Did you know that a Mexican street corn salad recipe is also called esquites, or elote en vaso which means corn in a cup! Enter your email & we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from us every week! By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Hurry the Food Up.
Ingredients
Veggies
Of course, corn is a key ingredient in this delicious Mexican street corn salad, but specifically, you want to choose fresh over canned corn if it’s available. If you can’t get corn on the cob where you live at this time of year, don’t worry though canned corn will work fine. You could also use frozen corn if you only have that. For an even more traditional dish, see if you can acquire some white corn, rather than yellow, as this is what they tend to use in Mexico! I’m also using red onion for extra sweetness and crunch, alongside baby spinach, and fresh cilantro which is really going to make the colour of that crisp golden corn pop.
Dairy
Cheese So traditionally Mexican corn salad recipes like this require queso fresco or cotija cheese. However, you can also use ricotta Salata, or any other salty, crumbly cheese like mature cheddar or feta cheese if that’s what is available to you. Yogurt For my no mayo esquites recipe I chose to use greek yogurt, not only is it healthier than mayonnaise, but it’s also full of protein! This is going to be used to mix with the cheese, and just from the corn mixture to create such delicious flavors that will definitely bring out the sweetness of the corn. I’ve got to say, the combination of colors and flavors in this recipe really makes the perfect side dish or snack. I think I’ll be making more street corn recipes from now on! For the rest of the ingredients please check out the recipe card below.
How many calories are in this fresh corn salad?
There are 193 calories in this recipe, and 11 g of protein, so it’s just the right amount for a healthy snack. Here’s a full overview:
Health Benefits
Over the years corn has fallen victim to many myths including the one that says corn isn’t very nutritious. However, corn is actually full of vitamin C and contains two phytochemicals needed for good vision. But it gets even better, as when corn is cooked its cancer-fighting antioxidants increase by 25-50 percent! Now that’s a health benefit if ever I heard one! It is also really fibrous so it’s great to use in your diet if you’re trying to lose weight. The protein that you’re going to get from the cheese and yogurt is also great for weight loss as well as repairing and gaining muscle. A high-protein snack like this one will be a great tool to help satiety levels between meals. And at less than 200 calories it’s just the amount I’d recommend when following a healthy lifestyle. Did you know we’ve prepared a Free 7-Day Weight Loss Meal Plan if you need more inspiration?
How to make healthy corn esquites?
This is a super easy recipe that you can knock up in just 15 minutes. It would be the best snack on the go or potluck-perfect side!
Recipe Variations
You could jazz up this Mexican corn salad recipe in a few ways. Here’s a look at how to make it:
Add in some extra veggies other than just sweet corn. You could try black beans as well, red bell pepper, or juicy cherry tomatoes. Try some different toppings like cooling sour cream. Kick up that heat with hot sauce or chili powder. Or give it a fresh taste with a lime vinaigrette.
There are so many different ways to try it, it will soon make the perfect addition to your recipe collection.
More Recipes Like This
If you loved this healthy Mexican street corn salad recipe then you’ll love these:
Smashed Cucumber and Edamame Snack High-Protein Red Kidney Bean Salad 14 Healthy High-Protein Vegetarian Snacks
And there you have it, if you’re looking for a lettuce-less salad to take to a summer barbeque, or you want some fakeaway street food that’s full of taste but without the guilt then this is the best recipe.It’s got the perfect combination of healthy veggies and cheesy sauce that makes you feel like you’re having a bit of a treat without the extra calories. I just know you’re going to love it!If you love Mexican food take a look at this collection of 50 Vegan Mexican Recipes.
