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Mexican Street Corn Salad

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Mexican street corn salad, or ‘Esquites’, is a vibrant, creamy salad made with roasted corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime, chili powder, and cotija cheese. It’s a twist on the classic Mexican street food, elote, offering a delightful balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
  • 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta as an alternative)
  • 1–2 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (or more, depending on your spice preference)
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1–2 tbsp hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1/4 cup green onions or red onion, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Roast the Corn: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes until the corn is golden brown and slightly charred. If using fresh or frozen corn, you can roast or grill the corn before removing the kernels.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream or crema, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
  3. Combine the Salad: Add the roasted corn to the bowl with the dressing and toss until the corn is evenly coated.
  4. Add Toppings: Stir in the crumbled cotija cheese, cilantro, and optional green onions. For extra spice, drizzle the hot sauce over the top, or mix it in if you prefer.
  5. Serve: Serve the salad immediately or refrigerate it for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with additional cilantro, lime wedges, and extra cotija cheese, if desired.

Notes

  • For a smokier flavor, grill the corn instead of sautéing it in a skillet.
  • For a vegan version, skip the mayo and sour cream, and use dairy-free alternatives such as vegan mayo and cashew cream. Swap the cotija cheese with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
  • Add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans for a more filling meal.
  • Add avocado for a creamy twist.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/mexican-street-corn-salad-2/