Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites-style)
Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites-style)
A creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy salad inspired by Mexican Esquites, featuring corn, cotija cheese, and lime.

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Servings

4

Vegan option available (see notes)

Ingredients

  • Corn Kernels: 4 cups (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (or butter)
  • Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup
  • Cotija Cheese: 1/2 cup, crumbled (or Feta as substitute)
  • Cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped
  • Red Onion: 1/4 cup, finely diced
  • Jalapeño: 1 small, minced (optional, seeds removed for less heat)
  • Lime Juice: 2 tbsp, fresh (from 1 lime)
  • Chilli Powder: 1/2 tsp (or to taste)
  • Salt: to taste

Preparation Steps

  1. If using fresh corn, grill or boil cobs, then cut kernels off. If frozen, thaw completely.
  2. Heat olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until lightly charred and tender. Let cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the charred corn, mayonnaise, crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, diced red onion, and minced jalapeño (if using).
  4. Stir in fresh lime juice and chili powder.
  5. Season with salt to taste. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
  6. Serve warm or chilled. Garnish with extra cotija and chili powder if desired.

Notes

For a vegan version, use vegan mayonnaise and a vegan cheese alternative. Sour cream or Mexican crema can be used in place of some or all of the mayonnaise.