The bold, smoky flavors of charred corn meet creamy lime-drenched cheese in this irresistible take on Mexican street corn salad. Packed with jalapeño heat, fresh cilantro, and red onion crunch, this dish hits all the flavor notes. Whether served warm or chilled, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Perfect as a taco side, scooped up with chips, or spooned over grilled meats or salads, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious. Best of all, you can prep it ahead of time and let the flavors deepen in the fridge. One bite, and you’ll be hooked on this crave-worthy street corn remix.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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24 oz frozen corn (about 5 cups)
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1/4 cup mayonnaise
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8 oz queso fresco or feta cheese, crumbled
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2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
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1/2 jalapeño, diced (adjust for heat)
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3 tablespoons diced red onion
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1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
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1/4 teaspoon chili powder
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3 cloves garlic, finely minced
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Pinch of red pepper flakes
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1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds.
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Add frozen corn and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently until corn is warm and lightly toasted. Avoid overcooking to keep texture firm.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, cheese, and lime juice.
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Stir in jalapeño, red onion, cilantro, chili powder, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
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Fold in the cooked corn and mix until evenly coated.
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Taste and season with salt as needed.
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Serve warm, chilled, or at room temperature.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 230 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites-Inspired)
When it comes to side dishes that truly steal the show, Spicy Mexican Street Corn Salad sits comfortably at the top of the list. Known in Mexico as esquites, this dish transforms the classic elote (grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayo, cheese, chili, and lime) into a scoopable, shareable salad that’s creamy, spicy, tangy, and absolutely irresistible.
Not only is this dish bursting with flavor, but it also offers versatility and convenience. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, planning a taco night, or looking for a unique potluck dish, this salad brings a festive punch and is guaranteed to be the first bowl scraped clean.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into what makes this recipe special, its origins, nutritional highlights, pairing ideas, substitutions, and pro tips to help you make the very best version of this spicy, zesty favorite.
A Dish Rooted in Tradition: Esquites, The Inspiration Behind the Salad
If you’ve ever strolled through a Mexican street market, chances are you’ve encountered the irresistible aroma of elote—grilled corn slathered with crema, cheese, lime, and chili powder. Esquites (pronounced es-kee-tehs) is a beloved variation, typically served in cups with a spoon, making it less messy and more portable.
This recipe draws inspiration from that tradition but takes a slight twist for accessibility and simplicity, using frozen corn instead of fresh ears. While not a fully traditional version, the flavor profile remains authentic—bringing together the essential ingredients like queso fresco, lime, chili, and creamy mayo-based dressing to celebrate that unmistakable street corn flavor.
Why This Street Corn Salad is the BEST
So what sets this version apart? Let’s break it down:
✅ Quick & Easy Preparation
In less than 20 minutes, you’ll have a side dish that looks and tastes like it took way longer. Using frozen corn not only saves time but ensures availability year-round.
✅ Flavor-Packed with Layers of Complexity
From the sweetness of corn to the spicy kick of jalapeños and red pepper flakes, every bite delivers contrast and balance. Lime juice adds brightness while mayo brings a creamy element that ties everything together.
✅ Incredibly Versatile
Serve it warm, cold, or at room temperature. It works as a salad, a topping, or a dip. You can even transform leftovers into a taco filling or burrito bowl base.
✅ Great for Crowds
This recipe makes a generous batch and can be doubled or tripled for larger gatherings. Plus, it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, making it a fantastic make-ahead dish.
✅ Customizable to Suit Every Palate
Mild or spicy? Mayo or Greek yogurt? Queso fresco or feta? This dish invites personal tweaks without compromising flavor.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Let’s walk through the main components and how you can adapt them to suit your kitchen and taste:
🌽 Corn
Frozen corn is used here for convenience, but fresh or canned corn works too. If using fresh corn on the cob, you can grill or roast it before cutting off the kernels to enhance the smoky depth.
