Esquites Mexican Corn Salad
Bring the vibrant flavors of street food straight to your table with this irresistible Esquites Mexican Corn Salad! This quick and easy recipe features caramelized fresh corn kernels sautéed in butter until perfectly charred, lending a smoky-sweet base to the dish. Tossed with creamy mayonnaise, tangy lime juice, crumbled cotija cheese, and a zesty kick of chili powder, every bite bursts with bold, authentic Mexican flavors. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro and optional jalapeño chili adds a refreshing, spicy twist. Ready in just 25 minutes and perfect for sharing, this versatile side dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it ideal for summer cookouts, taco night, or as an easy-to-make appetizer. Garnish it with extra cheese and a dusting of chili for a visually stunning presentation that’s as crave-worthy as it is delicious! Perfectly seasoned and bursting with vibrant ingredients, Esquites is a crowd-pleasing recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups Fresh corn kernels (about 4-5 ears of corn)
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 3 tablespoons Mayonnaise
- 1 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1 quarter cup Cilantro, chopped
- 1 whole Lime, juiced
- 1 teaspoon Chili powder
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 whole Optional: Jalapeño, finely chopped
Instructions
Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Once melted, add the corn kernels and spread them out in an even layer.
Cook the corn for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly charred and golden brown.
Lower the heat to medium and stir in the minced garlic. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the corn mixture to a large mixing bowl.
Let the corn cool slightly, then stir in mayonnaise, cotija cheese, cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. If using, add the finely chopped jalapeño for an extra kick of spice.
Mix everything well until evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve the esquites warm or at room temperature in individual cups or as a bowl for sharing.
Garnish with additional cotija cheese, cilantro, and a sprinkle of chili powder if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1538 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 98.2 g | 126% | |
| Saturated Fat | 44.4 g | 222% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 197 mg | 66% | |
| Sodium | 3945 mg | 172% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 138.2 g | 50% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.4 g | 66% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.9 g | ||
| Protein | 49.6 g | 99% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.6 mcg | 8% | |
| Calcium | 858 mg | 66% | |
| Iron | 5.5 mg | 31% | |
| Potassium | 1830 mg | 39% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
