If you’re searching for a bold, smoky, creamy, and tangy salad that steals the show at any BBQ, potluck, or taco night, this Mexican Street Corn Salad (also known as Esquites or Elote Salad) is your new go-to recipe. Inspired by the beloved Elote, the popular Mexican street-style grilled corn on the cob, this salad version takes all the classic flavors—charred corn, chili, lime, mayo, and Cotija cheese—and transforms them into a fresh, spoonable side dish that’s impossible to resist.
It’s easy, vibrant, addictive, and versatile, making it one of the most sought-after summer salads. And the best part? You can customize it to fit healthy, low-fat, spicy, vegan, or even keto-friendly lifestyles.
✅ Why You’ll Love This Mexican Street Corn Salad
✔ Packed with smoky, creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors
✔ Quick and easy (ready in under 20 minutes)
✔ Works with fresh, frozen, canned, or grilled corn
✔ Crowd-friendly dish perfect for BBQs, picnics, and parties
✔ Can be served warm, room temperature, or chilled
✔ Easy to adapt: vegan, spicy, low-fat, or keto options included
✔ Looks vibrant and Instagram-ready with just a sprinkle of Tajín and cilantro 🌿
🌍 What Is Mexican Street Corn (Elote)?
Elote is a classic Mexican street food where corn on the cob is grilled until charred, then coated with creamy mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and sprinkled with Cotija cheese and cilantro.
The salad version, often called Esquites, takes the same iconic ingredients and turns them into an easy-to-share bowl—making it more convenient and versatile for meals, tacos, and gatherings.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need (with Expert Breakdown)
| Ingredient | Purpose | Best Substitute | Health Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corn (fresh/grilled is best) | Base + sweetness | Frozen or canned | Fresh gives best char |
| Mayo | Creaminess | Greek yogurt for lighter version | Mix mayo+yogurt for balance |
| Sour Cream | Adds tang | Greek yogurt or crema | Greek yogurt = extra protein |
| Cotija Cheese | Authentic salty crumble | Feta or Parmesan | Use reduced-fat feta for low-cal |
| Lime Juice | Zesty brightness | Bottled lime (fresh recommended) | Adds vitamin C |
| Chili Powder or Tajín | Heat + smokiness | Paprika + cayenne | Tajín adds lime punch |
| Garlic | Enhances richness | Garlic powder | Boosts flavor |
| Cilantro | Fresh herbal note | Parsley | Optional for cilantro haters |
| Red Onion | Crunch + sharpness | Green onion | Mild flavor option |
| Jalapeño (optional) | Spice | Serrano or crushed red pepper | Remove seeds for mild heat |
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions (Stovetop + Grilled + Frozen Options)
Option 1: Grilled (Most Authentic)
- Preheat grill to medium-high.
- Brush corn with olive oil and grill 10–12 mins, turning for char marks.
- Cut kernels off when slightly cooled.
Option 2: Stovetop Skillet (Quick Method)
- Add corn (fresh or frozen) to a dry skillet.
- Cook over medium-high heat until lightly charred (6–8 mins).
Option 3: Canned Corn (Last-Minute Hack)
- Drain well.
- Dry in skillet to remove moisture and slightly brown.
Mix the Dressing:
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder/Tajín, garlic, and salt.
Combine:
- Add charred corn, onion, cilantro, cheese, and jalapeño.
- Toss until fully coated.
- Taste and adjust lime or spice as needed.
Rest (Optional but Recommended)
✅ Let it sit for 10 minutes so flavors meld.
🌟 Pro Tips from the Pros
🔥 Char is everything – it builds smoky authentic street-style flavor
🍋 Always use fresh lime – bottled lacks the zing
🧂 Add extra cheese before serving for presentation
🌡 Serve warm for cozy vibes, or chilled for summer freshness
🥑 Add avocado right before serving to avoid browning
🌶 Custom Variations to Fit Every Mood & Diet
| Version | How to Make It |
|---|---|
| ✅ Authentic | Use mayo, sour cream, Cotija, chili powder |
| 🥑 Creamier | Add mashed avocado or extra sour cream |
| 🌱 Vegan | Use vegan mayo + vegan feta-style cheese |
| 🧘 Low-Fat | Replace mayo with Greek yogurt |
| 🌶 Spicy | Add chipotle peppers in adobo or serrano |
| 🧀 Extra Cheesy | Increase Cotija or crumble queso fresco |
| 🌮 Taco Filling | Serve inside tacos or burrito bowls |
| 🍗 Protein Boost | Add grilled chicken or shrimp |
🍽 What to Serve Mexican Street Corn Salad With
| Meal Type | Best Pairings |
|---|---|
| Taco Night | Tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas |
| BBQ/Grill | Grilled steak, pork chops, chicken |
| Light Lunch | Tortilla chips or lettuce wraps |
| Mexican Feast | Guacamole, salsa, rice, refried beans |
📦 How to Store It
| Storage | Duration | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days | Store in airtight container |
| Make Ahead | Mix corn + dressing separately | Add cheese & cilantro before serving |
| Avoid Sogginess | Add avocado & herbs last minute |
📊 Nutritional Information (Approx per serving)
| Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 220–250 | 6g | 12g | 24g | 3-4g |
(Varies based on mayo/cheese substitutions.)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I make Mexican Street Corn Salad ahead of time?
✅ Yes, but add cheese, cilantro, and avocado just before serving.
Q2: Is this salad served hot or cold?
✅ Can be enjoyed warm, room temp, or chilled.
Q3: Can I make it without mayo?
✅ Yes! Use Greek yogurt or avocado as a creamy alternative.
Q4: What cheese is best?
✅ Cotija is most authentic, but feta or Parmesan work in a pinch.
🧾 Printable Recipe Card – Mexican Street Corn Salad
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients:
- 4 cups grilled or charred corn kernels
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream or crema
- ½ cup Cotija cheese (crumbled)
- 1 tbsp lime juice (fresh)
- 1 tsp chili powder or Tajín
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- ¼ cup cilantro (chopped)
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- 1 jalapeño (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Char corn using grill or skillet methods.
- In mixing bowl, whisk mayo, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, garlic, salt.
- Add corn, cheese, cilantro, onion, jalapeño. Toss to coat.
- Garnish with Tajín, lime wedges, and extra cheese. Enjoy!
🎉 Final Thoughts
This Mexican Street Corn Salad is the ultimate flavor-packed side that transforms ordinary meals into a fiesta. Whether you’re serving it with tacos, BBQ chicken, or straight from the bowl with a spoon, it’s guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe collection.
