MEXICAN STREET CORN SALAD (ESQUITES) RECIPE

Mexican Grilled Corn Salad (Esquites) is a flavorful and vibrant dish that takes inspiration from traditional Mexican street food. It typically features grilled or charred corn kernels that are removed from the cob and combined with a variety of ingredients to create a delicious and satisfying salad. The corn is often coated with a mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, or Mexican crema, which adds a creamy element. Then, the corn is seasoned with spices like chili powder, cayenne pepper, and lime juice for a tangy and slightly spicy kick. Other common additions to the salad include crumbled cotija cheese (a salty and crumbly Mexican cheese), chopped fresh cilantro, and sometimes diced red onion.

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A balance of sweet, savory, creamy, and zesty flavors, making Esquites a popular and surprisingly easy dish to create.

Grilling the corn adds a little char and gives the corn that classic street corn flavor!

Ingredients:

  • 6 ears of cooked corn (6 cups)

  • 1/3 cup diced red onions

  • 1/3 cup sour cream

  • 1-2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice

  • 1 Tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1-2 Tablespoon Tajin Seasoning

  • 1 Tablespoon Jalapenos, diced

  • 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped

  • 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese

  • 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh chives or scallions (optional)

  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin (optional)

  • 1/2 teaspoon smoke paprika (optional)

Instructions:

1.    Cook the corn on the grill for 10-15 minutes until tender. (If cooking in a skillet, slice off kernels first, then cook on medium heat for 10-12 until kernels are tender).

2.    Once cooked to desired tenderness, use a sharp knife to slice off the kernels.

3.    Add the kernels in large bowl. While its still warm, add diced onions, butter, sour cream, lime juice, Tajin seasoning, cumin and paprika (optional), cilantro, Cotija cheese and pinch of salt and pepper. Serve and enjoy!

Notes: You can refrigerate up to 8 hours before serving.

Substitutions: You can substitute the following ingredients:

  • Tajin Seasoning with chili flakes and dehydrated lime,

  • Sour Cream with Greek yogurt and

  • Cotija cheese with Feta cheese.