5 from 24 votes
Mexican Corn Salad (Esquites)
Mexican Corn Salad, or Esquites, is a creamy and tangy corn dish featuring boiled corn kernels mixed with mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, and lime juice, then seasoned with Tajin or chili powder. It is garnished with fresh cilantro and traditionally served with crunchy Nacho Cheese Doritos, which add a salty contrast and extra texture. The recipe offers a balance of creaminess, citrus brightness, and a mild spicy kick.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
35 mins
Additional Time
15 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings:
16
servings (1/2 cup each)
Calories:
183 kcal
Course:
Appetizer
Cuisine:
Mexican
Ingredients
- 6 cups corn thawed (see note 1, frozen
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese see note 2, grated
- 2 tablespoons lime juice or more to taste
- tajin seasoning or chili powder, to taste (see note 3)
- cilantro for garnish, fresh, minced
- Nacho Cheese Doritos for serving (see note 4)
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring 4 quarts water to boil. Add corn and boil until bright yellow and tender, about 4 minutes. Spread on a rimmed baking sheet to cool.
- In a large bowl, add cooled corn, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and lime juice. Stir to combine, then sprinkle with Tajin or chili powder. Garnish with cilantro and serve with Doritos.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Substitute fresh corn by boiling 8 ears and cutting off kernels to yield about 6 cups.
- Use grated Parmesan from a green shaker or substitute Cotija or feta cheese for authenticity.
- Tajin adds bright lime and mild chili flavor; chili powder or cayenne pepper works as alternatives.
- Serve with Nacho Cheese Doritos, Fritos, or tortilla chips to add crunch.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days; make ahead by cooking corn a day before.
Nutrition Information
Serving
0.5cup
Calories
183kcal
(9%)
Carbohydrates
16g
(5%)
Protein
4g
(8%)
Fat
13g
(20%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
7g
(41%)
Monounsaturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Trans Fat
1g
(50%)
Cholesterol
11mg
(4%)
Sodium
201mg
(8%)
Potassium
198mg
(4%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Vitamin A
67IU
(1%)
Vitamin C
5mg
(6%)
Calcium
59mg
(6%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 16 servings (1/2 cup each)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 183
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 0.5cup | |
| Calories | 183kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 16g | 5% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7g | 41% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 11mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 201mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 198mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 67IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 59mg | 6% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.