Name: Delightful Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh corn kernels (from about 4 ears of corn or 1 bag frozen corn); 3/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese; 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option); 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice; 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste); Salt to taste; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

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If you’re in search of a delicious, refreshing dish that embodies the vibrant flavors of Mexico, you’ve found it! Delightful Mexican Street Corn Salad, or Esquites, is the perfect blend of sweet corn, zesty lime, and savory spices that will transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Mexico.

This salad is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Whether you serve it as a side dish at your next barbecue or enjoy it as a light lunch, this delightful recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. With its colorful presentation and tantalizing flavors, you’ll want to add this Mexican Street Corn Salad to your regular meal rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Delightful Mexican Street Corn Salad is a perfect combination of flavors and textures that makes every bite exciting. First, the sweetness of fresh corn pairs beautifully with the creaminess of mayonnaise and cotija cheese, creating a satisfying mouthfeel. Second, the addition of lime juice and chili powder brings an irresistible zing that complements the dish perfectly.

Moreover, this salad is versatile enough for any occasion. You can serve it as a refreshing side at summer cookouts or enjoy it as a light main dish for lunch. Finally, it’s incredibly easy to prepare—just mix up a few ingredients and you have a crowd-pleaser ready in no time!

Key Ingredients

Delightful Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites) ingredients

This salad features simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

Fresh Corn: The star ingredient; use either sweet corn on the cob or frozen corn for convenience.
Cotija Cheese: A crumbly Mexican cheese that adds creaminess and depth to the salad.
Mayonnaise: Provides richness; feel free to substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice enhances flavor with its tangy brightness.
Chili Powder: Adds heat and warmth; adjust based on your spice preference.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives the salad an aromatic touch; use it according to your taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Corn: If using corn on the cob, boil or grill until tender. Allow it to cool before cutting off the kernels. If using frozen corn, cook according to package instructions and let it cool.
Mix Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and salt. Stir until well blended.
Add Corn: Fold in the cooled corn kernels into the mayo mixture gently until all are evenly coated.
Add Cheese and Cilantro: Gently mix in crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro for added flavor.
Taste and Adjust: Sample the salad; adjust seasoning by adding more lime juice or chili powder as desired.
Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for optimal flavor infusion.

Expert Tips

Delightful Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)

Selecting Fresh Corn: For best results, choose fresh ears of sweet corn when in season. The sweetness enhances overall flavor immensely. Cotija Alternatives: If cotija is unavailable, feta cheese can be used as a substitute for similar texture and taste. Lime Zest Addition: Adding lime zest gives an extra aromatic citrus kick; don’t skip this step! Mayo Substitutes: For a lighter version of this salad, consider Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise; it still provides creaminess without excess fat.

Presentation Ideas

This Delightful Mexican Street Corn Salad can be served in various creative ways! Consider using small mason jars for individual servings at gatherings; they add charm while keeping portions controlled. Alternatively, serve in colorful bowls topped with extra cilantro and cheese crumbles for visual appeal. Garnishing with lime wedges not only looks attractive but allows guests to enhance their flavor experience according to their preferences!

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare this Mexican Street Corn Salad ahead of time! Just mix all ingredients except for cilantro and cotija cheese beforehand. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours prior to serving. Add cilantro and cheese right before serving for freshness.

Is there a vegan version?

A vegan version can easily be made by substituting mayonnaise with vegan mayo or avocado crema. Additionally, replace cotija cheese with plant-based feta or omit cheese entirely while ensuring other flavors remain robust through spices and herbs!

What can I serve with Esquites?

This delightful salad pairs well with various dishes! Serve alongside grilled meats like chicken or steak for a hearty meal. It also complements tacos beautifully or can be enjoyed simply with tortilla chips as part of a festive appetizer spread!

Can I use canned corn instead?

Canned corn can be used in place of fresh or frozen corn if you’re short on time! Just be sure to drain and rinse thoroughly before using to reduce excess sodium content while enhancing freshness within your dish!