Description
This Mexican street corn salad, also known as esquites, brings the vibrant flavors of classic elote into a convenient off-the-cob dish. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with lime and chili, it’s a perfect side for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly charred and tender, about 7-10 minutes.
- Remove corn from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and smoked paprika until smooth.
- Add the cooled corn, cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and red onion (if using) to the bowl.
- Stir gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Transfer the salad to a serving dish. Garnish with additional cotija cheese, chili powder, and fresh cilantro, if desired.
- Serve immediately or chill for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- If cotija cheese is unavailable, you can substitute with feta cheese.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg