Esquites (Mexican Street Corn Salad)

Esquites (Mexican Street Corn Salad)

Esquites is a beloved Mexican street food that brings the vibrant flavors of the market to your kitchen. This delightful dish features tender, grilled corn kernels tossed with a zesty dressing made from creamy mayonnaise, tangy sour cream, and crumbly Cotija cheese. Every bite is a taste of summer, infused with lime juice, fresh cilantro, and a kick of chili spice. Perfect as a side dish or a light snack, esquites captures the essence of Mexico’s culinary heritage. Traditionally enjoyed by street vendors, this recipe elevates it to a homemade favorite that you can easily recreate for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.

Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • Corn (4 ears, husked)
  • Mayonnaise (1/4 cup)
  • Sour cream (1/4 cup)
  • Cotija cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled)
  • Lime juice (2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed)
  • Fresh cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped)
  • Chili powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon (adjust to taste))
  • Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Grill the corn, turning occasionally, until charred and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Once cooked, let the corn cool slightly.
  3. Carefully cut the corn kernels off the cobs and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
  4. In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing by combining the mayonnaise, sour cream, crumbled Cotija cheese, lime juice, chopped cilantro, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.
  5. Pour the dressing over the grilled corn kernels and toss gently to combine, ensuring that all the corn is evenly coated.
  6. Serve the esquites warm, garnished with additional Cotija cheese and cilantro, if desired.

Dietary Information

Servings: 4 • Dish Type: Side Dish • Prep Time: 15 minutes • Cook Time: 10 minutes • Calories: 280 • Fat: 18g • Carbs: 25g • Protein: 7g • Sodium: 450mg • Sugar: 3g