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Flavorful Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe Easy Creamy Esquites with Spice

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A creamy, spicy Mexican street corn salad bursting with smoky char, tangy lime, and crumbly cotija cheese. Perfect for summer gatherings and quick dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4–5 ears) or frozen
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (120 ml)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (120 ml)
  • Juice of 2 fresh limes (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (ancho chili powder recommended), plus pinch more if desired
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter for roasting the corn kernels (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Corn: Shuck ears if using fresh corn and slice kernels off the cobs to yield about 4 cups. Thaw and drain frozen corn if using.
  2. Roast the Corn: Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add corn kernels in a single layer and cook, stirring occasionally, until charred spots appear and kernels turn golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Combine Salad: Add warm roasted corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, and green onions (if using) to the dressing. Toss gently to combine.
  5. Final Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed.
  6. Chill or Serve: Serve immediately warm or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Notes

Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. Adjust chili powder to control spice level. For dairy-free, substitute sour cream and mayo with vegan alternatives and use nutritional yeast instead of cotija cheese. Toasted pepitas can be sprinkled on top for extra crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican street corn salad, esquites, creamy corn salad, grilled corn salad, summer side dish, cotija cheese, spicy corn salad

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/flavorful-mexican-street-corn-salad-recipe-easy-creamy-esquites-with-spice/