10 Best Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe Tips – Easy & Authentic

Looking for the perfect Mexican Street Corn Salad recipe to impress your family and friends? This vibrant, flavorful Mexican Street Corn Salad recipe brings the authentic taste of Mexico right to your table. This delicious dish (also known as Esquites) transforms the beloved Mexican street food into a convenient, spoonable delight that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with sweet corn, tangy lime juice, creamy cheese, and a kick of spice, this Mexican Street Corn Salad delivers all the flavors of traditional elote in an easy-to-serve format. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, looking for a potluck crowd-pleaser, or simply want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe

• Ready in just 30 minutes – perfect for quick weeknight meals!
• Easier to eat than traditional Mexican street corn on the cob
• Customizable heat level – make it as mild or spicy as you prefer
• Perfect make-ahead dish for parties and gatherings
• Versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, tacos, or enchiladas
• Packed with authentic Mexican flavors in every bite
• Budget-friendly recipe using simple, accessible ingredients
• Great for meal prep – stays delicious for days in the refrigerator
• Naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable for various dietary needs

Ingredients for Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe

For the Salad Base:

• 6 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (from approximately 8 ears of corn)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter
• 1/2 red onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (substitute with feta or parmesan if unavailable)
• 1/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from approximately 2 limes)
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 diced avocado
• 1 diced bell pepper (red or orange adds beautiful color)
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for extra heat)

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How to Make Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

1. If using fresh corn, shuck the ears and carefully cut the kernels off the cob. If using frozen corn, thaw completely.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add corn kernels to the hot skillet in a single layer (work in batches if necessary).
4. Allow the corn to char slightly, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until you see golden brown spots. This charring is essential for that authentic Mexican Street Corn flavor!
5. Transfer the charred corn to a large mixing bowl and let cool for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin.
2. Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
3. Set the dressing aside to allow flavors to meld while completing the next steps.

Step 3: Combine All Ingredients

1. To the bowl with charred corn, add the diced red onion, jalapeño, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro.
2. Pour the prepared dressing over the corn mixture and toss gently to combine.
3. Add the Mexican crema or sour cream and mix until corn is evenly coated.
4. Fold in 3/4 of the crumbled cotija cheese, reserving the remainder for topping.

Step 4: Final Touches

1. Transfer the Mexican Street Corn Salad to a serving bowl.
2. Top with the remaining cotija cheese, a sprinkle of additional chili powder, and fresh cilantro.
3. For extra flavor, squeeze a bit of fresh lime juice over the top just before serving.
4. If using optional add-ins like avocado or tomatoes, gently fold them in at this stage.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe

• Char the corn properly – Don’t rush this step! The charring adds that distinctive smoky flavor that makes Mexican Street Corn Salad so special.
• For an even smokier flavor, grill the corn on the cob first, then cut off the kernels.
• Balance the creaminess and acidity – Taste as you go and adjust lime juice and crema to your preference.
• Make it ahead but add the avocado (if using) just before serving to prevent browning.
• Use room temperature crema or sour cream for easier mixing and coating of the corn.
• If cotija cheese isn’t available, feta makes the best substitute with its similar salty, crumbly texture.
• For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of Mexican crema or sour cream.
• Toast your spices in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding to the dressing to enhance their flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe

This versatile Mexican Street Corn Salad recipe shines in numerous ways:

• As a side dish alongside grilled chicken, carne asada, or fish
• Tucked into tacos or burritos for an extra flavor boost
• Served with tortilla chips as a chunky dip at parties
• As a topping for tostadas or Mexican pizza
• Mixed with quinoa or rice for a hearty grain bowl
• Spooned over a green salad for added texture and flavor
• As a vibrant topping for grilled vegetables
• Paired with our Spicy Grilled Shrimp Skewers for a complete summer meal

Nutritional Information for Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe

• Calories: 245 kcal per serving
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 320mg

Nutritional values are approximate and based on 8 servings.

Storage & Leftovers for Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Mexican Street Corn Salad recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This Mexican Street Corn Salad recipe is not recommended for freezing as the texture of the corn and creaminess will be compromised upon thawing.
• Meal Prep: You can prepare this Mexican Street Corn Salad recipe up to 24 hours in advance. If doing so, reserve some of the cotija cheese and cilantro to add fresh just before serving.
• Reheating: This Mexican Street Corn Salad recipe is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer it warm, gently heat it in a skillet over low heat until just warmed through.

FAQs for Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe

Can I make Mexican Street Corn Salad recipe with frozen corn?

Yes! While fresh corn provides the best flavor, frozen corn is a great time-saving alternative for this Mexican Street Corn Salad recipe. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before charring. The key is achieving those caramelized edges on the corn kernels for authentic Mexican Street Corn flavor.

Is Mexican Street Corn Salad recipe spicy?

This Mexican Street Corn Salad recipe has a mild to medium heat level from the jalapeño and chili powder. You can easily adjust the spiciness by removing the jalapeño seeds (for milder) or adding cayenne pepper or diced serrano chilies (for spicier). The creaminess from the cheese and crema helps balance the heat.

What’s the difference between Elote and Mexican Street Corn Salad recipe?

Elote is the traditional Mexican street food where corn on the cob is grilled and slathered with a mixture of mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime, and chili powder. The Mexican Street Corn Salad recipe (Esquites) features the same delicious flavors but in an off-the-cob format that’s easier to serve and eat at gatherings.

Can I make this Mexican Street Corn Salad recipe vegan?

Absolutely! This Mexican Street Corn Salad recipe can be made vegan by replacing the cotija cheese with a crumbly vegan feta alternative and substituting the Mexican crema with vegan sour cream or a cashew-based cream. The Mexican Street Corn Salad recipe will still have amazing flavor while being completely plant-based.

Related Recipes

If you love this Mexican Street Corn Salad recipe, try our other Mexican-inspired dishes:

• Authentic Guacamole Recipe
• Spicy Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas
• Cilantro Lime Rice
• Easy Homemade Salsa Verde
• Grilled Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa

Conclusion

Now you know how to make the best Mexican Street Corn Salad recipe at home! This vibrant, flavorful dish brings the beloved taste of Mexican street food right to your kitchen with minimal effort. The Mexican Street Corn Salad recipe combines sweet charred corn, tangy lime, creamy cheese, and smoky spices to create a harmonious blend that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Whether served as a side dish, a dip, or even a light main course, this Mexican Street Corn Salad recipe is sure to become a staple in your collection.

Have you tried making this delicious Mexican Street Corn Salad recipe? Let us know in the comments below how it turned out or if you added your own special twist! Don’t forget to share this Mexican Street Corn Salad recipe with friends and family so they can enjoy this Mexican-inspired delight too.

This recipe was last updated on April 18, 2025 to ensure the best flavor and techniques for making authentic Mexican Street Corn Salad.

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