Charred Corn Salad with Creamy Cilantro Dressing
This lively Charred Corn Salad, also known as Esquites, is a vibrant Mexican dish that combines the sweetness of fresh corn with the heat of jalapeños, all tossed in a creamy and zesty dressing. Enhanced with fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions, this colorful salad is a perfect side for any meal or a delightful standalone snack. Whether served warm or chilled, it's sure to impress your family and friends with its burst of flavors and textures. Enjoy this delicious taste of Mexico at your next gathering or weeknight dinner!
N/A
Servings
100
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
2 (tablespoons)
Corn
3 (cups (fresh or frozen))
Jalapeno
1/2 (seeded and diced)
Mayonnaise
3 (tablespoons)
Garlic
1 (clove minced or 1 teaspoon garlic paste)
Green Onions
2 (sliced)
Cilantro
1 (handful, chopped)
Lime
1 (juiced)
Cotija Cheese
2 (tablespoons (or Mexican blend cheese))
Chili Powder
1/8 (teaspoon, to taste)
Avocado
1 (diced)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat, allowing it to foam slightly.
2
Add the corn to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the melted butter. Spread the corn out evenly in the pan.
3
Let the corn char for about 3-4 minutes without stirring, until you see a nice golden-brown color on the bottom.
4
Gently stir the corn and let it char for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring some kernels are nicely caramelized.
5
Add the diced jalapeño to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then remove the skillet from heat.
6
Transfer the charred corn mixture to a large mixing bowl. Allow it to cool slightly.
7
Once cooled, add the mayonnaise, minced garlic (or garlic paste), sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, lime juice, Cotija cheese, chili powder, and diced avocado to the bowl. Gently mix until well combined.
8
Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary, then serve the salad warm or chill in the refrigerator for later enjoyment.
Nutrition Information
5
Fat
11
Carbs
2
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Charred Corn Salad?
It is a vibrant Mexican dish, also known as Esquites, that combines the sweetness of corn with the heat of jalapeños and a creamy dressing.
What are Esquites?
Esquites is the traditional name for this toasted Mexican corn salad, often served as a popular street food.
Is this Charred Corn Salad recipe vegetarian?
Yes, all the ingredients listed, including corn, avocado, and Cotija cheese, are suitable for a vegetarian diet.
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Yes, you can use 3 cups of either fresh or frozen corn to make this salad.
How do I char the corn properly?
Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, spread the corn evenly, and let it sit without stirring for 3 to 4 minutes until golden-brown.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 100 calories per serving in this recipe.
What can I substitute for Cotija cheese?
If you cannot find Cotija cheese, you can use a Mexican blend cheese or even feta cheese as a substitute.
Is this corn salad spicy?
It has a mild heat from the jalapeño and chili powder, but you can adjust the spice level to your preference.
Can I serve this salad cold?
Yes, this salad can be served warm immediately after preparation or chilled in the refrigerator for later.
How much avocado is needed?
The recipe calls for one diced avocado to be gently mixed into the salad.
What type of fat is used for charring the corn?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of butter to char the corn and add flavor.
How long does it take to cook the jalapeño?
The diced jalapeño should be sautéed in the skillet for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
Does this recipe use fresh garlic?
You can use either 1 minced garlic clove or 1 teaspoon of garlic paste.
What gives the dressing its creamy texture?
The creaminess comes from the combination of 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise and the lime juice.
How much chili powder should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/8 teaspoon of chili powder, but you can add more to taste.
How many green onions are required?
The recipe uses 2 sliced green onions to add a fresh, sharp flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the listed ingredients like corn, vegetables, and cheese, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What is the total ingredient count for this salad?
There are 11 ingredients total in this Charred Corn Salad recipe.
How much protein does this salad contain?
Each serving contains approximately 2 grams of protein.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 11 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Should the corn be cooled before adding the dressing?
Yes, you should allow the charred corn mixture to cool slightly before adding the mayonnaise and other fresh ingredients.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a handful of chopped fresh cilantro for a zesty herb flavor.
What is the best way to serve this?
It works perfectly as a side dish for any meal or as a delightful standalone snack.
Can I use canned corn instead?
While fresh or frozen is recommended for the best texture, well-drained canned corn can be used as a substitute.
How do I prepare the jalapeño?
The jalapeño should be seeded and diced before being added to the skillet.
Does this salad contain lime?
Yes, it uses the juice of one lime to provide a zesty acidity to the dressing.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
The tags include Mexican, salad, esquites, side dish, appetizer, and vegetarian.
How much corn do I need?
The recipe requires 3 cups of corn.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it and store it in the refrigerator to serve chilled later.