5 from 30 votes
Skillet Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)
This Skillet Mexican Street Corn Salad, or Esquites, uses fresh corn kernels sautéed in butter and olive oil until lightly charred, then mixed with a creamy sauce of mayonnaise, lime juice, and garlic. Cotija cheese, diced red onion, jalapeño, green onions, and cilantro add layers of texture and savory brightness. The result is a tangy, creamy salad with a mild heat and fresh herb notes, which can be served warm or chilled, making it a versatile side dish for any meal.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings:
6
servings
Calories:
181 kcal
Course:
Side Dish, Main Course, Salad, Lunch
Cuisine:
American, Mexican
Ingredients
- 3 cups corn kernels from 4 ears of corn, fresh
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter salted
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 garlic finely minced, clove
- 1 tablespoon lime juice from 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup cotija cheese or queso fresco
- ¼ cup red onion diced
- 1 jalapeño seeded and diced
- 3 green onions green parts only, finely copped
- 2 tablespoons cilantro finely chopped
Instructions
- Add olive oil, butter, and corn to a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Increase heat to medium high and cook until a slight char forms, about 2 more minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool for 10 minutes.
- While the corn is cooling, whisk together the mayo, garlic, lime juice, and ½ teaspoon salt in a small bowl.
- Pour mayo mixture over the corn and add the Cotija cheese, diced red onion, jalapeño, green onions, and cilantro. Toss to combine and serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for 2 hours to serve chilled.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Cotija cheese can be replaced with queso fresco or feta cheese depending on availability and preference.
- If fresh corn is not available, canned or thawed frozen corn can be used as an alternative.
- Serve the salad warm or chilled; add cheese just before serving when serving warm to keep its texture.
Nutrition Information
Calories
181kcal
(9%)
Carbohydrates
15g
(5%)
Protein
4g
(8%)
Fat
13g
(20%)
Saturated Fat
5g
(25%)
Cholesterol
20mg
(7%)
Sodium
332mg
(14%)
Potassium
231mg
(5%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
5g
(10%)
Vitamin A
651IU
(13%)
Vitamin C
10mg
(11%)
Calcium
44mg
(4%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 181
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 181kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 15g | 5% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 20mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 332mg | 14% |
| Potassium | 231mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 651IU | 13% |
| Vitamin C | 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 44mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.