Presenting Esquites, or Mexican Street Corn Salad. All the charm of street-style corn is captured in this delectable dish, which is also simpler to prepare, share, and eat by the bowlful. This dish is sure to be a hit whether it’s served as a side dish at a summer BBQ, served with tacos, or eaten with a spoon (no judgment).
Mexican Street Corn Salad: What Is It?
Esquites, also known as Mexican Street Corn Salad, is a bowl of grilled corn on the cob, or Elote, deconstructed. Usually, it consists of:
- Grilled or charred corn kernels
- Mayonnaise, crema, and lime combine to create a creamy, tangy sauce.
- Feta cheese or cotija crumbles
- Fresh herbs, such as cilantro
- Tajín or chili powder for zing and heat
It is the most flavorful side dish; it is sweet, smoky, creamy, spicy, and fresh.
Recipe: Traditional Mexican Street Corn Salad
Ingredients (four to six servings)
Base:
- Four cups of corn (either one pound of frozen corn or roughly five ears of fresh corn)
- One tablespoon of butter or olive oil (to char the corn)
- Creamy Dressing:
- Half a cup of mayonnaise
- Half a cup of Mexican sour cream or crema
- 1-2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice (to taste)
- Half a teaspoon of Tajín or chili powder
- ½ teaspoon optional smoked paprika
- To taste, add salt and pepper.
#Mexican Street Corn Salad
Add-ons:
- Half a cup of crumbled feta or cotija cheese
- Half a cup of freshly chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup of red onion, chopped finely (optional)
- Additional lime wedges for serving
#Mexican Street Corn Salad
Instructions for Cooking
1. Make the corn char.
If fresh corn is being used:
- Husk the ears and give them a little oil.
- Grill for 8 to 10 minutes over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until lightly charred. When the kernels are cool, cut them off the cob.
When using corn that has been frozen:
- In a large skillet, heat the butter or oil over high heat.
- Stir and cook until golden brown after adding corn and leaving it alone for two to three minutes to develop char.
2. Combine the dressing.
Mix the mayo, sour cream or crema, lime juice, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a big bowl.
3. Put Everything Together
To the bowl with the dressing, add the warm corn. To coat, stir.
4. Apply Finishing Touches
Add most of the cheese, chopped cilantro, and onion, if using. Set aside a small amount of each for garnish.
5. Serve with garnish.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese, cilantro, and Tajín or chili powder on top. Serve cold with lime wedges on the side, warm, or room temperature.
Flavor Profile: The Reasons You’ll Love It
This salad simultaneously satisfies all of your cravings:
- Corn’s sweetness
- Creaminess from the crema and mayo
- The lime’s tang
- The chili powder’s heat
- The cheese’s umami
- Herbal freshness
The star of the show is this side dish.
Variations & Optional Add-Ins
Try these delectable variations to make it your own:
Street Corn Salad with Avocado
- Just before serving, add one diced avocado for a rich, creamy texture.
Lime-Garlic Twist
- For depth, add 1 clove of grated garlic or roasted garlic paste and stir.
Corn and Black Bean Salad
- For added protein and a touch of Tex-Mex, add 1 cup of black beans.
Pasta Salad with Street Corn
- To make it a complete meal, toss with 2 cups of cooked pasta.
Bowl of Chicken Elote
- For a full burrito bowl, serve it over rice with shrimp or grilled chicken.
Nutritional Analysis (approximately per serving)
Considering a portion of roughly ¾ cup
- 220–250 calories
- 18–22g of carbohydrates
- 5–7g of protein
- 12–16g of fat
- Fiber: two to three grams
- 4–6g of sugar
- Calcium: about 10% DV
Adaptable to high-protein, vegetarian, or ketogenic diets! #Mexican Street Corn Salad
Is This Food Nutritious?
Yes, Elote Salad can be a part of a well-balanced diet if consumed in moderation and with a few thoughtful substitutions.
Advantages:
- Corn is high in B vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Cheese and crema add fat-soluble vitamins and calcium.
- Vitamin C is increased by lime juice.
- Natural detoxifying qualities of cilantro
Healthy Alternatives:
- Instead of using mayo or sour cream, use Greek yogurt.
- Add more vegetables, such as tomatoes and bell peppers.
- Make use of nutritional yeast or reduced-fat cheese.
Tips for Storage and Make-Ahead
Cooling:
- Keep for up to three or four days in an airtight container.
- As it sits, the flavor gets better; the following day, it tastes fantastic!
Freezing:
- Not advised because corn and mayo/crema alter texture.
Prepare Ahead:
- Before storing, char the corn and keep it apart.
- Prepare the dressing ahead of time.
- Mix everything up to a day in advance, then garnish before serving.
Is Gestational Diabetes Safe?
Yes, but with clever additions and changes:
- Instead of mayo or cream, use Greek yogurt.
- If you’re watching saturated fat, cut back on cheese.
- As a side, stick to a tiny portion (½ cup).
- Combine with non-starchy vegetables and protein.
Due to corn’s moderate carbohydrate content, balance and pairing are key. #Mexican Street Corn Salad
Ideal Combinations
This salad complements a wide variety of main courses!
Excellent with:
- Tacos (carnitas, chicken, and fish)
- Meats on the grill, such as steak, pork chops, and shrimp
- Enchiladas or quesadillas
- Mains from BBQ, such as burgers or ribs
- Chips from tortillas as a dip
For a brunch twist, serve it on toast or in burrito bowls or tacos!
Local Advice & Sustainability
- Use fresh, locally grown corn when it’s in season (summer = peak corn).
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cheese and vegan mayo.
- Compost corn cobs and husks
- For the freshest taste and the least carbon footprint, purchase corn from nearby farms or cooperatives.
FAQs: Salad of Mexican Street Corn
Q1: Can I prepare this in advance for a gathering?
- Of course! Simply wait a few hours before serving to serve the dressing separately. For optimal presentation, garnish just before serving. #Mexican Street Corn Salad
Q2: Can I use another cheese in place of Cotija?
Try:
- The closest in texture and saltiness is feta cheese.
- Parmesan (to add a nutty touch)
- Queso fresco (softer, crumblier) #Mexican Street Corn Salad
Q3: Is it vegan-friendly?
Indeed! Utilize:
- Mayo that is vegan
- Plain coconut yogurt or vegan sour cream
- Vegan cheese or nutritional yeast #Mexican Street Corn Salad
Q4: What happens if I don’t own a grill?
- Make use of a skillet! In a hot cast iron pan or nonstick skillet with olive oil, canned or frozen corn chars beautifully. #Mexican Street Corn Salad
Q5: Should I serve this cold or warm?
- Both! While warm corn facilitates better flavor blending, it also tastes fantastic cold, particularly on hot summer days. #Mexican Street Corn Salad
Concluding remarks
Mexican Street Corn Salad is an example of how a straightforward dish can be daring, thrilling, and memorable. It’s tangy, spicy, smoky, bright, and completely scoopable. It consistently delivers flavor in every bite, whether it’s served as the main course, a taco topping, or a side dish. #Mexican Street Corn Salad
It’s a celebration of culture, color, and texture, and it will quickly become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Tell Us: Have You Tried It?
Use the hashtag #StreetCornLove to share your elote salad creations with us on Instagram, tagging your preferred varieties (vegan, spicy, or avocado).
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