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Quick Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)

A close-up, bright photo of Mexican street corn salad featuring charred corn, white cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro.
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Make this easy Mexican Street Corn Salad for a flavorful side dish that captures the taste of authentic street corn. It comes together fast and is perfect for summer BBQs or weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Mexican crema
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (or more to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
  • 1 jalapeño, minced (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until the corn is lightly charred and tender, about 5 to 8 minutes. Remove the corn from the heat and let it cool slightly.
  2. While the corn cools, prepare the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or crema), sour cream (or yogurt), lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the slightly cooled charred corn, the dressing mixture, chopped cilantro, and diced red onion and jalapeño, if using.
  4. Gently fold all ingredients together until the corn is evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
  5. Stir in most of the crumbled Cotija cheese, reserving some for garnish.
  6. Taste the salad and adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed.
  7. Serve the Mexican Street Corn Salad immediately while slightly warm, or chill for at least 30 minutes for best flavor integration. Garnish with the remaining Cotija cheese before serving.

Notes

  • For the best smoky flavor, use frozen corn and char it well in a dry skillet without crowding the pan.
  • You can substitute Feta cheese for Cotija cheese if you cannot find it, though the flavor will change slightly.
  • This salad works well as a dip with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos or grilled chicken.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://completelyyummy.com/mexican-street-corn-salad-recipe-quick-easy/