Bu Meksika Sokak Mısır Salatası, diğer adıyla Esquites, yaz aylarının favori yan yemeklerinden biridir! Basit ve taze malzemeler, Cinco de Mayo kutlamalarınızın yanı sıra yaz piknikleriniz ve barbeküleriniz için de çok lezzetli bir yemek yaratır.

Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites): The Ultimate Summer Side Dish

Vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, Mexican Street Corn Salad, known as Esquites, is a culinary delight that captures the essence of Mexican street food in a convenient bowl. Originating from the popular Elotes, grilled corn on the cob slathered with creamy, spicy, and tangy toppings, Esquites offers all the beloved flavors without the mess. This salad is a celebration of fresh ingredients, combining sweet corn kernels with a rich, zesty dressing, crumbled cheese, and a hint of spice. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any festive occasion, from Cinco de Mayo celebrations to casual backyard barbecues and refreshing summer picnics.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine, this Esquites recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Its unique blend of textures and tastes—the tender crunch of corn, the creaminess of mayo and sour cream, the salty tang of Cotija cheese, and the bright notes of lime and cilantro—makes it irresistibly delicious. Get ready to elevate your side dish game with this simple yet spectacular recipe that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico right to your table.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Esquites Recipe

There are countless reasons why this Mexican Street Corn Salad will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. If you’ve ever enjoyed Elotes, the grilled corn on the cob, you know the magic of its flavors. However, enjoying Elotes can sometimes be a bit messy, with toppings dripping and kernels challenging to eat directly from the cob. Esquites is the brilliant solution: it’s essentially a deconstructed version, allowing you to savor every single bite without any fuss.

Flavor Explosion: This salad offers an incredible symphony of flavors. The natural sweetness of the corn is beautifully enhanced by a creamy, tangy dressing made with mayonnaise and sour cream. Salty Cotija cheese adds a distinctive umami depth, while fresh lime juice provides a crucial bright zest. A touch of jalapeño introduces a pleasant, customizable warmth, balanced by fresh, aromatic cilantro.
Effortlessly Delicious: Despite its impressive flavor profile, Esquites is surprisingly simple to prepare. With just a few fresh ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a gourmet-quality side dish in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick yet impressive addition to a larger meal.
Versatile Pairing: Esquites isn’t just a side dish; it’s a versatile culinary chameleon. It pairs wonderfully with a wide array of main courses. Imagine it alongside tacos, burritos, casseroles, or fajitas for a complete Mexican-inspired feast. It also shines next to grilled meats like grilled chicken, succulent pork chops, or fresh seafood. Its refreshing nature perfectly complements richer dishes.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a festive Cinco de Mayo celebration, a casual summer picnic, a lively backyard BBQ, or a potluck with friends, this corn salad is always a hit. Its vibrant colors and irresistible taste make it a welcome addition to any spread.

Say goodbye to messy corn cobs and hello to the delightful convenience of Esquites. It delivers all the iconic flavors you crave, perfectly packaged in a scoopable, shareable salad that everyone will adore.

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Esquites

Creating an outstanding Mexican Street Corn Salad starts with selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the signature flavor profile of this beloved dish. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each element is important:

Fresh Corn Kernels: The star of the show! Using fresh corn, especially when it’s in season, provides the best flavor and texture. Look for plump, bright yellow kernels. You’ll need about 4 medium cobs to yield 3 cups of kernels. While fresh is ideal, quality frozen corn can also be used in a pinch (thaw first).
Unsalted Butter: Used for sautéing the corn, butter adds a rich, subtle sweetness and helps the kernels achieve a beautiful golden-brown caramelization, enhancing their natural flavors.
Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the dressing, contributing to the salad’s luscious texture and rich flavor. Choose a good quality mayo for the best results.
Sour Cream: Complements the mayonnaise by adding tanginess and a lighter creaminess. It balances the richness and makes the dressing more complex. For a lighter option, plain Greek yogurt can be substituted.
Cotija Cheese: Often called “Mexican Parmesan,” Cotija is a hard, crumbly, and salty cow’s milk cheese. It adds an essential savory, salty kick that is characteristic of authentic street corn. If unavailable, crumbled feta cheese is a decent substitute, though it has a slightly different flavor profile.
Green Onions (Scallions): Provide a mild, fresh onion flavor and a delicate crunch without overpowering the other ingredients. Both the white and green parts are used for color and flavor.
Jalapeño Pepper: This is where the gentle heat comes from. Finely chopped jalapeño adds a fresh, peppery note. For less heat, remove the seeds and white membrane; for more heat, leave some in.
Fresh Limes: Absolutely essential for brightness and acidity. You’ll use both the zest for aromatic oils and the juice for a tangy, refreshing finish that cuts through the creaminess.
Fresh Cilantro: A hallmark herb in Mexican cuisine, cilantro adds a distinctive fresh, herbaceous flavor that brings all the ingredients together. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley or chives can be used as a milder alternative, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.
Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all the other flavors. Adjust to your personal preference.
Minced Garlic: Adds an aromatic depth to the sautéed corn, creating a more complex and inviting base flavor for the salad.

