Ultimate Authentic Esquites (Mexican Street Corn Salad) Recipe

Looking for a vibrant, zesty Mexican street corn salad? This authentic esquites recipe combines charred corn, cotija cheese, and creamy lime dressing for the perfect balance of flavors in just 20 minutes.

Authentic Esquites Ingredients

For this Mexican street corn salad, you’ll need:

• 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 5-6 ears)
• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Mexican crema or sour cream
• 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (plus more for garnish)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and finely diced
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: lime wedges for serving

Tools Used to Make Authentic Esquites

• Cast iron skillet or grill pan
• Sharp knife for cutting corn off the cob
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon
• Serving bowl

How to Make Authentic Esquites

1. Prep the corn: If using fresh corn, carefully cut the kernels off the cob. If using frozen corn, thaw completely.
2. Char the corn: Heat a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add butter or olive oil and corn kernels. Cook without stirring for 2-3 minutes until the bottom layer chars slightly, then stir and repeat until most kernels have some char marks (about 6-8 minutes total).
3. Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Mexican crema, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
4. Combine: Add the charred corn to the dressing mixture. Stir in diced jalapeño, cilantro, and cotija cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with additional cotija cheese, cilantro, and a sprinkle of chili powder. Serve warm or at room temperature with lime wedges on the side.

Variations of Authentic Esquites

• Vegan version: Substitute vegan mayo and skip the cotija cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
• Extra spicy: Add diced serrano peppers or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
• Grilled variation: Grill corn on the cob first, then cut off kernels for an extra smoky flavor.
• Avocado addition: Fold in diced avocado just before serving for creaminess.
• Black bean esquites: Add a cup of rinsed black beans for a heartier side dish.

Serving Authentic Esquites

Esquites makes a perfect summer side dish for grilled meats or as part of a Mexican-inspired feast. Serve it warm or at room temperature in small cups with spoons for an authentic street food experience. You can also use esquites as a topping for tacos, as a dip with tortilla chips, or mix it into a southwest-inspired salad for extra flavor.

For a complete meal, pair with protein-packed southwest chicken salad or crispy Baja fish tacos.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does esquites last in the refrigerator? Esquites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often improve after a day as they meld together.

Can I make esquites ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare esquites a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving and bring to room temperature for best flavor.

What can I substitute for cotija cheese? If you can’t find cotija cheese, feta cheese or queso fresco make excellent substitutes. They provide a similar salty, crumbly texture.

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh? Absolutely! Frozen corn works well, especially when fresh corn isn’t in season. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before charring.

Is esquites spicy? Traditional esquites has a mild kick from chili powder and jalapeño, but you can adjust the spice level to your preference by reducing or increasing the amount of jalapeño and chili powder.

Final Thoughts

This authentic esquites recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican street food right to your kitchen. Share your creation on social media or comment below with your favorite variations – we’d love to see how you make this recipe your own!

More Recipes to Try!

• Easy Frito Corn Salad Recipe
• Fresh Strawberry Quinoa Salad with Honey
• Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe
• Vibrant Spring Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Potato Salad Recipe