Fiesta in a Bowl: Creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad

Looking for the BEST mexican sides? My Creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites!) is quick, easy & bursting with flavour. Perfect for taco night! Check it out! ... Quick Meals
- Recipe Introduction: Esquites - Creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe
- Fiesta in a Bowl: Creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe Card
- Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Fiesta Started!
- Getting Ready to Fiesta: Prep Steps
- Step-by-Step: Building Your Bowl of Sunshine
- Pro Tips for Esquites Perfection
- Recipe Notes
- Frequently Asked Questions
Recipe Introduction: Esquites - Creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe
Fancy something vibrant? something easy and bursting with flavour? let's dive into my version of mexican sides. specifically a killer mexican street corn salad recipe .
Honestly, this creamy corn salad recipe will blow your socks off.
Quick Hook: Fiesta in a Bowl!
Ever walked past a street vendor selling Esquites recipe easy ? This is that taste. Sweet corn, creamy sauce, and a little kick. What's not to love?
Brief Overview: From the Streets of Mexico to Your Kitchen
This corn salad with cotija cheese, or esquites, originated in mexico. it's street food at its finest. this recipe is super easy and takes about 25 minutes tops.
It makes 6 servings, perfect for sharing...or not!
Main Benefits: Healthy, Happy, and Delicious
Did you know corn is full of fiber? this isn't just delicious, it's kinda good for you too! serve this as mexican bbq side dishes .
It's the star. it's a quick mexican side dishes that will steal the show. it's special because it’s so simple, yet tastes incredible.
Ready for the good stuff? Here are the ingredients...
Easy Mexican Rice With Minute Rice
Skip the long, drawn-out process of regular rice. i use minute rice. it cuts the cooking time to a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.
You're essentially getting restaurant-quality mexican rice recipes in a flash.
Spice Up Your Week With Rice Side Dishes
Tired of boring side dishes? this is how to change it up. whether it's taco tuesday or a random wednesday, this rice brightens up the dinner table.
This becomes one of those easy rice recipes that you turn to time and again.
A Healthier Option
I have a little trick. i like adding chopped veggies to the rice while it cooks. peppers, onions, even some zucchini sneak in extra nutrients.
A simple add-in that transforms this side dish into a health food.
How to Make It Unique
For an amazing taste, i like to add a pinch of cumin and smoked paprika for depth. a squeeze of fresh lime and a handful of chopped cilantro.
These touches make all the difference.
Perfect Side Dish: Mexican Corn
This dish is best for adding a little spice and some fresh flavors. i like to serve a variety of quick mexican side dishes .
The sweetness of the corn, balanced by the creamy sauce and spice, is addictive.
Fiesta in a Bowl: Creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Fiesta Started!
Right then, let's talk about what you'll actually need to make this amazing mexican street corn salad . this esquites recipe easy is all about fresh flavors.
But don't worry, it is very laid back. even if you mess up, it is still going to be delicious.
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Mexican BBQ side dishes
Okay, here's the lowdown on the good stuff. We are making a Creamy corn salad recipe , so get ready for that.
- Corn: You need 6 ears of fresh corn (husked) or 6 cups/840g of frozen corn. Honestly, fresh is best if you can swing it, but frozen works great in a pinch. Just make sure it's thawed.
- Mayo: 1/2 cup/120ml . Full-fat mayonnaise is really the way to go.
- Crema (or Sour Cream): 1/4 cup/60ml . Mexican crema is super creamy.
- Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons/30ml , freshly squeezed. From, like, one or two limes. Don't use that bottled stuff, yeah?
- Cotija Cheese: 1/4 cup/30g , crumbled. It can be hard to find sometimes. Feta is okay in a pinch.
- Cilantro: 1/4 cup/10g , chopped. Plus extra for garnish, because why not?
- Jalapeno: 1 , seeded and minced. Or 1 teaspoon/5ml of hot sauce if you're feeling lazy.
- Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon/5ml .
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon/2.5ml .
My easy rice recipes usually involve a rice cooker, or minute rice because I am super lazy. But not today, we are making a salad.
Seasoning Notes: Flavor Bombs Away!
This salad is all about the right balance. Don't worry about exactness. We will adjust it as we go.
- Essential Spice Combo: Chili powder and garlic powder are a match made in heaven. It adds that classic Mexican flavour.
- Flavor Enhancers: That lime juice is the key to brightening everything up. It cuts through the creaminess.
- Aromatic Power: Fresh cilantro is a must, Honestly, I am a cilantro fanatic.
You could add some other spices like cumin for extra kick.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid
You really don't need much for this Quick Mexican side dishes .
- Large Bowl: For tossing everything together.
- Small Bowl: For making the dressing.
- Whisk: To get that dressing nice and smooth.
- Grill (Optional): Only if you're grilling the corn. I usually do because it adds a smokey flavor, but boiling it in a pot with water until tender works well too.
- Grill Tongs (Optional): For turning the corn.
No fancy gadgets needed here. It's all about that Mexican street corn salad recipe .
This is a great start to creating an amazing Mexican Rice Recipes dish, just add the corn and toss it to the rice
So there you have it! all the ingredients and tools you'll need for the world of mexican cooking, like this recipe.
Get ready to whip up this rice side dishes - it's going to be a fiesta in your mouth. it is one of those easy mexican rice with minute rice , but it works with salad too.
Alright, let's dive into making some amazing mexican sides ! today, we're tackling esquites – aka mexican street corn salad! this is seriously one of my go-to easy rice recipes when i want something fresh and flavourful.

Getting Ready to Fiesta: Prep Steps
First things first, let's talk mise en place . it sounds fancy, but all it means is getting everything prepped before you start cooking.
