Esquites, also known as Mexican street corn salad or elote en vaso, is a popular Mexican snack that transforms grilled corn into a flavorful and convenient dish. This version skips the cob and delivers a punch of smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors in every bite. Perfect as a summer side, appetizer, or topping, this dish is easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and can be served warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients (Serves about 4)
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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4 ears fresh corn, kernels cut off (about 3 cups), or frozen corn
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Kosher salt, to taste
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2 ounces Cotija cheese, crumbled (or substitute with feta cheese)
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½ cup scallions (green parts only), thinly sliced
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½ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
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1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
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1–2 cloves garlic, minced or grated (1 to 2 teaspoons)
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2 tablespoons mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
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Chili powder, to taste
Directions
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Char the Corn
Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the corn kernels in a single layer. Sprinkle with salt. Let cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until nicely charred on one side. Stir and continue to char more sides for a total of 8–10 minutes. -
Combine the Ingredients
Transfer the charred corn to a large bowl. Add Cotija cheese, scallions, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, mayonnaise, lime juice, and chili powder. Stir until all ingredients are well combined. -
Taste and Adjust
Taste the salad and adjust seasoning as needed—add more salt, lime juice, or chili powder to suit your taste. -
Serve
Serve immediately while warm or let cool to room temperature. Can also be made ahead and served chilled.
Nutrients (Approx. per 1 cup serving)
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Calories: 276 kcal
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Total Fat: 18 g
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Saturated Fat: 4 g
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Carbohydrates: 26 g
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Dietary Fiber: 3 g
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Sugars: 6 g
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Protein: 7 g
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Sodium: 361 mg
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Calcium: ~135 mg
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Iron: ~1 mg
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Potassium: ~346 mg
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Vitamin C: ~15 mg
Why Esquites Have Gained Global Popularity
In recent years, Esquites have surged in popularity outside Mexico, particularly in the United States, thanks to their bold flavor and visual appeal. Their Instagram-worthy colors and irresistible combination of creamy, tangy, spicy, and savory notes have made them a staple at summer gatherings, food festivals, and restaurant menus.
What makes Esquites universally appealing is its flexibility. It’s gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly (with the right cheese), and easy to adjust for spice tolerance. Unlike other traditional dishes that may require specialized tools or rare ingredients, Esquites can be made with supermarket staples and a regular skillet. That accessibility has made it a hit with both home cooks and professional chefs looking to explore authentic, crowd-pleasing Mexican flavors.
Flavor Profile and Texture
One of the defining characteristics of esquites is the contrast of textures and the layering of flavors. Every bite offers a bit of smoky char from the corn, the creamy tang of mayo, the brightness of lime juice, the heat of chili, and the salty crumbliness of Cotija cheese. The corn kernels retain their slight chew, giving a satisfying bite that complements the creamy and crumbly toppings.
Fresh herbs like cilantro and scallions add brightness and a herbaceous balance to the richness of the other ingredients. Jalapeños provide an optional kick of heat, customizable depending on your preference. The result is a salad that is indulgent without being heavy, complex without being complicated.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Insights
Though esquites are indulgent in flavor, they can also be quite nutritious. Corn is a good source of fiber, essential minerals, and antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health. By using fresh corn instead of canned varieties, you also retain more nutrients and flavor.
Mayonnaise adds creaminess and fat, but it can be substituted or supplemented with healthier options like Greek yogurt or Mexican crema for a lighter variation. Cotija cheese, while salty and flavorful, is used in moderation. Jalapeños and lime juice offer vitamin C, while herbs like cilantro provide detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties.
A typical one-cup serving of esquites contains around 275–300 calories, 7 grams of protein, and a good balance of healthy fats and complex carbohydrates, making it a well-rounded side dish.
Variations to Try
One of the joys of making esquites is the freedom to customize it. Here are a few popular variations to consider:
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Grilled Corn Esquites: Instead of cooking the kernels in a skillet, you can grill whole ears of corn and then slice off the kernels for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
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Creamy Esquites: Mix mayo with a little crema or sour cream for a silkier, more decadent texture.
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Spicy Esquites: Add hot sauce (like Valentina or Tapatío), smoked paprika, or chipotle powder for a deeper, spicier heat.
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Cheese Swap: If Cotija cheese isn’t available, feta, queso fresco, or even parmesan can be used. Each adds its own twist.
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Vegan Version: Replace mayo with vegan mayo and use a dairy-free cheese substitute. The flavor remains just as bold and satisfying.
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Street-Style Esquites Cups: Serve in small individual cups for parties or events, just like on the streets of Mexico. Top with extra chili powder and a lime wedge.
Serving Suggestions
Esquites are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:
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As a Side Dish: Perfect with grilled meats, tacos, fajitas, or burgers. It complements both Mexican and American dishes effortlessly.
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As an Appetizer: Serve it in small ramekins or cups with cocktail spoons at parties or family gatherings.
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As a Topping: Use esquites to top nachos, hot dogs, tacos, burrito bowls, or baked potatoes.
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In a Wrap or Quesadilla: Add a scoop inside a tortilla with some grilled protein and extra cheese for a quick and delicious lunch.
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With Chips: Serve cold esquites like a chunky dip alongside tortilla chips for a new take on a corn salsa.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Esquites is one of those dishes that tastes great fresh and still holds up well if made ahead. It can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. In fact, some say it tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld together. If serving cold, just give it a quick stir before plating.
To reheat (if preferred warm), gently warm in a skillet or microwave until just heated through. Avoid overheating to preserve the texture of the corn and the freshness of the herbs.
Conclusion
Mexican Street Corn Salad—or Esquites—is more than just a side dish. It’s a celebration of bold flavors, cultural heritage, and culinary creativity. Easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser, this dish brings together the warmth of street food with the elegance of a well-balanced salad.
Whether you’re enjoying it at a summer cookout, serving it as an appetizer at a dinner party, or savoring leftovers for lunch, esquites bring a touch of Mexico’s vibrant street food scene to your table. It’s the kind of dish that turns casual meals into memorable ones, offering comfort and joy in every spoonful.
If you haven’t yet added this to your summer rotation, now is the perfect time to give it a try. Bold, creamy, tangy, and irresistible—Mexican Street Corn Salad is a guaranteed favorite for anyone who loves food that tells a story.