This Lightened Up Esquites has all the delights of elotes in salad form. Esquites is the off-the-cob version of elotes—grilled on-the-cob Mexican street corn slathered in a Mexican cream sauce. This is the perfect side dish to your upcoming Cinco de Mayo party or your summer BBQ.

Makes 8 servings

What is Esquites?

“Esquites” refers to a popular Mexican street food, specifically a salad made with boiled or grilled corn kernels, often seasoned with lime, mayonnaise, chili powder, and cheese, and is derived from the Nahuatl word “íztquitl” meaning “toasted corn. A fresh corn on the cob is made into a lovely salad that combines the best flavors of Mexican Cuisine!

Recently, my husband and I went to a Mexican cooking class where we made a version of Esquites and Mexican Birria tacos. I have always loved making my Skinny Mexican Corn Salad but after making this version at our cooking class and loving the creamy flavor from the Mexican crema along with the char corn flavor-I knew immediately I needed to make a lighter version of this corn salad. This lightened up Esquites recipe tastes amazing and I know you will LOVE it too!

What ingredients do I need to make this Lightened Up Esquites?

• Fresh ears of corn-You can use fresh, canned, or frozen corn in this recipe, but for the best flavor and texture, fresh corn is highly recommended.
• Kosher salt and black pepper
• Light Mayo
• Mexican crema– you could use 1/2 cup blended low fat cottage cheese or light sour cream as a substitute.
• Cilantro-finely chopped and additional for garnish 
• Lime-sliced
• Cotiija cheese-for garnish 
• Chili powder- for garnishing

What is Mexican crema?

Mexican crema is a cultured dairy product, similar to sour cream but with a milder, slightly sweeter, and tangier flavor, often used as a topping or condiment in Mexican cuisine. You can find this at most grocery stores in the refrigerated area.

How do I make this Lightened Up Esquites?

Steam ears of corn for 10 minutes- I like to wrap them up in a damp paper towel and cook in the microwave. 

Rub steamed corn with olive oil cooking spray.

Place ears of corn on top of an open fire (gas stove) and char corn.

Remove from heat and allow the corn to cool for about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine light mayonnaise, crema, cilantro and lime juice; season with salt and pepper. 

Take the corn kernels off the cob.

Add seared corn to the large bowl, season with salt and pepper.

Toss to coat. 

Transfer to a serving platter, spreading corn mixture in an even layer. 

Sprinkle with Cotija cheese and chili powder and garnish with more cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Store leftovers in the fridge for 3 days.

Ingredients:

• 8 ears of fresh corn
• Kosher salt and black pepper
• 6 Tbsp light Mayo
• 5 Tbsp Mexican crema- you could use 1/2 cup blended low fat cottage cheese as a substitute for added protein. 
• 2 Tbsp cilantro, finely chopped and additional cilantro for garnish 
• 1 lime, sliced
• 2 oz. Cotiija cheese, for garnish 
• Chili powder, for garnishing

Directions:

1. Steam ears of corn for 10 minutes- I like to wrap them up in a damp paper towel and cook in the microwave. 
2. Rub steamed corn with olive oil cooking spray. Place ears of corn on top of an open fire (gas stove) and char corn. Remove from heat and allow the corn to cool for about 5 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine light mayonnaise, crema, cilantro and lime juice; season with salt and pepper. 
4. Take the corn kernels off the cob, and add seared corn to the large bowl, season with salt and pepper and toss to coat. 
5. Transfer to a serving platter, spreading corn mixture in an even layer. 
6. Sprinkle with Cotija cheese and chili powder and garnish with more cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
7. Store leftovers in the fridge for 3 days.

Makes 8 ( 1/2 cup) servings 

3 WW Points® per serving

Note: The overall point value would be the same with the Mexican crema or the blended cottage cheese or light sour cream.

How do I track this recipe in my WW app? 

Click the link below to go to the recipe builder. You’ll first need to sign into your WW account and then the recipe builder will upload. The recipe builder is the most accurate way to create, obtain, and track the Points®

The recipe builder link only works for WW members located in the United States. If you are located outside of the United States, you’ll need to access the WW app manually to create the recipe in the recipe builder. 

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