Esquites (Mexican Street Corn Salad)
This esquites recipe is easy to make and yields amazing results! Esquites are Mexican street corn, served as salad. You'll love this dish!
Updated by Kathryne Taylor on August 30, 2024
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Are you familiar with esquites? Also known as elote en vaso, esquites are an experience you’ll remember. Esquites are Mexican street corn (elote) cut off the cob, served in salad form.
Esquites are creamy, tangy, spicy, sweet and savory all at once. In other words, they’re completely irresistible. This elote recipe was the best recipe to come off our grill last summer, and I’m excited to share this stovetop variation with you.
Esquites share the same ingredients with elote: fresh corn, mayonnaise, cilantro, chili powder, lime and crumbled Cotija cheese. The combination is sublime, and this variation is much easier to eat. I’ve enjoyed both options in Mexico City and love making them at home. I’m going to cook this simple salad all summer and through the rest of the year.
Esquites have one strong cooking advantage over elote—you can start with frozen corn kernels, which really cuts down on preparation time! We’ll just cook the frozen corn in a hot skillet until it’s seared and delicious. If you’re using frozen corn, you can prepare this dish in about twenty minutes, from start to finish.
Watch How to Make Esquites
Esquites Ingredients & Notes
You’ll find the full recipe below. Here’s what you’ll need to make esquites:
Frozen or fresh corn
As I mentioned, I’m a big fan of using frozen corn for esquites because it’s just so easy! Just be sure to use frozen corn that’s in good shape (rinse off any freezer burn before using). I loved the results when I used Whole Foods 365 brand of frozen corn. This recipe calls for one standard bag (16 ounces) of frozen corn.
Or, shuck fresh corn from the cob for your esquites. You’ll need around 5 cobs, or enough to yield about 3 1/2 cups of corn.
In Mexico, the corn for esquites is generally either boiled or sautéed. For the same reason that I love using grilled corn for elote, I love to sauté the corn until it turns nicely golden. Searing the corn brings out a savory edge that helps balance the corn’s inherent sweetness.
Butter or olive oil
We’ll cook the corn in a skillet with some melted unsalted butter or olive oil. I think the butter is totally worth it here, but you can use olive oil for a lighter dish.
Garlic
Garlic makes everything better. Here, it provides some welcome contrast and complexity to the sweet corn. We’ll just cook it for about 30 seconds, long enough to mellow the flavor but not long enough to burn.
Mayonnaise
Mayo is traditionally used in esquites, and after experimenting with alternatives, I know why. Mayonnaise helps carry and amplify the other flavors, making this dish tangy and so flavorful.
If you’re interested in an alternative, you can use sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. The downside to using dairy instead is that it tends to dull the other flavors, so your dish might benefit from an extra squeeze of lime juice and perhaps some additional salt or chili powder.
Lime
Lime juice adds some zingy acidity. Serve your esquites with little lime wedges so your guests can add more lime if they’d like.
Fresh chili pepper, chili powder and optional cayenne
You can adjust the spice levels here to suit your preferences, but I think it’s nicely balanced as written.
Finely chopped, fresh jalapeño offers an extra dose of spicy, fresh flavor. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can certainly omit it, or simply use less. The ribs and seeds in fresh jalapeño are the spiciest parts, so be sure to remove those before chopping the jalapeño.
You can’t make authentic esquites without chili powder! Any mild chili powder blend will do, or use a fun variety like ancho, chipotle or guajillo. You could even use Tajín for some extra-tangy flavor (it’s a Mexican spice blend of chili powder and lime).
Cayenne pepper increases the heat by a notch, and I love it. Try it if you love spice.
Cotija cheese
Cotija is a crumbly, creamy and salty cow’s milk cheese. You can find Cotija cheese at well-stocked grocery stores (I buy mine at Whole Foods, near the goat cheese) or Mexican grocers. If you can’t find Cotija cheese, feta or Parmesan would be your next best bets.
Cilantro
Cilantro adds a final, welcome burst of freshness. If you don’t like it, however, skip it.
What to Serve with Esquites
In Mexico, street vendors typically serve esquites in small cups for easy snacking. You can follow their cue and serve esquites in cups for fun grab-and-go party appetizers. Or, serve esquites from a bowl, family style, and let everyone help themselves. Just remember to double (or triple) the recipe! Either way, esquites will be a big hit at barbecues and summer parties.
Serve esquites as a snack or appetizer, or as a side dish to any Mexican-inspired meal. Here are a few entrées that would go well with esquites, or you can view all of my Mexican recipes here.
- Tacos: Easy Black Bean Tacos or Epic Vegetarian Tacos
- Quesadillas: 10-Minute Quesadillas or Crispy Mushroom, Spinach and Avocado Quesadillas
- Chilaquiles: Chilaquiles Rojos or Chilaquiles Verdes
- Enchiladas: Black Bean Sweet Potato Enchiladas, Roasted Veggie Enchilada Casserole or Veggie Black Bean Enchiladas
More Corn Recipes to Try
Here are a few of my favorite corn recipes:
- The Best Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Fresh Corn Salsa
- Garden-Fresh Corn Salad
- Southwestern Corn Chowder
- Vegetarian Succotash
Please let me know how your esquites turn out in the comments. I love hearing from you.
Esquites
This esquites recipe yields a deliciously creamy, tangy and spicy Mexican corn salad. Serve it in a bowl or small individual cups, as it’s typically served in Mexico. Esquites are also called elote en vaso. Recipe yields 4 small side servings and is easily doubled for a crowd; if doubling, give the corn extra time in the pan to turn nicely golden.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 ½ cups corn kernels (16 ounces frozen or from about 5 fresh cobs)
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- 2 medium cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- ¼ cup mayonnaise*
- 1 medium finely chopped jalapeño, optional
- 1 tablespoon lime juice, plus extra lime wedges for garnish
- 1 teaspoon chili powder, plus more for sprinkling
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- ¼ cup finely grated Cotija cheese**, plus more for sprinkling
- ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium heat. Once melted, add the corn and the salt (if using frozen corn, no need to defrost first). Cook, stirring just every minute or so, until the corn is warmed through and turning golden on the edges, about 5 to 8 minutes (turn the heat down to low if the corn starts jumping out of the pan).
- Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then remove the skillet from the heat. Let the corn cool for a few minutes, then transfer it to a medium mixing bowl.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl (the mayonnaise, optional jalapeño, lime juice, chili powder, optional cayenne, cheese and cilantro). Stir to combine. Season to taste with additional salt, if needed.
- To serve, divide the mixture between small cups and garnish individual servings with a wedge of lime, perhaps a sprinkle of additional cheese and chili powder. Leftovers keep well, refrigerated, for about 4 days.
Notes
Recipe adapted from my elote recipe.
*Mayonnaise alternatives: Mayonnaise yields the best flavor. If you prefer an alternative, sour cream or plain Greek yogurt will do.
**Where to find Cotija cheese: Look for Cotija in well-stocked grocery stores or Mexican specialty shops. I buy it at Whole Foods, near the goat cheese. If you can’t find it, try finely crumbled feta cheese or finely grated Parmesan instead.
Make it dairy free: Use olive oil instead of butter. Try a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan in place of the Cotija (use less than called for in the recipe, since the Parm is more salty). Or, just omit the Cotija.
Make it vegan: Use olive oil instead of butter. Try my vegan sour cream in place of the mayo, and a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan in place of the Cotija (use less than called for in the recipe, since the Parm is more salty). Or, you could use a good vegan mayonnaise and omit the cheese.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.
Totally different flavors than our street corn, which is good. In central Mexico, the corn is white and drier, giving more crunch. That corn is great for tortillas. This y more to a gringo’s taste!
Thanks Bev! I wish we could find that corn here.
Kate-do you think white corn would work?
Hi, it may work. Just make sure it’s in season and flavorful.
Very tasty snack. As a gringo (derivation English as in Yankee), I was rather confused by some American terms. By “Skillet”, I assumed “Frying Pan!”, by “Cilentro” I assumed “Fresh Coriander”. No idea what “Cotija Cheese” is so substituted freshly grated “Parmaggio Regiano” or “Parmesan”. Enjoyed every mouthful. Nice One! (English for Great!)
We loved it! We made it vegan and it was so good :) Thanks!
You’re welcome, Darla! I’m happy you were able to enjoy it.
I made the Mexican Street Corn Salad paired with your Easy Black Bean Tacos. The taste of both were amazing and prep was simple. I used frozen sweet yellow corn and did omit the jalapeno, cayenne & cilantro from the street corn recipe as I don’t care for those ingredients. Corn recipe was made earlier in day and tacos made at dinner time (but you could make that ahead too and reheat the beans). Fabulous!
Sounds like a great combination! Thank you so much for your feedback, MaryFran. Glad to hear this recipe worked for you. :)
I am so happy I saw this recipe. It was very easy to make and it paired very well with our street tacos! When the kids comment on the food, it must be delish!
Hooray! Thank you so much for letting me know, Kecia.
Loved it
Hi, I am excited to make this for a birthday party. Can any of this be made the day before and simply assembled the next day?
Hi Jenny! The leftovers are great the next day, for what that’s worth. You could certainly cook the corn the day ahead and assemble the day of—that might be best for presentation and freshness.
Nice one, Kate! I brought this to a family gathering to pair with our tacos, and it was a hit with everyone.
Keep up the great work crafting outstanding recipes!
Yum, sounds delicious! Thank you so much for your kind words, Jackie.
Delicious! Tastes like a restaurant dish!
So glad to hear it! Thanks, Linda.
So easy and delicious! This will be in my regular rotation as a side dish for Mexican inspired dishes. I wouldn’t change a thing about it. Thank you so much for sharing.
You’re welcome, Shanley!
This recipe is a revelation! It’s so good. So simple too. I’m eager to try it with fresh corn this summer and share it at potlucks. Thanks again for an amazing recipe.
You’re welcome, Vicki! Thank you for taking the time to review.
Please clarify the amount of corn for 1x, 2x and 3x. Though the cups change, for all recipe options it says: (16 ounces frozen or from about 5 fresh cobs). And I don’t believe 16oz of frozen corn equals 3 1/2 cups! Just wanting to get proportions correct! Thank you…
Hi Meg, I’m sorry for the confusion. I can confirm that 3.5 cups corn kernels = 16 ounces frozen corn. My recipe plugin auto-multiplies the ingredients and it sounds like it is not multiplying the ounces as it should. I will check with their developers. For 2x, you’d need 32 ounces frozen corn, and for 3x, you’d need 48 ounces frozen corn.
I am going to make this for fathers day, it looks delicious. We are big fans of Mexican corn. I am assuming you defrost the corn before roast it. Am I correct?
I love your recipes.
Hi Patti, sorry for the delay. No need to defrost the corn before you sauté it.
This is wonderful! I roasted the corn in my Le Creuset grill pan and it is so good. And was able to find cotija cheese. I also made the black bean salad and guacamole and added toasted sunflowers seeds and the cotija cheese. The three make a beautiful presentation. I’ve been posting lots of your recipes on a 84,500 member food group. I hope others get hooked! Thank you !
Thank you, Cynthia! That sounds like such a fantastic combo. Thank you for sharing my recipes!
Just brought this to a 4th of July celebration. It is absolutely delicious! Made a double batch with no changes to the recipe. Hubby is already asking when we are going to have this again! Thank you for another great recipe.
I’m glad you enjoyed a double batch, Linda! I appreciate you sharing.
This was a huge hit at our fourth of July picnic! Everyone loved it, and it comes together very quickly. Leftovers are also great- cold or warm, but I prefer warm. Thanks Kate! I am NEVER hesistant to make any of your recipes- I love them all!
my husband and I both love this recipe. I’ve made it twice so far and expect to be making often when corn is in season
I love it! Thank you for your comment and review, Jaimee.
I really looking for corn recipe, i found your corn recipe and tried it came well for me. Thank you for your recipe.
You’re welcome! Thank you for your review.
THANK YOU for providing the recipe.. I love how you have the option of using frozen corn and other subs.. Corn isn’t in season here and we had elote when visiting in Tucson a week ago. Delicious.. so looking forward to making it.
Neither of us has ever had Mexican street corn, nor Cotija cheese either. And my husband is really iffy about my trying new recipes on him. HE ATE TWO HELPINGS OF THIS! And even added more Cotija. Even with a seeded, deveined jalapeno, and despite the fact that I used dried cilantro in the dressing because I didn’t want to invest in fresh on a recipe I didn’t think he would like, he loved it. (You have no idea what that takes!) Will definitely use fresh cilantro next time! I made it ahead by a couple hours and refrigerated it, and he said not to do that next time (he hadn’t read the recipe). Thank you!
Wonderful to hear it was a hit, Mike! Thank you for your review.
Made this last night along with a taco dinner and it was absolutely delicious…so good that I had the leftovers for breakfast :). Super easy to make and very flavorful
Thank you for sharing, Taylor! I’m delighted you enjoyed it.
This side goes great with Sopas using YOUR fantastic Re-Fried Beans!
My husband can tolerate just a bit of hot spice, so for the salad, I replaced MOST the Chili and Cayenne with Aleppo Pepper, which is fruity at the beginning with a touch of heat at the end (for those who are not familiar with Aleppo). With all the spice in the beans and chicken for the Sopas, I thought the Aleppo would tone down things a bit. Turned out great and unexpected.
Anyway, Hubby loved the corn salad and finished off what would have been the leftovers.
I have loved every recipe you have shared.
I’m glad he was able to enjoy it after you made some changes. I appreciate you, Carol!
Our homeschool group has a monthly gathering to learn Spanish, and food is a big part of it, I was looking for something different and this recipe was perfect!!In fact one of the moms said it reminded her of street corn!
All the flavors hit your mouth at different times, it was easy to prepare right before our gathering so it was nice and fresh! Cotija cheese was new to me, and I’m glad I was able to find it.
I will be adding this dish to my pot luck rotation!!
Great to hear, Jennifer! I appreciate your review.
Hi Kate!
I am excited to make the esquites and have been a vegetarian since 1976, so I TRULY appreciate seeing just vegetarian recipes that I can make. Unfortunately, I cannot eat cilantro because of the soapy taste in my mouth it produces. I am one of the 14% of the human population who has this gene. So, thank you again for the recipes you provide to us vegetarians. You are the best, Kate!
Sounds great! Please tell me, if you’re trying to make it as much as possible in advance, what can you do?
You can try to serve it leftover if you prefer.
I doubled the amount and made it for our new year’s party, it was stunning and delicious like all your recipes. There were no leftovers, so I will be making another batch all for myself. For cheese I used parmesan and that worked so well.
Great to hear, Shea! I appreciate your review.
Do you serve it with tortilla chips or eat it with a fork or spoon?
However you would like!
Made this over the weekend and it was FABULOUS. I have already shared the recipe with several people. So easy and so flavorful. The jalapeno was a must!
I made this for a special Cinco de Mayo dinner for friends and it was the star of the show (which is unusual for a side dish). I highly recommend it.
That’s great to hear, Marc! Thank you for your review.
When making this recipe for a potluck would you serve it cold or in a crockpot? I have never had anything like this but it sounds amazing and will be great for my office potluck this month.
I think either way. Let me know what everyone thinks!
This is a “keeper” recipe in our house. It is sooo flavorful! It’s hard not to eat the whole bowl in one sitting. :)
After having this on a trip to Texas, I had to find a recipe. I tweaked a little based on preferring powdered chipotle over cayenne, and adding some chopped scallions for flavor and color. But I really came here to say that if you have a Trader Joe nearby, they have a bag of pre-roasted corn kernels in the freezer section. Not as good as doing it from fresh, but speeds things up considerably if you’re in a hurry. I thaw them, pat them dry and mix everything up. I could eat this dressing on everything, it’s so good.
Great to hear, C!
This recipe is great! Do leftovers freeze well?
I don’t know if this is the best option to freeze. I’m excited you enjoyed it, Mel!
Hi been digging this esquires recipe for a year or two. Entree’d it up last night by adding spinach and roasted tofu. Everyone seemed to really like it.
Thanks!
Perfect!
I just made this with grilled shrimp instead of roasted/grilled corn. OMG!!
You’ll need a really cold, refreshing beverage (Beer!) to compliment the deliciousness. Try it! You’ll like it!