This delicious Mexican street vendor style corn salad is a perfect side dish for any summer gathering. Made with grilled corn kernels, tangy lime, and a mix of spices, this salad is bursting with flavor and texture. It takes only 20 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and easy dish to put together. Serve it alongside your favorite Mexican main course or enjoy it on its own as a refreshing snack.
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- Lime wedges, for serving
Directions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the husks and silk from the corn and brush each ear with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the corn, making sure to coat all sides.
- Grill the corn for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred and tender.
- Remove the corn from the grill and let cool for a few minutes.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the kernels off the cob and transfer them to a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and hot sauce (if using).
- Pour the dressing over the corn kernels and toss well to combine.
- Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese over the top of the salad and gently toss again.
- Serve the corn salad immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Interesting Facts
Mexican street vendor style corn salad, also known as esquites, is a popular street food in Mexico.
This salad is often served in small cups or bowls and sprinkled with chili powder, lime juice, and cotija cheese.
Grilling the corn adds a smoky flavor to the salad and enhances its natural sweetness.
The combination of creamy dressing, tangy lime, and spicy seasonings creates a perfect balance of flavors in this salad.