Honestly, it's a lifesaver! chop your cilantro, mince your jalapeno (if you're brave enough!), and have your lime juice ready to go.
For this easy mexican rice with minute rice inspired dish, you can also used canned sweet corn instead of fresh.
A quick organization tip? measure out all your dressing ingredients into one bowl. trust me, it saves time and cleanup later.
No real safety concerns here unless you are grilling the corn, be careful with fire!
Step-by-Step: Building Your Bowl of Sunshine
Ready to get started? It's super easy, I promise!
- If grilling, lightly brush your corn with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 8- 10 minutes , turning until slightly charred. Char is key.
- Cut the kernels off the cob. Or, if you're using frozen corn (no judgement here!), just thaw it.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, Mexican crema, lime juice, Cotija cheese, cilantro, jalapeno, chili powder, and garlic powder in a small bowl. You're making the magic dressing!
- Combine the corn kernels and dressing in a big bowl. Toss gently.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavours meld. This is crucial .
Finally, garnish with more Cotija and lime wedges before serving. Boom! You just made
Pro Tips for Esquites Perfection
Listen up, because I'm about to drop some knowledge bombs!
First off, don't be afraid to experiment with the spice level. add more jalapeno or a pinch of cayenne if you like things hot .
This is a really quick mexican side dishes .
A common mistake? Not tasting and adjusting the dressing. Make sure it's balanced to your liking! More lime juice for tang, more chili powder for heat!
Honestly, this creamy corn salad recipe is best fresh, but you can make the dressing a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
It actually helps the flavours develop even more! consider this when making mexican rice recipes that involve a salad on the side! looking for rice side dishes ?
Alright, let's dive into some extra bits about this amazing corn salad. It's way more than just a recipe. It's a fiesta in your mouth. Seriously.
Recipe Notes
This ain't your grandma's corn salad! It's all about those vibrant flavours. Think sunny days and good times. Honestly, this Mexican street corn salad recipe is a total game changer!
Serving Suggestions: Let's Get Fancy (Or Not!)
Okay, so you've made this gorgeous esquites recipe easy . Now what? First, plating. A simple bowl works, but layer it up in a mason jar for extra points. Presentation is key!
Think beyond the bowl too. this stuff is amazing spooned over grilled chicken or fish. how about pairing it with some spicy mexican bbq side dishes ? you could also pair this recipe with your favorite drink! mexican beer? margarita? i prefer a nice cold beer myself.
Storage Tips: Making it Last (If You Can!)
Honestly, this stuff is so good, it never lasts long in my house! but if you do have leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days .
The flavours actually meld together even more, you know?
I don't recommend freezing this creamy corn salad recipe though. The mayonnaise gets a bit weird. Reheating is easy: just give it a quick stir. Maybe add a squeeze of fresh lime.
Variations: Spice It Up!
Feel like changing things up a bit? of course you do! for a dietary adaptation, try using vegan mayo. you can easily adapt this into a vegan corn salad with cotija cheese ! simply swap the cotija with vegan feta.
Got some leftover grilled peppers? toss them in for a seasonal swap. or use fresh corn in the summer for the absolute best flavour.
There are many easy rice recipes but none as great as this salad.
Nutrition Basics: Good For You AND Delicious
Okay, i'm not a nutritionist, but this is what i know. corn's got fibre. lime's got vitamin c. and it's packed with flavour to make you feel good.
Just maybe don't eat the whole bowl in one sitting. although, let's be honest, you might be tempted!
If you prefer Rice Side Dishes then this will be a great addition to your Mexican Rice Recipes . A quick Easy Mexican Rice With Minute Rice works as well!
This salad makes the perfect quick Mexican side dishes !
So, there you have it. My notes on this fantastic corn salad. Now go forth and make some magic in the kitchen. You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly are Esquites? Is it just fancy Mexican sides dish name, or is there more to it?
Esquites are essentially Mexican Street Corn Salad, served off the cob! Think of it like the inside of your favorite Elote (grilled Mexican street corn), but in a convenient and delicious bowl. This recipe captures all those amazing flavors – sweet corn, creamy sauce, and a little bit of spice – making it a perfect side for any fiesta.
Can I make these Mexican sides ahead of time? Like, can I prep this the night before for a BBQ?
Absolutely! In fact, this Mexican corn salad is even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld together. You can definitely prepare it the night before; just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a good stir before serving, and maybe add a little extra fresh cilantro for a pop of color, because presentation is everything!
I'm rubbish at finding ingredients! What can I use instead of Cotija cheese?
No worries, we've all been there! If you can't find Cotija cheese (sometimes it plays hard to get), crumbled feta is a great substitute. Parmesan cheese can also work in a pinch, although it has a slightly different flavor profile. The key is to find something salty and crumbly to balance the sweetness of the corn.
How spicy is this recipe? I don't want to set anyone's mouth on fire!
The spice level is easily adjustable! This recipe includes jalapeno, which provides a mild kick. If you're sensitive to spice, start with a small amount of minced jalapeno or even just a pinch of chili powder. You can always add more to taste, but you can't take it away! For a completely mild version, simply omit the jalapeno altogether.
What's the best way to store leftover Mexican sides corn salad? Will it keep for long?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep for about 3-4 days. Be aware that the corn may release some liquid as it sits, so you might want to drain off any excess before serving again. It's still perfectly safe and delicious, just a little wetter!
Is Mexican Street Corn Salad healthy?
Like most creamy salads, it is calorically dense and can be high in fat due to the mayonnaise and crema. However, it also contains fiber from the corn and some nutrients from the lime and cilantro. You can lighten it up by using light sour cream or Greek yogurt instead of Mexican crema and reducing the amount of mayonnaise. Consider it a treat to enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet, cheers.