Esquites: Creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad
Esquites: whip up this creamy Mexican street corn salad. Enjoy charred corn, cotija cheese, and a zesty lime dressing, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 ears sweet corn (shucked, see notes)
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- 1/4 small red onion (minced)
- 1 jalapeno (seeded then minced)
- 1 clove garlic (pressed or minced)
- 1/2 cup fresh finely-crumbled cotija cheese
- small handful fresh cilantro (minced)
- 1 lime
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Brush the corn cobs with vegetable oil then grill them on a gas, charcoal, or grill pan on the stove over medium-high heat until the kernels are evenly charred, about 10 minutes, rotating the cobs as they cook. Once the ears are cool enough to handle, slice the kernels off the cob.
- Measure out 3 cups of charred sweet corn kernels then add them to a large mixing bowl with the green onions, red onion, jalapeno, garlic, cotija cheese, and cilantro then stir with a spatula to combine.
- To a small bowl add the juice of the lime, mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, and salt then whisk to combine.
- Pour the dressing over the sweet corn mixture then stir to coat. Scoop the salad into bowls or onto plates then serve. Alternatively you can refrigerate for up to 3 days then serve cold.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use fresh sweet corn in season. If fresh isn't available, high-quality frozen corn can be used, just ensure it's thawed and patted dry before charring.
- Don't overcrowd your grill or pan when charring the corn; this ensures even charring and prevents steaming. You want those beautiful smoky black kernels!
- If you prefer a milder salad, remove the seeds and white membrane from the jalapeño entirely. For more heat, leave some seeds in.
- Storage: Esquites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld and deepen overnight, making it a great make-ahead dish. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.
- Don't overcrowd your grill or pan when charring the corn; this ensures even charring and prevents steaming. You want those beautiful smoky black kernels!
- If you prefer a milder salad, remove the seeds and white membrane from the jalapeño entirely. For more heat, leave some seeds in.
- Storage: Esquites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld and deepen overnight, making it a great make-ahead dish. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.