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    Home ➞ All Recipes ➞ Salads

    Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)

    Published: May 19, 2020 // Updated: June 21, 2020 // by Shannon Emery

    Jump To RecipePrint RecipeThis post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    A large serving bowl of Mexican Street Corn Salad is topped with extra crumbled feta and a few lime wedges.
    Lime wedges are scattered on a countertop with some cilantro next to a large serving bowl of Mexican Street Corn Salad.
    A big tasty bowl of Mexican Street Corn Salad, also known as Esquites.

    Our favorite Mexican street corn is turned into a tangy, creamy, and slightly spicy corn salad perfect for cookouts, backyard BBQs, or an easy weeknight dinner. This perfect summer side dish is tasty with grilled chicken, steak, or your favorite seafood. Just 15 minutes from start to finish!

    A white serving bowl with Mexican street corn salad is topped with some extra feta. Some cilantro and lime wedges are on the counter nearby.

    Say hello to this sweet, salty, spicy, and deliciously creamy corn salad. It's called Esquites. But if you'd like, you can also call it Mexican Street Corn Salad. And it's going to be your new summer side dish obsession.

    Lime wedges are scattered on a countertop with some cilantro next to a large serving bowl of Mexican Street Corn Salad.

    So what exactly is Esquites?

    It's the cob-less corn on the cob salad-ish version of Elote.

    Don't punch me. I'll further explain.

    Elote is the Spanish name for a skewered corn on the cob that is grilled and then smothered with mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime.

    This grilled mayo-cheese-chili-lime smothered corn on a stick is a common Mexican street food that will make you want to eat only corn for the rest of your life. But if you prefer to not eat your mayo smothered corn right off the cob then you can also grill the corn, cut it off the cob, and mix it with all of the same ingredients and call it a Mexican Street Corn Salad, or Esquites.

    Mexican Street Corn Salad = Esquites = Elote off the cob. Glad we're on the same page now.

    Let's talk about the elephant in the room. How does corn smothered in mayo make you feel? Kinda weird? Kinda heeb-ish? Kinda amazing?! Whatever feelings mayo on corn conjures up for you, don't freak out. I've got both the mayo lovers and the mayo eww-ers covered. So may your freak out be one of only joy and corn salad.

    Recipe ingredients

    A bowl of corn sits on a marble countertop with some limes, cilantro, a block of feta, a red onion, a jalapeño, a garlic clove, a small bowl of greek yogurt, and two smallpinch bowls of cumin and chili powder.
    • Corn: frozen, canned, or on the cob. Use what you prefer and what's readily available. I have a big bag of frozen sweet corn from Costco that is my current go-to.
    • Greek Yogurt OR Mayo: You do you friend. There is no judgment here. Either way is a winner.
    • The Cheese: I love feta in this salad, but cotija or queso fresco are also tasty and more traditional if you'd like to be a purist with your Mexican street food. I've also tried soft goat cheese (I was out of feta and had a serious Esquites craving) and it was equally amazing and elevated the creaminess of the salad to a whole other level.
    • Red Onion: Adds some crunchy zippy zing.
    • Garlic: Always makes everything better.
    • Jalapeño: Delivers a kick of heat! Add more or less (or none) if you prefer.
    • Cilantro: Commonly used in Latin American dishes but if you can't handle the flavor of cilantro swap it out for some flat-leaf parsley.
    • Limes: A MUST. We'll be using both lime zest and lime juice.
    • Spices: Cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper.
    A cast iron skillet contains lightly charred corn. Nearby a hand is squeezing fresh lime juice into a bowl of yogurt, lime zest, and spices.

    How to make this simple, tasty side dish

    15 minutes max is really all you'll need, possibly less. The only cooking involved is for the corn itself. We're aiming to get a nice golden char on the corn by either grilling some corn on the cob or sautéing the corn in a skillet. Unless I am cooking something else that needs to be thrown on the grill, I typically go the skillet route. Less time waiting for the grill to heat up means the sooner eating can happen. Priorities man.

    While the corn is working on its beautiful golden char, chop up the red onion, jalapeño, garlic, and cilantro, and mix together a quick dressing with the greek yogurt (or mayo!), lime, and spices.

    Once the corn has finished cooking, it's a quick mix of everything in a large bowl, making sure to add in the cheese for the tasty finale.

    A large serving bowl of Mexican Street Corn Salad is topped with extra crumbled feta and a few lime wedges.

    This Mexican Street Corn Salad is perfect with...

    Just about anything!

    • Serve it alongside some grilled steak or salmon, barbecued chicken, or even grilled shrimp skewers.
    • Use it as a dip for chips!
    • Or how about Esquites nachos?! YES please.
    • Got kiddos to feed? Turn down the heat by omitting the jalapeño (or leave it in for adults) and stuff it into burritos, tacos, or quesadillas.
    • Add a few more ingredients and turn it into a quick and easy lunchtime meal or an easy weeknight dinner. I'm thinking chunks of avocado, black beans, and maybe some diced red bell pepper?!
    • Topping for a pizza?! Count me in.

