It’s not just delicious; it’s also easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or casual dinners. Enjoy the unique flavors that make this esquites recipe a standout!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: This salad comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a quick side dish for any meal.
Bursting with Flavor: Grilled corn, creamy cheese, and zesty spices create a delightful taste experience.
Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with tacos, grilled meats, or enjoy it as a standalone dish.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and beans, this salad is nutritious and satisfying.
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for parties or family gatherings, it’s sure to impress guests of all ages.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe), you will need some essential tools to ensure the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Grill
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Grill: Provides the perfect charred flavor to the sweet corn, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.
Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly without making a mess.
Whisk: Helps to blend the chili lime cream sauce thoroughly for an even distribution of flavor.

Ingredients

For the Salad

7 ears of sweet corn, shucked
1 roasted red pepper, diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup diced green onion
2/3 cup crumbled cojita cheese
1 cup low sodium black beans, drained and rinsed

For the Chili Lime Cream Sauce

2 tablespoons mayo (I use Dukes)
3 tablespoons plain yogurt
4 teaspoons lime juice
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
salt & pepper

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe)

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F. This will ensure that your corn gets perfectly charred.

Step 2: Make the Chili Lime Cream Sauce

In a small bowl, combine:
2 tablespoons mayo
3 tablespoons plain yogurt
4 teaspoons lime juice
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
Salt & pepper to taste.
Whisk until combined and smooth. Set aside.

Step 3: Grill the Corn

Place the shucked corn directly on the grill.
Grill each side for about 3-4 minutes or until slightly charred on all sides.
Remove from grill and allow it to cool before slicing off the kernels into a large mixing bowl.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

In the bowl with grilled corn, add:
– Diced roasted red pepper,
– Fresh chopped cilantro,
– Diced green onion,
– Crumbled cotija cheese,
– Black beans,
– The prepared chili lime cream sauce.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Using a spoon, gently toss all ingredients together until everything is well coated with the sauce. Serve immediately for maximum freshness!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe)

Mexican Street Corn Salad, or Esquites, is a vibrant and flavorful dish that can enhance any meal. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying taco night, this salad is versatile and delicious.

As a Side Dish

Pair it with grilled meats for a refreshing contrast.
Serve alongside tacos to add a crunchy texture.

In Tacos

Use it as a topping for soft or hard-shell tacos.
It adds creaminess and spice, enhancing the overall flavor.

As a Dip

Enjoy it with tortilla chips for a tasty snack.
The chili lime cream sauce makes it perfect for dipping.

In Wraps

Include it in wraps with grilled chicken or veggies.
It adds bold flavors and nutrients to your wrap.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe)

To make your Mexican Street Corn Salad truly shine, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your salad is packed with flavor and texture.

Choose fresh corn: Fresh sweet corn enhances the flavor of the salad. Look for plump kernels that are golden yellow.
Grill for char: Grilling the corn until slightly charred adds depth to the taste. Aim for 3-4 minutes on each side.
Use quality cheese: Cojita cheese provides authentic flavor. If unavailable, feta can be a good substitute.
Adjust spice levels: Customize the chili powder according to your heat preference. More chili powder means more spice!
Add lime zest: A little lime zest brightens up the dish. It adds an extra layer of citrusy flavor.
Make ahead: This salad can be made in advance. Just mix everything before serving for best results.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe)

Serving Mexican Street Corn Salad is even better when you pair it with complementary side dishes. Here are some delicious options that work well together.

Grilled Chicken Tacos: Juicy grilled chicken wrapped in corn tortillas, topped with cilantro and onions.
Black Bean Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas filled with black beans and spices, perfect for dipping.
Avocado Salsa: A fresh avocado salsa featuring tomatoes and onion provides creaminess and flavor.
Spanish Rice: Flavorful rice cooked with spices complements the salad’s textures perfectly.
Roasted Vegetable Medley: Seasoned roasted vegetables add an earthy element to your meal.
Chips and Guacamole: Crunchy tortilla chips served with creamy guacamole make for a classic pairing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe), it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls for the best flavor and texture.

Ignoring the corn’s freshness: Using old or stale corn can lead to a bland salad. Always choose fresh, sweet corn for maximum flavor.
Overcooking the corn: Grilling too long can make the corn tough. Grill for just 3-4 minutes on each side until slightly charred.
Skipping the seasoning: A bland dressing can dull the salad’s taste. Ensure you season your chili lime cream sauce well with salt and spices.
Forgetting about texture: A salad should have varied textures. Include crunchy elements like diced peppers and green onions to enhance enjoyment.
Not letting flavors meld: Serving immediately might miss out on delicious flavor combinations. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving for better taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Lasts up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe)

Not recommended, as freezing can alter the texture of the corn and dressing.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe)

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm in a covered dish for about 15 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warmed through.
Stovetop: Gently heat in a pan over low heat, stirring frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe), you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

What is Mexican Street Corn Salad?

Mexican Street Corn Salad, or Esquites, is a vibrant salad made with grilled corn, spices, and creamy dressing, often enjoyed as a street food delicacy.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the salad a few hours ahead. Just keep it refrigerated until serving for optimal freshness.

What can I substitute for cojita cheese?

Feta cheese or queso fresco works well as alternatives if you can’t find cojita cheese.

How spicy is Mexican Street Corn Salad?

The spice level depends on your choice of chili powder. Adjust accordingly to suit your preference!

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe) is not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly versatile. Perfect as a side dish for BBQs or taco nights, feel free to customize it by adding other ingredients like avocado or jalapeños. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!