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Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)

Close-up of a bowl of Mexican street corn salad, featuring charred corn, crumbled cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro.
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A flavorful Mexican street corn salad, also known as esquites, featuring charred corn, lime, chile, cotija cheese, and cilantro. This off-the-cob version is perfect as a side dish for tacos, bowls, or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears of corn, husked
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese as a substitute)
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. If you don’t have a grill, you can char the corn in a dry cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place the husked corn in the hot skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until kernels are tender and lightly charred on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Alternatively, you can char the corn under your oven broiler, turning frequently.
  2. Once the corn is cool enough to handle, stand each ear on its end and carefully cut the kernels off the cob.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the charred corn kernels, mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, and cayenne pepper.
  4. Gently stir to combine all ingredients.
  5. Fold in the crumbled cotija cheese.
  6. Season with salt to taste.
  7. Serve the Mexican street corn salad warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • For a spicier salad, add more cayenne pepper or a finely minced jalapeño.
  • If using Greek yogurt, choose plain, full-fat yogurt for the best creamy texture.
  • Cotija cheese can be salty, so taste before adding extra salt.
  • This salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors meld nicely over time.
  • Consider this a versatile side dish, similar to how you might use a meal planning service to complement your main courses.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/mexican-street-corn-salad/