    Like I said, just about anything.

    Make it this weekend and then tell me how much you loved it.

    And if you are team mayo or team greek yogurt. These are important details I MUST know. ♡

    More tasty salad recipes!

    • Peach Caprese Salad a sweet, juicy twist on the classic Caprese salad
    • Mediterranean Bean Salad a quick and easy salad with fresh, simple ingredients
    • Potato Salad with Caramelized Onions & Fresh Herbs a classic with an upgrade
    • Spiralized Cucumber Summer Salad perfect on a hot summer day for lunch or dinner
    • Zucchini Salad with Tomatoes, Basil, & Feta one of the most popular summer salads with Pass Me Some Tasty fans!

    Did You Make This Recipe?!

    If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment and a star rating below! I greatly appreciate your feedback and it is also so helpful for other PMST readers who are thinking about making the recipe. Remember to snap a photo and tag @passmesometasty on Instagram so I can see!

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    A white serving bowl with Mexican street corn salad is topped with some extra feta. Some cilantro and lime wedges are on the counter nearby.

    Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)


    5 from 1 reviews

    • Author: Shannon Emery
    • Prep Time: 5 minutes
    • Cook Time: 10 minutes
    • Total Time: 15 minutes
    • Yield: Serves 5-6 1x
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    A quick and easy side dish that comes together in no more than 15 minutes! Lightly charred corn is turned into a tangy, creamy, and slightly spicy salad perfect for cookouts, backyard BBQs, or an easy weeknight dinner. Try it with grilled chicken, steak, or your favorite seafood.


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • olive oil
    • 6 cups corn*
    • 2 limes, plus more for serving
    • 4 tablespoons greek yogurt or mayonnaise
    • ½ teaspoon chili powder
    • ½ teaspoon cumin
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 jalapeño, seeds and stem removed, thinly sliced
    • ⅔ cup red onion, diced (or thinly sliced)
    • 1 cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped
    • 6 ounces feta*, crumbled
    • Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

    Instructions

    1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and give it a generous drizzle of olive oil. Add the corn and cook, undisturbed, for about 2 minutes, until the corn begins to lightly char and turn golden brown underneath. Continue to cook corn, tossing occasionally until corn is lightly charred all over, about 3-5 minutes longer. If using frozen corn, it may need to cook a few minutes longer. If using corn on the cob, brush the corn with oil and cook on either a grill or in a large skillet, turning occasionally until slightly charred on all sides.
    2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, finely grate the zest of 2 limes and squeeze in the juice (should be about 4 tablespoons). Whisk in the yogurt (or mayo), chili powder, cumin, and garlic. 
    3. To the large bowl with the yogurt mixture add the charred corn, jalapeño, red onion, cilantro, and feta. Toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 
    4. Top corn salad with additional feta and cilantro just before serving to give it that extra visual pop of yummm...
    5. There you have it! So tasty! And so easy! Serve it warm, chilled, or at room temperature.

    Equipment

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    Large Bowl

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    Microplane Zester Grater

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    Image of Whisk

    Whisk

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    Large Skillet

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    Notes

    The equipment section above contains affiliate links to products I use and love!

    Frozen corn, canned corn (drained), or corn on the cob all work great for this recipe. 

    Instead of feta, you can also substitute cotija, queso fresco, or even soft goat cheese.

    Some additional add-ins that would also be tasty in this salad are diced avocado, black beans, or diced red bell pepper!

    • Category: Side Dish
    • Method: Sauté
    • Cuisine: Mexican
    • Diet: Gluten Free

    Keywords: mexican street corn, mexican street corn salad, esquites, side dish, summer, bbq, cookout, potluck

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @passmesometasty on Instagram. I'd love to see what you made!

    Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

    Disclaimer: All brand recommendations are purely my own opinion and are brands/products that I personally use and enjoy. This post may also contain affiliate links which I may receive a small commission from (without any additional costs to you). The money earned from these commissions helps me to maintain this website. Thank you for supporting Pass Me Some Tasty!

    More Gluten-Free Salad Recipes

    • Arugula Spinach Salad with Winter Citrus
    • Strawberry Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
    • Quinoa Tabbouleh
    • Roasted Beet & Butternut Squash Salad

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    1. Chelsea

      August 30, 2022 at 9:03 am

      Sounds great! Can you make this salad ahead of time?

      Reply
      • Shannon Emery

        August 30, 2022 at 9:22 am

        Hi Chelsea! Thanks so much! I personally think esquites are best served immediately after prepared and still hot but it can also be made ahead of time and will still be really tasty served at room temperature or even chilled (love it this way as a dip with tortilla chips). If making in advance, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you give it a try!

        Reply
    2. Debbie

      May 28, 2020 at 10:21 am

      This salad is so easy to make and it is absolutely delicious!






      Reply
      • Shannon Emery

        May 28, 2020 at 10:55 am

        So happy to hear you enjoyed it Debbie! Thank you for sharing!

        Reply

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