Name: Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 17 min
Ingredients: 4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned; if frozen, thawed); 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup sour cream; ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta as an alternative); 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 1 teaspoon lime zest2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Lime wedges, for serving

Creamy & Tangy Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Style) – Bursting with Smoky, Zesty Flavor in Every Bite

Few dishes can match the irresistible flavor punch of Mexican Street Corn Salad, also known as Esquites. This vibrant, creamy, and smoky corn salad is a street food staple in Mexico—full of personality and guaranteed to win over anyone who tries it. Our take on this classic is rich, easy to prepare, and endlessly customizable.

Whether you’re planning a summer cookout, need a quick side dish, or want something zesty and comforting, this creamy esquites salad delivers. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to make it shine, including tips, variations, pairings, and much more.

Ingredients for Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)

4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned; if frozen, thawed)
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta as an alternative)
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon lime zest
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime wedges, for serving

Directions

Char the Corn: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re slightly charred and golden brown. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Make the Creamy Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
Combine: Add the charred corn to the bowl and stir to coat every kernel in the creamy dressing.
Finish with Flavor: Fold in crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Garnish and Serve: Serve warm or chilled. Garnish with more cheese, cilantro, and lime wedges for extra zing.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Calories: ~320 kcal per serving
Servings: 4

Contents show

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Street Corn Salad

Quick to Make – Ready in under 20 minutes.
Exploding with Flavor – Smoky, creamy, zesty, and cheesy.
Perfect for Any Occasion – BBQs, potlucks, picnics, or weeknight dinners.
Flexible and Customizable – Adaptable to your diet and taste.

This salad is all about bold contrasts—sweet corn meets smoky chili, creamy dressing meets tangy lime, and the crumbly cheese ties it all together. It’s a modern classic with deep roots in Mexican street food culture.

What Are Esquites?

The word Esquites comes from the Nahuatl word izquitl, referring to toasted corn. Traditionally, esquites are served warm in cups by street vendors throughout Mexico, made with cooked corn kernels, mayonnaise, lime, cheese, chili powder, and more. They’re often enjoyed with a spoon and a squirt of lime juice, sometimes even with crumbled hot Cheetos or crunchy toppings.

This salad takes all the traditional flavors and brings them into an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing side dish that works beautifully on any table.

Ingredient Deep Dive

Corn Kernels
Fresh corn offers the best flavor—cut right off the cob. But frozen or canned corn works just as well, especially when charred properly. The goal is to get those golden, toasted bits that mimic street-style grilled corn.

Mayonnaise & Sour Cream
These create the rich, creamy base. You can use Greek yogurt as a healthier swap, but for authenticity, mayo and sour cream deliver that silky texture and tang.

Cotija Cheese
A salty, crumbly Mexican cheese that’s iconic in street corn dishes. Feta is a solid substitute, bringing the same briny edge. Want something creamier? Use queso fresco.

Lime Juice & Zest
Citrus brightens the dish and balances the richness of the dressing. Zest adds aromatic depth that fresh juice alone can’t deliver.

Garlic, Chili Powder & Smoked Paprika
These provide warmth, smokiness, and complexity. Adjust chili powder to taste for heat lovers.

Fresh Cilantro
Adds a fresh, herbal contrast. If you’re not a fan, parsley works, but cilantro is the traditional choice.

Tasty Variations for Any Occasion

1. Vegan Esquites
Swap mayo and sour cream with vegan alternatives and use plant-based feta-style cheese.

2. Spicy Esquites Salad
Add diced jalapeño, cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce for serious heat.

3. Avocado Esquites
Add chunks of ripe avocado right before serving for extra creaminess.

4. Elote-Style Bowl
Mix this salad with chopped romaine or shredded cabbage to create a full meal bowl with crunch and nutrition.

5. Protein-Packed Esquites
Add grilled chicken, turkey sausage, or black beans to transform it into a hearty main dish.

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Salad

This salad is delicious warm, room temperature, or cold, making it ideal for every season. Here’s how to serve it:

As a side dish to grilled meats, tacos, or fajitas
Tucked into lettuce cups or tortillas for fun finger food
On top of nachos or baked potatoes for a flavor boost
With a fried egg on top for a brunch twist
Alongside rice and beans for a more filling combo

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Make Ahead: Prepare the corn and dressing separately. Toss together just before serving for the freshest taste.

Storing Leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Flavors intensify with time!

Freezing: Not recommended. The creamy elements and fresh herbs don’t freeze well.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

Calories: 320
Carbs: 22g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 23g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 420mg
Sugars: 6g

This salad is gluten-free and vegetarian, and it’s easy to modify for other dietary needs.

Pro Tips for Perfect Esquites

Char it right: Don’t rush the corn charring process. Let it sit to get those golden edges.
Use a cast-iron skillet: It holds heat well and adds even more flavor.
Balance is key: Too much lime or salt can overpower. Taste as you go.
Add a crunch: Crushed tortilla chips or roasted pumpkin seeds make for fun textural toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned corn?
Yes, just drain and pat dry before sautéing. This helps you still achieve a slight char.

What if I don’t like mayo?
Try Greek yogurt or use just sour cream. You can also make a vinaigrette-style version with olive oil and lime juice.

How spicy is this salad?
It’s mild with a smoky kick. Add more chili powder or jalapeños for extra heat.

Can I make this ahead for a party?
Definitely! Just wait to add cheese and cilantro until right before serving for best texture and color.

What does cotija taste like?
It’s salty and crumbly, kind of like a mix between Parmesan and feta, but more mellow.

Perfect Pairings for a Fiesta-Ready Plate

Pair your Mexican Street Corn Salad with:

Grilled chicken thighs or turkey kebabs
Black bean tacos or burrito bowls
Cilantro-lime rice
Smoky roasted sweet potatoes
Sparkling lime agua fresca or mango mocktail

Esquites vs. Elote – What’s the Difference?

Elote is corn on the cob slathered with the same creamy toppings.
Esquites is off the cob, served in a bowl or cup. Both are classic Mexican street foods and equally crave-worthy.

Elote is messy and perfect for BBQs, while Esquites is neater, easier to prep ahead, and great for potlucks or weeknight meals.

Bringing a Taste of Mexico to Your Table

Mexican Street Corn Salad isn’t just a side dish—it’s a culinary experience. With minimal ingredients and big rewards, it’s a guaranteed hit. Whether you’re new to Latin American flavors or already a fan, esquites will become a recipe you reach for again and again.

This dish reflects everything we love about street food: bold, simple, comforting, and absolutely unforgettable.