🧀 Queso Fresco or Feta
Queso fresco brings authenticity, but feta makes a great substitute due to its similar salty and crumbly texture. Cotija or even a light sprinkle of parmesan can work in a pinch.
🧄 Garlic & Onion
Fresh garlic and red onion give this salad a sharp, aromatic backbone. For a milder flavor, you can soak red onions in cold water before mixing them in.
🌿 Cilantro
No street corn is complete without a generous handful of chopped cilantro. If you’re one of the people who finds cilantro soapy, flat-leaf parsley is a decent substitute.
🌶️ Jalapeño & Chili Flakes
These are key for bringing the heat. Prefer things on the milder side? Start with half a jalapeño or omit the flakes entirely. Love the heat? Add diced serranos or even a dash of hot sauce.
🍋 Lime Juice
Lime juice adds brightness and cuts through the richness. Lemon can work in a pinch, but nothing beats fresh lime for authenticity.
🥣 Mayonnaise
This binds everything together. You can substitute with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier, lower-fat version.
Nutritional Benefits
This salad doesn’t just taste great—it’s surprisingly nutrient-dense:
- Corn is rich in fiber and antioxidants like lutein, which supports eye health.
- Jalapeños and red pepper flakes provide capsaicin, a compound known for anti-inflammatory benefits and metabolism support.
- Lime juice is an excellent source of vitamin C.
- Cilantro offers antibacterial properties and adds detoxifying benefits.
- Queso fresco or feta bring calcium and protein.
When served as a side, it’s a great way to sneak more veggies and nutrients into a comfort-style meal.
Serving Suggestions
Wondering how to make the most of your Spicy Mexican Street Corn Salad? Try these serving ideas:
- Taco Night Star: Pair with carnitas, grilled chicken, black bean tacos, or veggie fajitas.
- Chips and Dip: Serve chilled with tortilla chips for a party-perfect appetizer.
- Burrito Bowl Base: Layer it with rice, beans, avocado, and your favorite protein.
- Topper for Grilled Meats: Spoon over grilled steak, chicken, or fish.
- Potluck & BBQ Hit: A fresh alternative to coleslaw or potato salad that travels well.
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
One of the best things about this salad? It gets better with time.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the salad up to a day in advance. In fact, letting it chill for a few hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving to redistribute the creamy dressing.
Freezing: Not recommended due to the mayo and cheese, which can separate when thawed.
How to Customize This Recipe
Every home cook has different tastes, and this recipe is super adaptable. Here are a few creative ways to make it your own:
- Make it Vegan: Use vegan mayo and skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese substitute.
- Go Smoky: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or use grilled corn for that deep, roasted flavor.
- Add Protein: Stir in black beans or grilled chicken to turn this into a complete meal.
- Boost the Crunch: Top with toasted pumpkin seeds or crushed tortilla chips right before serving.
- Sweeten the Deal: Add diced cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for an extra layer of freshness.
FAQs
Can I use canned corn?
Yes! Drain and rinse it well. Sauté for a few minutes in the skillet to remove excess moisture and enhance flavor.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a moderate heat level thanks to jalapeños and red pepper flakes. Easily adjustable by adding more or omitting completely.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Omit the cheese and use a vegan mayo or plant-based sour cream alternative.
How do I prevent soggy corn?
Don’t overcook! The key is sautéing just until warmed and slightly toasted. Spread it out in the skillet and stir occasionally to avoid steaming.
Conclusion
Whether you’re new to the world of Mexican flavors or a longtime fan, this Spicy Mexican Street Corn Salad offers a bold and satisfying side that’s both familiar and exciting. Its ease, flavor, and versatility make it an ideal go-to recipe for any occasion—from quick weeknight dinners to festive gatherings.
Give this recipe a try and see for yourself why it’s a modern classic on so many dinner tables. Once you do, don’t be surprised if it becomes part of your regular rotation.