Meksika mısır salatası malzemeleri mermer bir tahta üzerinde.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Mexican Street Corn Salad

Crafting this vibrant Esquites salad is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these simple steps to bring this Mexican delicacy to your kitchen:

1. Prepare the Corn

Begin by carefully cutting the fresh corn kernels off the cobs. A great tip for this is to stand the cob vertically in a large mixing bowl. Then, using a sharp knife, slice downwards from the top of the cob, allowing the kernels to fall directly into the bowl. This prevents kernels from scattering across your counter and makes for easy cleanup.

2. Sauté the Corn

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely.
Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add your fresh corn kernels along with the minced garlic to the skillet.
Sauté the corn, stirring often, for about 7-10 minutes. You want the kernels to become tender and develop some beautiful golden-brown spots. This caramelization adds a wonderful depth of sweetness and a slightly smoky flavor that is crucial for authentic Esquites.

3. Assemble the Salad

Remove the skillet from the heat. Season the sautéed corn mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Give it a good stir to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Transfer the warm corn to a large mixing bowl.
To the bowl with the corn, add the crumbled Cotija cheese, finely chopped jalapeño pepper, sliced green onions, and fresh chopped cilantro.
Next, add the mayonnaise and sour cream. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until everything is well combined and the corn is evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
Finally, drizzle the fresh lime juice over the salad. Give it one last gentle stir to incorporate the zesty flavor throughout.

4. Serve and Enjoy!

Your Mexican Street Corn Salad is now ready to be served! While it’s delicious immediately, allowing it to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or even longer) allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating an even more harmonious and delicious salad.
Garnish with extra cilantro, a sprinkle of Cotija, or a lime wedge if desired.

Expert Tips for the Best Esquites

Achieving the perfect Mexican Street Corn Salad is easy with a few insider tips:

Choose the Freshest Corn: The quality of your corn makes all the difference. Look for corn cobs with bright green husks, moist silks, and plump kernels. If you can, buy local and in season for maximum sweetness.
Don’t Skip the Sauté: Sautéing the corn in butter and garlic is crucial. This step caramelizes the natural sugars in the corn, intensifying its sweetness and adding a rich, slightly smoky depth that mimics the charred flavor of grilled Elotes.
Adjust Spice to Your Liking: Jalapeños provide a mild to medium heat. For less spice, remove all seeds and membranes. For more heat, leave some seeds in, or consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Balance the Creaminess and Acidity: The combination of mayonnaise and sour cream creates a rich, creamy base. The fresh lime juice is essential to cut through this richness, providing a bright, tangy balance. Don’t be shy with the lime!
Cotija Cheese is Key: While feta can be a substitute, Cotija cheese offers a unique salty, crumbly texture and distinct flavor that truly defines Esquites. Seek it out for the most authentic taste.
Make Ahead for Flavor: While delicious immediately, this salad truly shines after the flavors have had a chance to meld. Prepare it a few hours in advance and refrigerate, allowing all the components to harmonize.

Delicious Variations to Try

This Esquites recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your taste or ingredients on hand:

Smoky Esquites: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the corn while sautéing for an extra layer of smoky flavor. You can also grill the corn on the cob first, then cut off the kernels, for a truly authentic smoky taste.
Extra Veggies: Boost the nutritional content and color by adding finely diced red bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or diced avocado right before serving.
Protein Boost: Turn it into a heartier meal by mixing in grilled chicken strips, cooked black beans, or sautéed shrimp.
Vegan/Dairy-Free: Substitute regular mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives. Nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor in place of Cotija, or use a plant-based crumbly cheese.
Herb Alternatives: If cilantro isn’t your favorite, try fresh parsley, chives, or even a mix of both for a different fresh herb note.
Zesty Kick: Add a little chili powder or a dash of Tajín seasoning (a Mexican chili-lime seasoning) for an extra zesty and spicy flair.

Serving Suggestions for Esquites

The versatility of Mexican Street Corn Salad means it pairs beautifully with almost any meal, especially during the warmer months. Here are some fantastic serving ideas:

Classic Mexican Fare: It’s the perfect sidekick to all your favorite Mexican dishes. Serve it alongside sizzling tacos (carnitas, chicken, or beef), hearty fajitas, cheesy quesadillas, or flavorful enchiladas. It also makes a wonderful topping for nachos or burritos.
BBQ & Grilling Companion: This creamy, tangy salad is a refreshing contrast to grilled meats. Enjoy it with juicy burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken breasts, pork chops, or even grilled fish and shrimp. It adds a vibrant freshness that balances the richness of grilled dishes.
Potlucks & Picnics: Esquites travels well and is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s a great alternative to traditional pasta or potato salads, offering a lighter, more exotic option that stands out.
As a Topping: Get creative! Spoon it over baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, or even in lettuce wraps for a light lunch. It’s also fantastic served with tortilla chips as a dip, much like a hearty salsa.
Light Lunch: For a lighter meal, enjoy a generous bowl of Esquites on its own, perhaps with some sliced avocado and extra protein.

