Description
A vibrant and flavorful Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites) featuring charred sweet corn kernels tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing with fresh herbs and cheeses. Perfect as a party side dish or a refreshing addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons real mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Salad
- 3 cups sweet corn kernels (cut off the cobs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (finely grated)
- 1 cup freshly chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper (chopped)
- 1/2 cup green onions (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup red onion (chopped)
- 1 jalapeño pepper (seeded and chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup Cotija cheese (crumbled)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine lime juice, mayonnaise, ground cumin, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the mayonnaise is mostly dissolved and the dressing is smooth. Set aside or chill until ready to use.
- Char the Corn: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. When the oil is hot, add the sweet corn kernels and cook for 5 minutes, stirring only occasionally. Allow some kernels to develop a nice char for authentic smoky flavor, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: To the warm corn, add finely grated parmesan cheese, freshly chopped cilantro, chopped red bell pepper, sliced green onions, chopped red onion, chopped jalapeño pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well to evenly incorporate all the ingredients.
- Toss with Dressing and Serve: Pour the prepared dressing over the corn mixture and toss to coat everything evenly. Finally, sprinkle crumbled Cotija cheese on top. Serve the salad at room temperature or chilled as preferred.
Notes
- The dressing can be prepared ahead and chilled to enhance the flavors.
- Use fresh sweet corn for the best taste and texture.
- For extra heat, leave some jalapeño seeds in or add more jalapeño.
- Can substitute Cotija cheese with feta if unavailable.
- This salad is great for potlucks, barbecues, or as a standalone light lunch.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 95 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 274 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
