Esquites is one of Mexico’s favorite street foods — a hot, flavorful corn salad that’s served in cups and covered with tasty stuff such as cheese, chili, lime, and mayonnaise. Also called “Mexican street corn salad,” esquites get at the big, bright flavors of Mexican food with every bite.

This dish is a twist on elote (grilled corn on the cob), but instead of being eaten from the cob, the corn is cut off and mixed with mouth-watering seasonings. Esquites are creamy, tangy, spicy, and perfect as a snack, side dish, or party appetizer.

In this article, we’ll explore the origin of esquites, the essential ingredients, how to prepare it, health benefits, and tips for customization.

History and Origin of Esquites
The term esquites is derived from the Nahuatl term izquitl, which means “toasted corn.” The dish has deep roots in history, dating back to the Aztecs, who considered corn (maize) a sacred crop. With time, esquites became a common street food available in almost every corner of Mexico — from city streets to village markets.

Nowadays, esquites are served as street food as well as a fashionable dish in contemporary restaurants worldwide.

Traditional Esquites Ingredients
Esquites have the rich mixture of textures and flavors. The greatness of this recipe is in its simplicity.

Simple Ingredients:
Fresh Corn Kernels (or frozen if fresh kernels are not available)

Butter

Garlic (optional)

Mayonnaise

Lime Juice

Cotija Cheese (Mexican crumbly cheese)

Chili Powder or Tajín (Mexican chili-lime seasoning)

Salt

Fresh Cilantro (optional)

Making Esquites – Step-by-Step
Preparing esquites at home is extremely simple and only takes 15-20 minutes.

Instructions:
Melt butter over medium heat in a large skillet.

Add corn kernels and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until lightly charred or golden.

Add minced garlic (optional) and sauté for another minute.

Pour the cooked corn into a mixing bowl.

Pour in a few tablespoons of mayonnaise and squeeze fresh lime juice over the corn. Mix well.

Season to taste with chili powder or Tajín and salt.

Top with crumbled Cotija cheese.

Garnish with chopped cilantro and extra lime wedges for serving.

Esquites vs Elote – What’s the Difference?
Dish Description Eating Style
Elote Grilled corn on the cob coated with mayo, cheese, chili, and lime. Eaten straight from the cob.
Esquites Corn kernels eaten out of a cup with identical seasonings. Eaten out of a cup with a spoon.
Esquites provide a cleaner, more convenient means to eat the same great taste of elote.

Nutritional Benefits of Esquites
Though esquites are a street food, they can provide nutritional value when made with nutritious ingredients.

1. High in Fiber
Corn is a rich source of dietary fiber, which helps digestion.

2. Rich in Antioxidants
Corn has antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin that promote eye health.

3. Source of Protein & Calcium
Cotija cheese contributes a sufficient amount of protein and calcium to the dish.

4. Can Be Made Healthier
To make a lighter version, you can cut down on the mayonnaise or substitute it with Greek yogurt.

Creative Variations of Esquites
The best thing about esquites is that it is versatile. You can modify the recipe according to your taste.

Ideas for Customization:
Add diced jalapeños for added heat.

Add chunks of avocado for a creamy texture.

Top with crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy mouthful.

Include a dash of hot sauce for spice enthusiasts.

Substitute vegan mayo and vegan cheese for dairy-free.

Ideal Occasions to Serve Esquites
Esquites are ideal for:

BBQ Party
Taco Nights
Picnics
Family Gatherings
Game Day Snacks
Street Food-Inspired Menus
Serve in small cups for individual service or in one large bowl to share.

Tips on Storage
Esquites are best served fresh, but leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat carefully or serve cold as a cool salad.

Esquites is more than a side dish — it’s a fiesta of Mexican street food culture and big flavors. Simple to prepare, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser, esquites add a little Mexican sunshine to your table.

Whether you take it to your next party or simply use it as a convenient snack, this corn salad will surely be a winner.