When summer rolls around and the sun shines brightly, I find myself craving refreshing dishes that capture the essence of the season, and nothing delivers that delight quite like this Grilled Corn Esquites Salad. Imagine the enticing aroma of smoky, charred corn mingling with vibrant cherry tomatoes and the crisp bite of sweet bell peppers. This salad is my go-to for outdoor gatherings, where it never fails to steal the spotlight.

What’s even better? This isn’t just another side dish; it’s a celebration of fresh produce drizzled in a creamy, lime-kissed Greek yogurt dressing that’s both guilt-free and utterly delicious. This twist on classic Mexican street corn (or elote) eliminates the heaviness while keeping all the flavors we love. Whether you’re looking to add a colorful touch to a barbecue or simply wish to treat yourself to a wholesome lunch, this salad is as versatile as it is satisfying. Join me as we embark on this culinary adventure that will put the joy back into your summer meals!

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Corn Esquites Salad

Fresh, Flavorful Experience: This salad bursts with vibrant colors and tastes that capture summer’s essence.

Guilt-Free Indulgence: Enjoy the creamy Greek yogurt dressing without the usual calorie overload.
Quick & Easy: Whip it up in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
Crowd-Pleaser: It’s guaranteed to impress friends and family at picnics or barbecues.
Customizable Delight: Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies or swap out ingredients to make it your own; try adding some diced avocado for extra creaminess!

Transform your meals and savor the season with this irresistible salad that celebrates the best of what summer has to offer!

Grilled Corn Esquites Salad Ingredients

• A fresh and vibrant recipe that will light up your summer!

For the Salad

Sweet Corn – Use grilled fresh corn for a smoky flavor or thawed frozen corn sautéed for char.
Cherry Tomatoes – Adds juicy bursts and bright color; any small tomato variety works!
Red Onion – Provides sharpness and crunch; swap for green onions for a milder flavor.
Red Bell Pepper – Contributes sweetness and crunch; feel free to use any bell pepper color.
Jalapeño – Brings heat; for a milder salad, remove the seeds or skip altogether.
Cilantro – Fresh herb that complements the flavors beautifully; substitute with parsley if needed.

For the Dressing

Greek Yogurt – Creates a creamy texture; a dairy-free yogurt works well for a vegan option.
Lime Juice – Essential for acidity and brightness; lemon juice can be a handy substitute.
Olive Oil – Optional for enhancing dressing texture; use if you prefer a richer taste.
Chili Powder – Adds depth of flavor; smoked paprika can be used for a smoky twist.
Garlic Powder – Provides savory notes; fresh minced garlic is a delightful alternative.
Salt and Black Pepper – Crucial for seasoning; adjust to taste for your personal preference.

Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a light lunch, this Grilled Corn Esquites Salad will brighten any meal!

How to Make Grilled Corn Esquites Salad

Grill the Corn: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the fresh corn on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes until the kernels are tender and have a lovely char. Allow the corn to cool afterwards.
Cut the Kernels: Stand the corn cobs upright in a large bowl and carefully slice the kernels off the cobs, letting them fall into the bowl to collect.
Combine the Vegetables: Add the chopped cherry tomatoes, red onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeño to the bowl containing the corn. Stir gently to mix everything together.
Mix the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, olive oil (if using), chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Toss with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the corn and vegetable mixture. Gently fold everything until well coated with the dressing, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
Add Cilantro and Serve: Carefully mix in the chopped cilantro. Transfer the salad to serving bowls and, if desired, garnish with crumbled feta cheese and extra lime wedges.

Optional: Top with diced avocado for added creaminess.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Grilled Corn Esquites Salad?

Picture your summer table adorned with vibrant dishes that celebrate fresh flavors. This delightful salad shines as a centerpiece, but pairing it with the right accompaniments truly elevates your meal.

