Mexican Street Corn Salad

5 from 1 review

Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites or Elote Salad) is loaded with the flavors of roasted corn, jalapenos and Cotija cheese in a creamy, tangy and smoky dressing. Just like Mexican Corn on the Cob, this salad is the perfect addition to any gathering.

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine Mexican

Keyword Esquites, Mexican Corn Salad, Mexican Street Corn Salad

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 8

Total Time 18

Servings servings

Calories 197kcal

Author Chef Kathy McDaniel

Ingredients

2 12 ounces bags frozen corn, thawed or 5 to 6 ears of fresh corn
4 green onions sliced
1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
1 jalapeño seeded and finely chopped
1/4 cup cilantro chopped
1/2 cup Cotija cheese cut into small cubes

For the Dressing

1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
1 garlic clove minced
2 tablespoons lime juice freshly squeezed
zest of 1 lime
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper optional
Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

To Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, mix all the dressing ingredients. Set aside or refrigerate, covered in an airtight container. until ready to use.

Roast The Corn (skip this step if using canned roasted corn)

METHOD #1: In a Cast Iron Skillet or Regular Skillet (frozen corn)
Heat a 10 inch cast iron skillet over medium high heat. When hot, add the corn kernels in a single layer and cook for about 3-4 minutes. Stir and cook until the corn is charred. You may have to repeat this process until all the corn is nicely charred.
METHOD #2: On a grill (on the cob)
Shuck and clean the corn. You don't have to worry about removing every piece of silk as it will burn on the grill.
Heat your grill to medium high. Place the corn directly on the grill. Grill turning occasionally for about 10 minutes or until charred and cooked through.

The Salad

In a large bowl, mix the roasted corn, green onions, red onions, jalapeno, cilantro and cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine. Serve.

Nutrition