No matter how you choose to serve it, this Mexican Street Corn Salad is guaranteed to bring a burst of sunshine and flavor to your table.

Storing Leftovers & Make-Ahead Tips

Proper storage is key to enjoying your Esquites for as long as possible:

Refrigeration: Since this salad contains dairy (mayonnaise and sour cream), it must be stored in the refrigerator. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and place it in the fridge immediately after serving.
Shelf Life: When stored correctly, Mexican Street Corn Salad is best enjoyed within 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen over time, but after 3 days, the corn and other fresh ingredients may start to lose their optimal texture.
Make Ahead: Esquites is an excellent make-ahead dish! You can prepare the entire salad a few hours in advance or even the day before. The flavors will have more time to meld, resulting in an even more delicious dish. If making it more than 12 hours ahead, you might want to hold off on adding the cilantro until just before serving to ensure maximum freshness.
Freezing: Freezing this salad is generally not recommended. The dairy-based dressing will likely separate upon thawing, and the corn and other fresh vegetables will lose their crisp texture, becoming mushy. This dish is best enjoyed fresh or after a short refrigeration period.

Frequently Asked Questions About Esquites

Here are answers to some common questions about Mexican Street Corn Salad:

What is Esquites?
Esquites is a popular Mexican street food, essentially a deconstructed version of Elotes (grilled corn on the cob). It consists of fresh corn kernels typically sautéed or roasted, then mixed with a creamy, tangy, and spicy dressing, Cotija cheese, lime juice, and cilantro. It’s served in a cup or bowl, making it easier to eat than corn on the cob.
What is Cotija cheese and can I substitute it?
Cotija is a firm, crumbly, salty cow’s milk cheese from Mexico, similar in texture to Parmesan or feta. It’s crucial for the authentic flavor of Esquites. If you can’t find Cotija, crumbled feta cheese is the best substitute, though it has a slightly different, tangier profile. Queso fresco is another option but is milder and less salty.
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, you can use frozen corn kernels if fresh corn is not available or in season. Thaw the frozen corn completely before sautéing it. While fresh corn offers the best texture and sweetness, frozen corn is a perfectly acceptable alternative that still yields a delicious salad.
How spicy is this salad? Can I make it milder or spicier?
The spice level is easily customizable. One jalapeño, with seeds removed, typically provides a mild, pleasant warmth. For a milder salad, use less jalapeño or omit it entirely. For more heat, leave some or all of the seeds in the jalapeño, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
How long does Esquites last in the fridge?
Due to the dairy components, Esquites should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 days for the best quality and safety.

Explore More Delicious Salad Recipes

If you love vibrant and fresh salads, you’re in for a treat! Here are a few more recipes to inspire your culinary adventures:

Black Bean Taco Salad Recipe
Roasted Sweet Potato Black Bean Quinoa Salad Recipe
Chickpea Quinoa Salad
Mediterranean Couscous Salad Recipe

Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites) Recipe Card

Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)

Author: Anna

This Mexican Street Corn Salad, also called Esquites, is one of my favorite summer side dishes! Simple, fresh ingredients create a very tasty dish for your Cinco de Mayo celebrations but also summer picnics and BBQs!

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
10 mins

Course:
Salad

Cuisine:
Mexican

Servings:
5 servings

Calories:
243 kcal

Ingredients

3 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4 cobs of corn)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
4 tablespoons sour cream
½ cup cotija cheese
2 green onions, sliced
½ cup cilantro, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 lime, zested and juiced

Instructions

Cut corn off the cobs. Place cob vertically in a bowl, then slice kernels off starting at the top of the cob, moving down, letting the kernels fall into the bowl.
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add corn and garlic, and stirring often, sauté until golden brown (about 7-10 minutes).
Turn off heat. Add salt and pepper.
Place corn in a large mixing bowl. Add cheese, lime zest, jalapeno, green onions, and cilantro. Stir in.
Add mayo and sour cream and stir until well combined.
Drizzle lime juice over the salad.
Serve immediately or chill in the fridge until ready to serve.

Notes

Please note that the nutrition value can vary depending on what product you use. The information below is an estimate. Always use a calorie counter you are familiar with.
Since this salad contains dairy, it is best to store it covered, in the fridge. It should be good for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

If you liked this recipe and made it, let me know in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate it if you enjoyed it!