Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad, also known as Esquites, is a vibrant and creamy dish that captures the essence of traditional elote. It combines sweet corn with tangy lime, creamy dressing, and a touch of spice, making it a perfect side dish for barbecues, picnics, or any festive gathering. Every bite bursts with a balance of smoky, sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that makes this salad irresistible.

Ingredients

4 cups corn kernels (from about 5 ears of corn)
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ medium red bell pepper, chopped
½ small red onion, finely chopped
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
6 green onions, chopped
1 jalapeño pepper, diced
½ avocado, chopped
4 tablespoons lime juice (from about 2 limes)
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt

Note: You can use fresh, canned, or frozen corn. If using frozen, ensure it’s thawed before cooking.

Instructions

Char the Corn:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the corn kernels and cook for about 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn starts to char. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Prepare the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the charred corn, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, green onions, jalapeño, and avocado.

Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, ground cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until smooth.

Combine:
Pour the dressing over the corn mixture and toss until everything is well coated.

Serve:
Garnish with additional cilantro or a sprinkle of cotija cheese if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a side dish with grilled meats or tacos.
Use as a topping for nachos or baked potatoes.
Enjoy as a dip with tortilla chips.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: Approximately 175 kcal
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 9g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.