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Ultimate Smoky Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)

street corn salad - Tasty
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Make this creamy, tangy Mexican Street Corn Salad, known as Esquites, featuring charred corn for a smoky flavor. This recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for BBQs or taco nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (for a lighter version)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 jalapeño, finely minced (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

  1. If using fresh corn, lightly char the kernels. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn and cook, stirring occasionally, until the kernels are lightly browned and slightly charred, about 5 to 7 minutes. If using frozen corn, cook until heated through and slightly browned. Remove corn from heat and let it cool slightly.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
  3. Add the slightly cooled charred corn to the dressing mixture. Stir gently to coat all the kernels evenly.
  4. Fold in half of the crumbled cotija cheese and half of the chopped cilantro. If you are using jalapeño, add it now.
  5. Taste the salad and adjust salt or lime juice as needed.
  6. Transfer the street corn salad to a serving bowl. Top with the remaining cotija cheese and cilantro before serving.

Notes

  • For the most authentic smoky flavor, char the corn over an open gas burner or under a broiler until blackened in spots, then cut the kernels off the cob.
  • If you prefer a healthier option, substitute all the mayonnaise with plain, full-fat Greek yogurt for a tangy, lower-fat dressing.
  • Cotija cheese is essential for the traditional flavor; substitute with feta cheese only if cotija is unavailable.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://hearthbite.com/street-corn-salad-ultimate-smoky-mexican-esquites/