Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe)

This Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe) is the perfect side dish for taco night and summer BBQs. With its vibrant flavors from grilled sweet corn, roasted red pepper, and a creamy chili lime sauce, this salad will brighten any meal. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this dish is sure to impress with its delicious taste and colorful presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of grilled corn, cojita cheese, and spices creates a rich taste that everyone will love.
• Quick and Easy: With only 20 minutes of total prep and cook time, you can whip up this salad in no time.
• Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for taco nights, summer BBQs, or even as a light lunch on its own.
• Fresh Ingredients: Made with wholesome ingredients like black beans and fresh herbs, it’s both nutritious and satisfying.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spice levels or swap ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Tools and Preparation

To make your Mexican Street Corn Salad smoothly, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process more efficient and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Provides that delicious charred flavor to the corn, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining all ingredients without making a mess in your kitchen.
• Whisk: Helps in creating a smooth and creamy chili lime sauce by thoroughly mixing the ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 7 ears of sweet corn, shucked
• 1 roasted red pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup diced green onion
• 2/3 cup crumbled cojita cheese
• 1 cup low sodium black beans, drained and rinsed

For the Chili Lime Cream Sauce

• 2 tablespoons mayo (I use Dukes)
• 3 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 4 teaspoons lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• Salt & pepper

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe)

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F. This ensures that your corn cooks evenly while developing those lovely grill marks.

Step 2: Prepare the Chili Lime Cream Sauce

In a small bowl:
1. Add mayo, plain yogurt, lime juice, smoked paprika, chili powder, chipotle chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined and smooth. Set aside for later use.

Step 3: Grill the Corn

Place the shucked corn directly on the preheated grill:
Grill each side for about 3-4 minutes or until slightly charred on all sides.
Once grilled, remove from heat and let it cool down before slicing off the kernels into a large bowl.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In the large bowl with grilled corn:
1. Add diced roasted red pepper, chopped cilantro, diced green onion, crumbled cojita cheese, black beans, and prepared chili lime cream sauce.
2. Gently toss everything together using a spoon until all ingredients are well coated with the sauce.

Step 5: Serve

Transfer your delicious Mexican Street Corn Salad to a serving dish. Enjoy it fresh as an accompaniment to your favorite dishes or as a standalone meal!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe)

Mexican Street Corn Salad, or Esquites, is a vibrant dish that can elevate any meal. Its rich flavors make it a versatile side that pairs beautifully with many main courses.

With Tacos

• Serve this salad alongside your favorite tacos for a refreshing contrast to spicy flavors. The coolness of the corn salad complements the heat of the taco fillings.

As a BBQ Side

• Bring this dish to summer BBQs as a colorful side. It adds a delightful crunch and flavor that enhances grilled meats, making it a hit at outdoor gatherings.

In Burrito Bowls

• Incorporate Mexican Street Corn Salad into burrito bowls for added texture and taste. Layer it over rice and beans for a complete meal that’s satisfying and delicious.

As a Light Lunch

• Enjoy Esquites on its own as a light lunch option. Add some tortilla chips for crunch or serve it in lettuce wraps for a fresh twist.

With Grilled Chicken

• Pair this salad with grilled chicken for a balanced meal. The smoky flavor of the chicken complements the creamy chili lime dressing in the corn salad perfectly.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe)

Creating the perfect Mexican Street Corn Salad requires attention to detail and quality ingredients. Here are some tips to ensure your dish shines.

• Choose Fresh Corn: Fresh sweet corn enhances the flavor of your salad. Look for bright yellow kernels that are plump and juicy.
• Grill for Flavor: Grilling the corn adds depth to the dish. Aim for charred kernels that bring out natural sweetness and smokiness.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the chili powders according to your taste preference. You can increase or decrease them to suit your spice tolerance.
• Use Quality Cheese: Opt for high-quality cotija cheese for authentic flavor. This crumbly cheese adds creaminess and complements the other ingredients well.
• Let It Chill: Allow your salad to chill in the fridge before serving. This helps all the flavors meld together, making each bite more delicious.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe)

If you’re looking to create a full meal around your Mexican Street Corn Salad, consider these delightful side dishes that pair wonderfully together.

1. Grilled Shrimp Tacos: Juicy shrimp seasoned with spices, grilled to perfection, and served in soft tortillas make an excellent pairing with Esquites.
2. Black Bean Quesadillas: Crispy quesadillas filled with black beans and cheese add heartiness, complementing the freshness of the corn salad.
3. Spicy Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with cilantro and lime offers a zesty backdrop that enhances both taste and aroma.
4. Avocado Tomato Salad: A refreshing mix of diced avocados and tomatoes dressed lightly with lime juice brings brightness to your table.
5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes roasted until caramelized provide sweetness that balances well against savory dishes.
6. Chips and Salsa: Classic tortilla chips served with fresh salsa create an easy snack option that pairs nicely with Esquites at any gathering.
7. Cilantro Lime Quinoa: A protein-packed quinoa dish flavored with cilantro and lime makes an excellent gluten-free addition that aligns well with Mexican cuisine.
8. Mexican Street Corn on the Cob: For those who love classic street food, serving grilled corn on the cob brushed with chili-lime mayo will tie all flavors together beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe) can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the taste and texture.

• Overcooking the Corn: Grilling corn for too long can make it tough. Aim for 3-4 minutes per side for the best results.
• Skipping the Roasted Red Pepper: This ingredient adds depth and sweetness. Don’t skip it; roasting brings out amazing flavors.
• Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Using stale corn or old herbs will ruin your salad’s freshness. Always opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients.
• Ignoring the Chili Lime Sauce: This sauce is key to elevating the dish. Make sure to whisk it well, so all flavors are combined perfectly.
• Forgetting to Season: A pinch of salt and pepper goes a long way. Always season your salad to enhance its natural flavors.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best enjoyed within 3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe)

• Place in a freezer-safe container.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat in a baking dish for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat while stirring frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe) that might help you:

What is Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe)?

Mexican Street Corn Salad is a vibrant dish made with grilled corn, spices, and creamy dressing. It’s full of flavor and perfect as a side or main dish.

How do I make Mexican Street Corn Salad healthier?

You can reduce the mayo and yogurt or replace them with Greek yogurt for a lighter version without sacrificing creaminess.

Can I customize my Esquites Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add avocado, jalapeño, or different cheeses based on your taste preferences.

Is Mexican Street Corn Salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It stores well in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe) is not only delicious but also versatile. It pairs wonderfully with tacos or grilled meats and can easily be customized to fit your taste. Try it at your next gathering and enjoy the burst of flavors!