This vibrant take on traditional esquites combines grilled corn, charred jalapeño, and sweet Vidalia onion in a creamy, tangy lime sauce with cotija cheese. The result? A Mexican-inspired side dish that perfectly balances smoky heat, sweetness, and citrusy brightness—ideal for summer cookouts, taco nights, or anytime you want to elevate your corn salad game.
The Secret to This Esquites: Grilled Jalapeño and Sweet Onion
The magic of this dish lies in grilling the vegetables to start. Fresh corn chars until golden brown, developing a smoky-sweet caramelization that brings out its natural sugars. A whole grilled jalapeño adds gentle heat and smokiness without overwhelming the other flavors. The star of the show—Vidalia onion—transforms into a sweet, jammy delight when kissed by open flames. Together, these ingredients create a complex yet approachable dish that’ll keep everyone coming back for more.
A Creamy, Tangy Sauce That Ties It All Together
After grilling, the chopped vegetables are sautéed in butter and folded into a classic esquites sauce of mayonnaise, sour cream, and fresh lime juice. This creamy base acts as the perfect binder, while melted Monterey Jack cheese adds an extra layer of rich, gooey indulgence.
Fresh cilantro provides a bright, herbal pop, while crumbled cotija cheese adds the perfect salty kick. A final squeeze of lime juice cuts through the richness and ties all the flavors together. Served warm, this Mexican street corn salad delivers a feast for your senses—creamy, smoky, and absolutely gorgeous on the plate.
How to Serve Grilled Esquites
Grilled Jalapeño and Vidalia Onion Esquites is a versatile dish that shines as a side for tacos, grilled meats, or seafood, or stands alone as a flavorful Mexican-inspired appetizer. Whether you’re craving a summer grilling recipe, a unique corn salad with a smoky kick, or a fresh take on classic esquites, this dish delivers on all fronts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for summer barbecues and taco nights
- Smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors that enhance traditional esquites
- Creamy, cheesy texture with charred corn goodness
- Simple preparation with bold, fresh ingredients
- Versatile serving options: side dish, appetizer, or taco topping
If you love Mexican street food or want to elevate your grilled corn salad game, this recipe perfectly balances authentic flavors with home cooking convenience. The dish works seamlessly alongside grilled meats, tops your favorite tacos, or makes a satisfying lunch on its own. Best of all, you can prep most ingredients ahead of time and assemble just before serving, making it ideal for both quick weeknight meals and weekend get-togethers. Once you nail the basic technique, feel free to adjust the heat level and toppings to create your perfect version.
Grilled Jalapeno and Vidalia Onion Esquites
4
servings20
minutes25
minutes45
minutesGrilled Jalapeño and Vidalia Onion Esquites is a smoky and creamy Mexican street food-inspired dish that combines charred corn, jalapeños, and Vidalia onions with a tangy mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, and melted Monterey Jack cheese. It’s a flavorful and vibrant side perfect for any occasion topped with crumbled cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Ingredients
4 ears of corn, husked
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 jalapeno
1 large Vidalia onion, halved
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 lime, juiced
1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1/2 cup cojita cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup cilantro, freshly chopped
to taste, salt and ground black pepper
for serving, lime wedges
Directions
- Grill the Vegetables:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the corn, whole jalapeño, and whole Vidalia onion with extra virgin olive oil. Place the corn, jalapeño, and onion on the grill.
Grill the corn until charred on all sides, turning occasionally, about 10-12 minutes. Grill the jalapeño and onion until they are charred and softened, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the grill and let them cool slightly. - Chop the Vegetables:
Cut the corn kernels off the cobs and place them in a large bowl. Finely chop the grilled jalapeño and Vidalia onion, and set them aside. - Prepare the Esquites:
Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped corn, jalapeño, and Vidalia onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through. Mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime juice in a small bowl. Add the mayonnaise mixture to the skillet, stirring to combine while the vegetables are still warm. Stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese until melted and well combined. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in half of the cilantro. - Garnish and Serve:
Serve the esquites in individual cups or a large bowl. Garnish with crumbled cotija cheese and the remaining chopped cilantro. Add lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the esquites.
SUGGESTED RECIPE: Mango and Makrut Lime Pork Carnitas
If you love the smoky heat and tangy flavors of Grilled Jalapeño and Vidalia Onion Esquites, take it a step further with Mango and Makrut Lime Pork Carnitas. The slow-braised pork infused with citrusy makrut lime and sweet mango nectar perfectly complements the creamy, spicy esquites. Serve them together in tacos for a bold fusion of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that celebrate the best of Mexican cuisine with a vibrant twist.
