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Creamy and Charred Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)

Close-up of a vibrant street corn salad featuring charred corn kernels, crumbled white cheese, and fresh cilantro.
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Make this easy Mexican street corn salad, also known as Elote Salad or Esquites, featuring charred corn, a creamy lime dressing, and cotija cheese. It is a zesty side dish perfect for summer BBQs or taco night.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese, plus extra for topping
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 small red onion, finely diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. If using fresh corn, heat a dry skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until kernels are lightly charred, about 5 to 7 minutes. If using frozen corn, thaw it first, then char it in the same manner. Set the corn aside to cool slightly.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and cumin until smooth. This forms your creamy dressing.
  3. Add the charred corn, diced red onion, minced jalapeño (if using), and cilantro to the dressing. Mix gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
  4. Fold in the 1/2 cup of crumbled cotija cheese.
  5. Taste the salad and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remember that cotija cheese is salty.
  6. Cover the bowl and chill the Mexican street corn salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to combine. This step is good for meal planning.
  7. Before serving, transfer the salad to a serving dish and sprinkle with extra crumbled cotija cheese. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
  • If you do not have cotija cheese, use feta cheese as a substitute.
  • This salad works well as a dip with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cutcooktaste.com/street-corn-salad-recipe-elote-salad/