Elote Mexican Salad

This Elote Mexican Salad, also known as Esquites, is a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy corn salad inspired by Mexican street corn. It’s perfect as a side dish for BBQ, tacos, grilled chicken, or summer meals. Made with roasted corn, fresh herbs, and a zesty lime dressing, this salad is bursting with flavor!

⏱ Prep Time

• Prep: 10 minutes

• Cook: 10 minutes

• Total: 20 minutes

• Servings: 4–6

🥘 Ingredients

For the Salad

• 4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)

• 1–2 tbsp lime juice (fresh)

• ½ tsp chili powder

• ¼ tsp smoked paprika

• ¼ tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• ¼ cup chopped cilantro

• ¼ cup finely chopped red onion

• ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese)

Optional Toppings

• Sliced jalapeños

• Extra lime wedges

• Hot sauce or Tajín seasoning

🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Corn:

   • Heat a skillet over medium-high with a little oil or butter.

   • Add corn and cook until slightly charred and golden (5–8 minutes).

2. Make the Dressing:

   • In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Combine:

   • Add warm corn, cilantro, and red onion to the dressing. Mix well.

4. Finish:

   • Sprinkle cotija or feta cheese on top.

   • Add jalapeños or hot sauce if you like it spicy.

5. Serve:

   • Serve warm or chilled with extra lime wedges.

🧾 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: 220

• Fat: 16g

• Carbs: 18g

• Protein: 5g

• Fiber: 3g

💡 Tips & Variations

• 🔥 Grilled Corn: Grill corn cobs and cut kernels for smoky flavor.

• 🥑 Add Avocado: Diced avocado makes it extra creamy.

• 🥗 Healthier Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo.

• 🌮 Taco Filling: Use this salad inside tacos or burritos.