Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe)

This Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe) is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for taco nights, summer BBQs, or any festive occasion. With its combination of grilled sweet corn, roasted red peppers, fresh herbs, and creamy chili lime sauce, this salad is sure to impress your guests. Its unique blend of textures and flavors makes it a standout side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of grilled corn and zesty seasonings creates a delightful taste experience.
• Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious salad in no time.
• Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for summer cookouts, taco nights, or picnics, this recipe adapts to any occasion.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and legumes, it’s a nutritious choice for any meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This Mexican Street Corn Salad is sure to be a hit at gatherings, appealing to both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started on this delicious Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe), make sure you have the right tools handy. They will help streamline your cooking process and ensure the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Provides the smoky flavor essential for perfectly charred corn.
• Mixing bowls: Allows easy preparation and mixing of ingredients without mess.
• Whisk: Helps combine the dressing ingredients smoothly for a creamy consistency.

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 gets nicely charred.

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 combined and smooth. Set aside.

Step 3: Grill the Corn

1. Place the shucked corn directly on the grill.
2. Grill each side for about 3–4 minutes or until slightly charred on all sides.
3. Remove from the grill and allow to cool slightly before slicing off the kernels into a large bowl.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

To the bowl with grilled corn:
1. Add diced roasted red pepper, chopped cilantro, green onion, crumbled cojita cheese, black beans, and prepared chili lime cream sauce.
2. Using a spoon, gently toss everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Serve

Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or chill in the refrigerator for later enjoyment!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe)

Mexican Street Corn Salad, or Esquites, is a vibrant dish that brings a burst of flavor to any meal. Here are some creative suggestions on how to serve this delightful salad.

As a Taco Accompaniment

• Pair the salad with your favorite tacos for a fresh and crunchy contrast. It complements various fillings like chicken, beef, or turkey.

On a Bed of Greens

• Serve the salad over mixed greens for an energizing and nutritious option. This adds extra texture and a healthy touch to your meal.

As a Dip with Tortilla Chips

• Enjoy it as a dip with crispy tortilla chips. The creamy chili lime sauce makes it irresistible for snacking at parties or gatherings.

With Grilled Meats

• This salad makes an excellent side for grilled chicken or turkey. The smoky flavors enhance the overall experience of your barbecue.

Garnished with Avocado Slices

• Top the salad with sliced avocado for added creaminess and healthy fats. It creates a richer taste and beautiful presentation.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe)

Creating the perfect Mexican Street Corn Salad involves attention to detail and quality ingredients. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh corn and vegetables for optimal flavor. Fresh ingredients elevate the taste of any dish.
• Chill Before Serving: Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully together.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to add more lime juice or spices according to your preference.
• Experiment with Add-Ins: Consider adding diced tomatoes or jalapeños for extra color and heat. This helps customize the salad to suit your taste.
• Use Quality Cheese: Opt for high-quality cojita cheese, as it adds a lovely creaminess that enhances the dish’s overall flavor profile.

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

Serving Mexican Street Corn Salad alongside complementary dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic side dish ideas:

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Flavorful skewers marinated in spices provide protein that pairs wonderfully with the fresh salad.
2. Spicy Quinoa: A light quinoa dish with spices offers a healthy grain alternative that matches well with Mexican flavors.
3. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole brings richness and pairs nicely with both tortilla chips and corn salad alike.
4. Black Bean Tacos: Simple black bean tacos topped with fresh salsa make a delicious vegetarian option that aligns perfectly with the salad’s theme.
5. Vegetable Fajitas: Colorful bell peppers, onions, and zucchini sautéed together create a vibrant side that complements the corn salad beautifully.
6. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with fresh cilantro and lime adds another layer of flavor that harmonizes well with all elements of your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe) is straightforward, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using Uncooked Corn: Always grill or cook the corn before adding it to the salad. This enhances its sweetness and flavor.
• Skipping the Cream Sauce: The chili lime cream sauce is crucial for authentic taste. Don’t skip it; mix mayo and yogurt for the best flavor.
• Not Seasoning Properly: Under-seasoning can lead to blandness. Ensure you use salt and pepper generously for a flavorful dish.
• Overcooking the Corn: Grill the corn just until charred. Overcooking can make it tough and chewy.
• Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs like cilantro significantly boost flavor. Always opt for fresh rather than dried when possible.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to keep freshness.
• It can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe)

• While not ideal, you can freeze it for up to 2 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers and label with date.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place salad in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a pan, stirring frequently until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe).

What is Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe)?

Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe) is a delicious mix of grilled corn, fresh vegetables, cheese, and a flavorful cream sauce.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge until ready to serve.

What can I substitute for cojita cheese?

Feta cheese works well as a substitute if you can’t find cojita. It provides a similar creamy texture.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad keeps well and makes an excellent meal prep option for lunches or BBQs throughout the week.

How can I customize this recipe?

Feel free to add avocado, diced tomatoes, or even jalapeños for extra flavor and texture!

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe) is not only vibrant and flavorful but also versatile. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal on its own, you can easily customize it according to your tastes. Try it at your next gathering!