Grilled Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites with a Twist)
Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexico with this Grilled Mexican Street Corn Salad, known as Esquites. This refreshing dish is a delightful combination of sweet, charred corn melting harmoniously with creamy mayonnaise, tangy lime juice, and savory Cotija cheese. Enhanced with fresh herbs, spicy jalapeño, and zesty garlic, this salad is a true celebration of summer in every bite. Perfect as a side dish at barbecues or as a light meal, this recipe will transport you to the streets of Mexico. Enjoy the delicious mix of textures and flavors that are sure to impress family and friends alike.
4
Servings
102.5
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
canola oil
2 tablespoons (none)
fresh corn, kernels removed
4 ears (about 3 cups) (shucked)
kosher salt
to taste (none)
mayonnaise
2 tablespoons (none)
Cotija cheese or feta cheese
2 ounces (finely crumbled)
green onion
1/2 cup (finely sliced)
fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
jalapeño pepper
1 (seeded, stemmed, and finely chopped)
garlic clove
1-2 medium (minced)
fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon (none)
chili powder or hot chili flakes
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
1. Heat the canola oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add the fresh corn kernels, season generously with kosher salt, and toss once or twice.
2
2. Allow the corn to cook undisturbed until it starts to char on one side, about 2 minutes. Stir the corn to ensure it browns evenly and repeat for another 2 minutes until well-charred on all sides, cooking for approximately 10 minutes total.
3
3. Transfer the charred corn kernels to a large mixing bowl and let cool slightly.
4
4. Once cooled, add mayo, Cotija (or feta), green onions, fresh cilantro, jalapeño, minced garlic, lime juice, and chili powder. Toss everything together until well combined.
5
5. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or chili powder as desired.
6
6. Serve the salad immediately, garnished with extra cilantro and a sprinkle of chili powder if desired. Enjoy the burst of flavors!
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
10g
Carbs
3g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Esquites?
Esquites is a vibrant Mexican street corn salad featuring charred corn, creamy mayonnaise, tangy lime, and savory Cotija cheese.
How many servings does this Grilled Mexican Street Corn Salad make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the calorie counts for this corn salad?
Each serving contains approximately 102.5 calories.
Is this corn salad recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this Grilled Mexican Street Corn Salad is vegetarian-friendly.
What type of cheese is used in Esquites?
The recipe calls for 2 ounces of finely crumbled Cotija cheese, though feta cheese is a suitable substitute.
How long does it take to cook the corn?
The corn should be cooked for approximately 10 minutes total over high heat to achieve a good char.
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh ears?
While the recipe specifies 4 ears of fresh corn (about 3 cups), you can use frozen corn as long as it is thawed and dried before charring.
What kind of oil should I use for frying the corn?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of canola oil due to its high smoke point.
How much mayonnaise is in the salad?
The salad uses 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise to achieve its signature creamy texture.
What fresh herbs are included in this recipe?
This salad features 1/2 cup of finely sliced green onions and 1/2 cup of finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves.
Is the corn salad spicy?
The salad has a bit of a kick from one jalapeño pepper and chili powder, but the spice level can be adjusted to your preference.
How do I prepare the jalapeño?
The jalapeño should be seeded, stemmed, and finely chopped before being added to the mix.
How much lime juice is required?
You will need 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 6 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
Each serving of this corn salad provides 3 grams of protein.
Is there fiber in this corn salad?
Yes, there is 1 gram of fiber per serving.
Should I cook the corn kernels before or after removing them from the cob?
The kernels should be removed from the shucked ears before cooking them in the skillet.
Can I use a wok for this recipe?
Yes, a large non-stick skillet or a wok is perfect for charring the corn kernels over high heat.
When should I add the garlic?
Minced garlic is added to the large mixing bowl after the corn has been charred and slightly cooled.
How do I ensure the corn gets a good char?
Allow the corn to cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes at a time before stirring.
What is the best way to serve Esquites?
Serve it immediately, garnished with extra cilantro and a sprinkle of chili powder.
Can I substitute the chili powder?
Yes, you can use hot chili flakes instead of chili powder if you prefer.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 1 to 2 medium-sized minced garlic cloves.
Do I need to season the corn while it cooks?
Yes, you should season the corn kernels generously with kosher salt while they are in the skillet.
Is this a good side dish for a barbecue?
Absolutely, it is described as a perfect side dish for barbecues or as a light summer meal.
What happens if I don't have Cotija cheese?
Feta cheese is the recommended alternative as it provides a similar salty and crumbly texture.
Should the corn be cooled before mixing with mayo?
Yes, you should let the charred corn cool slightly in a mixing bowl before adding the mayonnaise and other ingredients.
How much green onion is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of finely sliced green onions.
What is the texture of this salad?
It is a mix of sweet charred corn kernels, creamy dressing, and crumbly cheese with fresh herbal notes.