Spicy Grilled Shrimp: The smoky, charred flavor of grilled shrimp harmonizes beautifully with the sweetness of the corn salad, creating a perfect balance.
Zesty Quinoa: A fluffy, herb-infused quinoa dish adds a nutty texture, making your meal wholesome and satisfying.
Crispy Tortilla Chips: These crunchy bites bring a satisfying contrast and are perfect for scooping up that creamy dressing.
Fresh Pico de Gallo: A bright, tangy salsa enhances the flavors and feels like a celebration of summer in every bite.
Margaritas: For a refreshing sip, pair your meal with a lime margarita; it complements the zing of lime in the salad.
Watermelon Salad: Enjoy a refreshing watermelon salad on the side, giving guests a sweet, hydrating contrast to the salad’s savory elements.
Creamy Avocado Toast: Serve up some creamy avocado toast with red pepper flakes for a delicious, filling complement to your vibrant meal.
Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Colorful veggies grilled to perfection add an earthy depth that pairs beautifully with the contrasts in the salad’s textures.
Churros for Dessert: Treat yourself with a sweet finish of cinnamon-sugar churros; their light texture pairs wonderfully with the creamy salad as a final note.
Sparkling Water with Lime: Keep it light and refreshing; garnished sparkling water offers a crisp palate cleanser with every sip.

Expert Tips for Grilled Corn Esquites Salad

Choose Fresh Corn: Opt for fresh corn on the cob for the best smoky flavor. Frozen can be used in a pinch, but remember to sauté it for that grill-like char.
Control the Heat: For those who prefer less spice, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño. This prevents the salad from becoming too hot while still keeping the flavor.
Balancing Creaminess: Don’t skip the lime juice! It cuts through the richness of the Greek yogurt dressing, ensuring a refreshing bite in every spoonful of your Grilled Corn Esquites Salad.
Prep Ahead: Grill the corn and chop the veggies the day before. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes your salad ready to serve when you are!
Watch for Over-Charring: Keep an eye on the corn while grilling. Over-charring can lead to a bitter taste, so aim for that perfect tender yet firm texture.
Storage Savvy: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture before serving again for the best experience.

How to Store and Freeze Grilled Corn Esquites Salad

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Drain excess moisture before each serving and give it a quick stir to redistribute the dressing.

Freezer: This salad is not recommended for freezing due to the texture changes in the fresh vegetables and dressing upon thawing, which may become watery.

Prep Ahead: You can grill the corn and chop the vegetables a day in advance. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavors to create your perfect Grilled Corn Esquites Salad!

Reheating: If desired, you can serve the salad slightly chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor experience. Avoid microwaving, as it can affect the texture of the ingredients.

Grilled Corn Esquites Salad Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize this delightful salad!

Creamy Avocado: Add diced avocado for a rich, buttery texture that pairs beautifully with the yogurt dressing.
Protein-Packed Black Beans: Incorporate black beans for an extra protein boost that makes the salad heartier.
Crunchy Cucumber: Toss in diced cucumber for a refreshing crunch that brightens every bite.
Nutty Pumpkin Seeds: Sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top for added texture and a nutty flavor contrast.
Reduced Heat Option: For a milder salad, skip the jalapeño entirely or use sweet bell pepper instead.
Vegan Twist: Swap Greek yogurt for a dairy-free yogurt and skip the cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
Herb Lovers Delight: Mix in fresh mint or basil alongside cilantro for an aromatic twist that elevates the salad’s flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle cayenne pepper to take your salad to the next level on the heat scale.

Grilled Corn Esquites Salad Recipe FAQs

What type of corn is best for this salad?
Absolutely! Fresh corn on the cob is preferred for its smoky flavor when grilled. However, you can use frozen corn if needed; remember to sauté it for a few minutes to mimic that beloved charred texture.

How should I store leftovers of the Grilled Corn Esquites Salad?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Before serving, drain any excess moisture and give it a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing. This helps maintain the vibrant flavors.

Can this salad be frozen?
Unfortunately, freezing is not recommended for this salad. The fresh vegetables and dressing may become watery upon thawing, which alters the texture and overall experience. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

What if my grilled corn is over-chared?
If you’ve accidentally over-charred the corn, don’t worry! Simply cut off any overly burnt sections and mix the remaining kernels with the other ingredients. The spices and dressing can help balance out any slight bitterness.

Can I adjust the spice level in the salad?
Very much so! If you prefer a milder flavor, simply remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño before adding it to the salad. Alternatively, you can skip it altogether for a sweet and tangy flavor without the heat.

What should I do if I have allergies to certain ingredients?
If you have allergies, I recommend substituting any ingredients according to your dietary needs. For example, if you’re allergic to dairy, a plant-based yogurt can replace the Greek yogurt, and feel free to leave out any vegetables you cannot consume. Enjoy customizing it to fit your health needs!