Esquites Mexican Street Corn Salad

Recipe Introduction

Ever get that craving for something seriously tasty? Something that screams summer, but with a bit of a kick? Well, let me introduce you to your new best mate: Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites) .

Honestly, once you try this, you might just ditch those boring BBQ sides forever. It's got that sweet corn flavour, that salty cheese, and that zing from the lime and chili that is absolutely brilliant.

A Little Taste of Mexico, Made Easy

Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites) , at its heart, is a celebration of simple flavours. Esquites is basically deconstructed Elote, and that Elote is a Mexican street food classic, normally grilled with slathered mayo, cheese and spices.

Think of it as summer in a bowl, ready to be devoured! This Corn Salad Recipe is super straightforward and packed with flavour.

We are going for a Borough Market meets Mexican Fiesta vibe, you know?

This Esquites Recipe is dead easy, honestly. We're talking about chopping and mixing, tops. You can have this ready in about 35 minutes, even less if you cheat a little with pre-cooked corn.

This recipe makes about 6 servings, perfect for sharing (or not, I won't judge).

Why You'll Love This Mexican Salad

This isn't just some random Summer Corn Salad . It's got actual benefits! Corn is a great source of fibre, which is good for your gut.

Plus, it's the perfect side for any BBQ, or even as a light lunch on a hot day. Honestly, what makes it special? The flavour.

It's a proper explosion of sweet, salty, spicy, and tangy. This Street Corn Salad is so much better than it has any right to be.

The Mexican Street Food magic is the cotija, also, you can find many amazing Cotija Cheese Recipes to use it!.

Right, now that I've got you drooling, let's talk about what you'll need to make this Mexican Corn Salad Recipe Easy happen.

Ingredients & Equipment for Kickass Esquites

Alright, let's talk ingredients for this wicked Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites) . Honestly, it's all about fresh flavours. This Mexican Corn Salad Recipe Easy will be so good.

It's the best Street Corn Salad you'll ever taste. I swear down!

Main Ingredients: The Corn Show!

• Corn: You'll need 6 ears of fresh corn, shucked. Or 4 cups of frozen kernels. That's around 900g .
• Olive Oil: Just 1 tablespoon or 15ml for brushing.
• Seasoning: Salt and pepper to taste. Freshly ground pepper is a must!

Quality corn is key, bruv. The kernels should be plump and juicy. If it smells sweet, it's a goer! I remember once buying some dodgy corn from a market stall.

Never again. Lesson learned: trust your nose.

Dressing Magic: Zesty and Creamy

• Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup , which is 120ml .
• Sour Cream: 1/4 cup or 60ml .
• Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons , about 30ml . Go for fresh lime, not that bottled stuff.
• Cilantro: 1 tablespoon , chopped finely. Optional, but I reckon it adds that extra something .
• Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon . Adds that heat.
• Smoked Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon . Gives a proper smoky flavour.
• Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (optional). For those who like it HOT.
• Garlic: 1 clove , minced.

Cheese, Please!

• Cotija Cheese: 1/2 cup , crumbled. That's about 60g . Cotija is the real deal, but feta works in a pinch for these Cotija Cheese Recipes .

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Bombs

Get ready for some flavour! Chili powder and smoked paprika are essential. They give that authentic Mexican Street Food taste.

You can easily sub feta if you can't find cotija. Lime juice brightens everything up. Don't skip it!

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

• Large Bowl: For mixing everything.
• Grill or Oven: If you're roasting the corn. Or just a hob if you're using frozen!
• Knife and Cutting Board: For prepping.
• Whisk: For the dressing.
• Serving Spoon: For serving.

Honestly, nothing fancy needed. This Corn Salad Recipe is all about ease. No need to break the bank on gadgets.

And there you have it! All the kit you need to make an awesome Summer Corn Salad . Let's get cooking, shall we? It's the Mexican Salad that everyone needs.

Cooking Method: Esquites: Mexican Street Corn Salad (Better Than Your Average BBQ Side!)

Honestly, who doesn't love a good Mexican Street Food fiesta? I'm obsessed, and this Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites) recipe is the bomb! It's way easier than dealing with a whole cob.

Let's dive into how we make this magic happen, shall we?

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first, let's get organized! The key to a smooth cooking experience is the mise en place . It's a fancy French term meaning "everything in its place".

So, chop your cilantro, mince your garlic, squeeze that lime, and get all your ingredients ready to rock. This Mexican Corn Salad Recipe Easy is about to become even easier, I promise!

Time saving tip: If using frozen corn, let it thaw completely and pat it dry. Nobody wants a soggy Corn Salad Recipe ! Also, don't skip the lime!

step-by-step: From Corn to Conquer

Here's the lowdown on how to nail this recipe.

