Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe)

This Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe) is the perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it an ideal side dish for taco night or summer barbecues. With sweet grilled corn, roasted red peppers, and a zesty chili lime cream sauce, this salad is not only vibrant but also incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for gatherings or a simple family dinner, you’ll find this esquites recipe bursting with deliciousness in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of grilled corn and spices creates an explosion of taste that will delight your palate.
• Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this salad without hassle.
• Versatile Side Dish: Pair it with tacos, grilled meats, or serve as a refreshing snack on warm days.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh veggies and beans, this dish offers both nutrition and satisfaction.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Its vibrant colors and bold flavors make it a hit at any gathering.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe) come together smoothly, gather the following tools. These essential kitchen items will help you prepare each component efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Mixing bowl
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Essential for achieving that perfect char on the corn, enhancing its natural sweetness.
• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to easily combine all ingredients without mess.
• Whisk: Helps to thoroughly blend the creamy dressing components for a smooth consistency.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 7 ears of sweet corn, shucked
• 1 roasted red pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup diced green onion
• 2/3 cup crumbled cojita cheese
• 1 cup low sodium black beans, drained and rinsed

For the Dressing

• 2 tablespoons mayo (I use Dukes)
• 3 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 4 teaspoons lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• salt & pepper

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe)

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

Begin by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl:
1. Add mayo, plain yogurt, lime juice, smoked paprika, chili powder, chipotle chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk until all ingredients are combined and smooth. Set aside.

Step 3: Grill the Corn

Place the shucked corn directly on the grill:
1. Grill each side for about 3–4 minutes until slightly charred on all sides.
2. Remove from grill and let cool slightly.
3. Once cooled, slice the corn off the cob into a large mixing bowl.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In the large bowl with corn:
1. Add roasted red pepper, fresh cilantro, green onion, cotija cheese, black beans, and your prepared chili lime cream sauce.
2. Gently toss using a spoon until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Serve Your Salad

Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish that complements any meal! Enjoy your delicious Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe)!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe)

Mexican Street Corn Salad, or Esquites, is a flavorful dish that adds a vibrant touch to any meal. It’s perfect for gatherings and can be served in various delightful ways.

As a Side Dish

• Pair this salad with grilled meats for a fresh contrast. It complements the smokiness of grilled chicken or steak beautifully.

In Tacos

• Use it as a topping for tacos. The creamy chili lime sauce adds an extra layer of flavor to your favorite taco fillings.

As a Dip

• Serve it with tortilla chips for a unique dip. Guests will love scooping up the colorful salad with crunchy chips.

In Burrito Bowls

• Add it to burrito bowls for added texture and taste. Layer it with rice, beans, and protein for a satisfying meal.

For Summer Picnics

• Bring this salad to summer picnics or BBQs. Its bright flavors make it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe)

To elevate your Mexican Street Corn Salad, consider these simple tips that enhance flavor and texture.

• Choose Fresh Corn: Fresh sweet corn offers the best sweetness and crunch. Look for plump kernels when selecting corn on the cob.

• Grill the Corn Properly: Grill until slightly charred for that smoky flavor. This enhances the overall taste of the salad.

• Balance Creaminess: Adjust the mayo and yogurt ratio based on your preference. More yogurt makes it lighter, while more mayo adds richness.

• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to tweak the spices in the chili lime sauce. Adding more chipotle powder gives it an extra kick!

• Let It Chill: Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This melds the flavors together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe)

Mexican Street Corn Salad pairs wonderfully with several side dishes that complement its bold flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Chicken Tacos: Juicy chicken tucked in soft tortillas makes an excellent pairing with Esquites.

2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans offer a hearty side that balances well with the lightness of the salad.

3. Guacamole: The rich, creamy texture of guacamole brings out the freshness of the corn salad perfectly.

4. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with lime juice enhances your meal’s overall brightness when served alongside Esquites.

5. Chips and Salsa: A classic combo, tortilla chips with salsa add crunch and additional flavor contrasts to your plate.

6. Mexican Grilled Shrimp: Spicy shrimp skewers provide protein that pairs deliciously with the refreshing corn salad.

7. Black Bean Quesadillas: These cheesy quesadillas are simple to make and add heartiness that complements Esquites well.

8. Corn Tortilla Soup: Light yet flavorful, this soup serves as a warm counterpart to your chilled corn salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe) can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using raw corn – Make sure to grill the corn until slightly charred for the best flavor. Raw corn lacks the smoky taste essential to this dish.
• Skipping the sauce – The chili lime cream sauce is what makes this salad special. Don’t skip it; it adds richness and zest.
• Overcooking the ingredients – Be mindful of the grilling time. Overcooked corn may become mushy and lose its crunch.
• Not seasoning properly – A pinch of salt enhances flavors. Taste your salad before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Using low-quality cheese – Cojita cheese elevates this dish. Opt for high-quality cojita for authentic flavor and texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep it refrigerated to maintain freshness.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe)

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe)

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, place salad in a baking dish, and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe).

What is Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe)?

Mexican Street Corn Salad, or Esquites, is a flavorful dish made with grilled corn, spices, and creamy sauce that captures the essence of traditional street food.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the salad a few hours ahead. Just keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve.

What can I serve with Mexican Street Corn Salad?

This salad pairs perfectly with tacos, grilled meats, or as a stand-alone vegetarian dish at summer gatherings.

How do I customize my Esquites recipe?

Feel free to add diced avocado for creaminess or jalapeños for extra heat. You can also substitute other cheeses if you can’t find cojita.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Recipe) is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or enjoying taco night at home, this vibrant salad will surely impress your guests. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients!