Mexican Street Corn Salad for One

What Is Mexican Street Corn Salad?

Mexican street corn, also known as “esquites”, is a delicious and popular Mexican dish made with sweet corn kernels mixed with a variety of flavorful ingredients. It is a deconstructed version of the traditional Mexican street food called “elote”, which is grilled or boiled corn on the cob coated with mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. In the salad version, the corn is removed from the cob and combined with a few key ingredients to create a mouthwatering and easy-to-eat dish.

Ingredient Notes And Substitutions

See below for ways to use leftover ingredients.

• Butter helps to brown and enrich the flavor of the corn. For a vegan alternative, use olive oil.
• Corn can be fresh, canned, or frozen. If using fresh corn, a single large cob should yield approximately 1 cup of kernels.
• Cotija cheese is a Mexican cheese that’s slightly salty. If it’s unavailable, you can substitute with feta or Parmesan.
• Red onions provide a touch of sweetness and color to the salad. If you find their flavor too potent, you can soak the chopped onions in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow the taste.
• Cumin is a staple in Mexican cuisine, offering a warm, earthy flavor. It’s a significant contributor to the overall taste profile, but if you’re not a fan, you could reduce the quantity or leave it out entirely.
• Chili powder adds a hint of heat to the salad. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance. Alternatively, you can use smoked paprika for a less spicy but equally flavorful alternative.
• Red bell peppers contribute to the salad’s vibrant color and offer a subtle sweetness. They can be substituted with green or yellow bell peppers for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Jalapenos introduce a spicy kick to the dish. Remember to remove the seeds and veins if you prefer a milder flavor. For those who can’t handle heat, green bell peppers are a great substitute.
• Cilantro brings a fresh and slightly citrusy flavor to the dish. If you’re one of those people for whom cilantro tastes like soap, fresh flat-leaf parsley or even a little mint can be a good alternative.
• To make this salad vegan, replace mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan versions and skip the cheese or use a vegan substitute.

This is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why I used them. For the full recipe please scroll down to the recipe box at the bottom of the post.

How To Make Mexican Street Corn Salad For One

These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make Mexican corn salad. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

1. Melt butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the corn and chopped jalapeños and cook, stirring occasionally until slightly charred, about 8 to 10 minutes.

3. Transfer the corn to a medium-sized bowl and add red onions, bell peppers, minced garlic, lime juice, mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, cumin, crumbled cotija cheese, and cilantro.

4. Stir to combine.

Expert Tips

• Char the Corn: Charring the corn adds a smoky flavor and enhances the overall taste of the salad.
• Experiment with Cheese: While cotija cheese is traditional, you can try other types of Mexican cheese like queso fresco or even feta for a unique twist.
• Add Avocado: For a creamy and buttery element, consider adding diced avocado to the salad. Avocado pairs exceptionally well with the other flavors in the dish.

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve as a Side Dish: Mexican street corn salad makes a fantastic side dish for various Mexican-inspired meals. Pair it with dishes like grilled chicken, Carne Asada, Chicken Fajitas, or Beef Enchiladas for a complete and flavorful meal.
2. Tacos and Burritos: Use the corn salad as a delicious filling for tacos or burritos. It adds a cream and tangy element to your favorite tortilla-wrapped creations.
3. Salad Topping: Use the corn salad as a topping for a green salad. It will add a burst of flavor and creamy texture to your favorite leafy greens.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is highly versatile, and the following variations can cater to different palates and dietary needs:

1. Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad: Mix the corn salad with cooked pasta, such as bowtie or penne, to create a delightful pasta salad version of the dish.
2. Grilled Shrimp Corn Salad: Top the salad with grilled or baked shrimp for a complete and flavorful seafood twist. The combination of shrimp and Mexican street corn flavors is a real treat.
3. Mango Corn Salad: Incorporate diced fresh mango for a tropical twist on the traditional recipe. The juicy sweetness of mango complements the savory and creamy elements of the salad.
4. Chipotle Lime Corn Salad: Create a smokey and tangy profile by adding chipotle chili powder or canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. The chipotle flavor pairs wonderfully with the street corn.

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

Chicken and Rice For One

Chicken Spaghetti For One

Chicken Enchiladas Verde For One

Chicken Chili For One

• Corn: Corn Casserole, Corn Muffins, Chicken Burrito Bowl, Cowboy Caviar, Mexican Corn Dip
• Jalapeños: Jalapeño Poppers, Guacamole, Pico de Gallo, Taco Soup, Carne Asada
• Red onions: Pickled Onions, Tomato Salad, Chicken Caprese, Macaroni Salad, Broccoli Salad
• Red bell peppers: Squash Casserole, Shrimp and Grits, Cucumber Salsa, Pepper Steak, Vegetable Casserole
• Garlic: Rosemary Garlic Biscuits, Mushroom Casserole, Caesar Salad, Mongolian Beef, Broccoli Casserole
• Lime juice: Moscow Mule, Key Lime Pie, Shrimp Tacos, Pad Thai, Lime Posset
• Mayonnaise: Ranch Dressing, Pineapple Lime Jello Salad, Chicken Salad, Macaroni Salad, Reuben Sandwich
• Sour cream: Loaded Deviled Eggs, Hot Spinach Dip, Cauliflower Casserole, Chicken and Rice Casserole, Hashbrown Casserole
• Chili powder: Baked Ribs, Zuppa Toscana, BBQ Sauce, Chicken Burrito Bowl, Beef Enchiladas
• Cumin: Jerk Chicken, Black Bean Soup, Vegetarian Enchiladas, Chicken Burrito Bowl, Butter Chicken
• Cotija cheese: Spicy Peas with Mint, Mexican Corn Dip, Chicken Enchiladas Verde
• Cilantro: Chicken Tagine, Carne Asada, Salmon Rice Bowl, Vegetarian Chili, Taco Salad