1. Prep the Corn: If using fresh corn, shuck it. Brush with olive oil, salt and pepper.
2. Cook the Corn: Grill over medium heat until kernels are lightly charred. 400° F ( 200° C) . Alternatively, roast in the oven at 400° F ( 200° C) until slightly browned.
3. Cool and Cut: Let the corn cool slightly, then cut the kernels off the cob.
4. Make the Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, cilantro, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and garlic in a large bowl.
5. Combine: Add the corn kernels to the dressing and stir to coat evenly.
6. Serve: Transfer the Esquites Recipe to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with cotija cheese. Serve with lime wedges and chili powder.

Pro Tips: Elevate Your Esquites Game

Want to take your Street Corn Salad to the next level? Here are a couple of tricks I've picked up along the way.

• Char it Up: Don’t be afraid to get a little char on the corn. It adds a smoky flavour that's chef's kiss .
• Spice Control: Add the spices gradually. You can always add more, but you can't take it away. Also, Don't Overcook the Corn .
• make-ahead Magic: You can make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just toss it with the corn before serving. This is proper important.

And there you have it! This Summer Corn Salad is a total winner. Perfect for BBQs, picnics, or just a cheeky snack.

I'd like to hear some personal stories of you making this salad, it would be the dog's bollocks if you would!

Recipe Notes for Your Killer Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)

Right, so you're about to make the best Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites) ever. Seriously. Here are some bits and bobs to keep in mind.

It's all about nailing that Mexican Corn Salad Recipe Easy vibe.

Ace Serving Suggestions

Listen, presentation matters, yeah? When plating, think colourful. A bright bowl is always a winner. Sprinkle that Cotija Cheese Recipes ingredient generously.

It will look amazing. This Street Corn Salad works brilliantly with grilled chicken or fish. A cheeky beer or a proper margarita? Absolutely.

It is so good with tacos and burritos.

Storage Sorted

Honestly, leftover Corn Salad is almost better the next day. Keep it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days .

Freezing isn't ideal because of the mayo. But if you must, it will last about 1 month . When reheating, give it a good stir.

Add a squeeze of lime to freshen it up.

Let's Talk Variations

Fancy a change? Go vegan. Swap the mayo for a vegan version. Ditch the sour cream for a plant based alternative.

Nutritional yeast gives that cheesy tang instead of cotija. For a seasonal twist, add roasted peppers in autumn. Summer? Grilled Grilled Corn Salad Recipe with pineapple is the ultimate combo.

I once added cooked black beans, and honestly, it was incredible! Mexican Salad with a bit of extra oomph!

Nutrition Nuggets

Okay, so each serving of this Esquites Recipe comes in at roughly 250 calories. Not bad, eh? You are getting about 6g of protein and 3g of fibre.

The corn's got some good carbs for energy. Remember it has healthy fats to keep you fuller for longer. It's a total win-win.

Summer Corn Salad for a proper balanced diet.

So, there you have it. A Corn Salad Recipe that's simple, delicious, and adaptable. Get stuck in and enjoy every mouthful of this Mexican Street Food . You've got this!.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites), and why is it better than just eating corn on the cob?

Esquites, or Mexican Street Corn Salad, is like a deconstructed version of grilled Mexican street corn (elote). It's essentially corn kernels mixed with creamy mayo, tangy lime juice, chili powder, and cotija cheese.

It's "better" because it's easier to eat, perfect for parties, and the flavors are distributed more evenly think of it as less "Mr. Bean wrestling a cob" and more "sophisticated summer side dish."

Can I make Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites) ahead of time? I'm planning a BBQ, and I need to be organised!

Absolutely! You can prep the corn and dressing separately up to a day in advance. Just store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Combine everything right before serving to prevent the corn from getting soggy. No one wants a soggy bottom in their esquites, eh?

To prevent the Corn kernels from getting soggy if the Esquites is prepared ahead of time, be sure to drain the corn well to remove excess moisture.

I can't find cotija cheese. What's a good substitute for this Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)?

Cotija cheese can sometimes be tricky to find, especially if you don't live near a specialty market. Feta cheese is your best bet! It has a similar salty and crumbly texture. If you're feeling adventurous, a dry, aged Parmesan could also work in a pinch.

Just remember, a good cheese makes all the difference, so choose wisely!

How can I make this Esquites recipe spicier? I like my food with a proper kick!

You've come to the right place! The easiest way to turn up the heat is to add more chili powder or cayenne pepper to the dressing. Start with a pinch more and taste as you go. You could also finely chop a jalapeño or serrano pepper and mix it in.

Remember, taste as you go you can always add more spice, but you can't take it away!

Is this Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites) healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

Esquites isn't exactly a salad that qualifies as "rabbit food" but it can be part of a balanced diet. It contains corn, which provides fiber, but also includes mayonnaise and sour cream, which are higher in fat.

You can lighten it up by using light mayo, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and a smaller portion of cheese. As with all things, moderation is key! You can also load it up with extra vegetables for extra fibre and nutrients to make it healthier.

Can I make vegan Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)?

Yes, you can easily make vegan esquites! Simply substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan versions. Many great vegan mayo and sour cream alternatives are available in supermarkets these days. For the cheese, use nutritional yeast, which has a cheesy flavour or a vegan feta.

Also, ensure that the spices that you use are vegan friendly.