Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Introduction

When I first made this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, I was hoping to combine the delicious flavors of Mexican street corn with the creamy comfort of a pasta salad. The result exceeded all expectations. The tangy lime, smoky chili powder, and creamy dressing paired with the sweetness of corn create a refreshing, flavorful dish that quickly became a family favorite. It’s the perfect side dish for a summer barbecue or a vibrant addition to any meal. The creamy and crunchy textures make it both satisfying and light, while the kick of jalapeño adds just enough heat for an exciting flavor experience. My family devoured it in no time, and it has since become a staple in our meal rotation!

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) rotini or penne pasta 🍝
• 3 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) 🌽
• ½ cup mayonnaise 🍶
• ½ cup sour cream 🍶
• 1 tbsp lime juice 🍋
• 1 tsp chili powder 🌶️
• 1 tsp cumin 🌿
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped 🌿
• ½ cup cotija cheese (or feta), crumbled 🧀
• 2 green onions, chopped 🌱
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional) 🌶️
• Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
• Lime wedges, for garnish 🍋

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside. 🍝
2. Prepare the Corn: If you’re using fresh corn, grill or sauté the kernels until lightly charred for that authentic street corn flavor. For frozen or canned corn, drain any excess liquid, then sauté the corn for 5 minutes in a hot skillet to enhance the flavor. 🌽🔥
3. Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. 🍶🌶️
4. Combine the Salad: Add the cooked pasta, charred corn, chopped cilantro, green onions, jalapeño (if using), and crumbled cotija cheese to the bowl. Toss everything together until the pasta and corn are well coated with the creamy dressing. 🧀🌽🍝
5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of tangy flavor. 🍋🌿

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving: 280 kcal (approx.)
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 300mg
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 5g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve

• As a Side Dish: This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is perfect for pairing with grilled meats, such as chicken, steak, or fish.
• At a Barbecue or Picnic: This pasta salad is an ideal dish to serve at a summer barbecue or a picnic. Its cool, creamy texture makes it refreshing on hot days.
• As a Light Lunch: Serve this pasta salad as a light meal by adding some grilled shrimp or chicken for extra protein.
• With Lime Wedges: Always serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of tanginess that enhances the overall flavor of the salad.
• Topped with Hot Sauce: If you like a little heat, drizzle some hot sauce on top before serving for an added spicy kick.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Corn for Best Flavor: If possible, use fresh corn for a sweeter, more flavorful salad. Grilling or charring it adds a smoky touch that’s hard to replicate with frozen or canned corn.
2. Customize the Heat Level: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder and jalapeño. If you prefer a milder salad, omit the jalapeño or use a milder pepper.
3. Make It Ahead: This pasta salad tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Prepare it in advance to let the flavors meld and save time on the day you plan to serve it.
4. Substitute the Cheese: If you can’t find cotija cheese, crumbled feta is a great alternative. It provides a similar salty and creamy flavor that works well in this salad.
5. Add Avocado: For a creamier texture and an extra layer of flavor, add diced avocado right before serving.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian Version: This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can make it more filling by adding black beans, kidney beans, or roasted sweet potatoes for extra protein and fiber.
2. Spicy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad: For extra spice, increase the amount of jalapeño, add some cayenne pepper, or toss in a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
3. Grilled Chicken Version: Add grilled chicken strips or cubes to make this salad a more substantial meal.
4. Corn and Bacon Pasta Salad: For a smoky, savory touch, try adding crumbled bacon or pancetta to the salad.
5. Dairy-Free Version: To make this salad dairy-free, substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan versions and use a non-dairy cheese like vegan feta or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Grilled Steak: Serve this pasta salad with grilled flank steak or skirt steak for a delicious Mexican-inspired meal.
• Tacos: Pair this pasta salad with soft tacos or street-style tacos for a full meal.
• BBQ Chicken: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad pairs wonderfully with BBQ chicken, as the tangy flavors complement the smoky grilled meat.
• Roasted Veggies: For a vegetarian meal, serve this pasta salad alongside roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and corn on the cob.
• Salsa and Chips: Serve this salad as a side dish to salsa and tortilla chips for a fun and casual meal.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop as it sits.
• Freezing: While pasta salad doesn’t freeze well because of the creamy dressing, you can freeze the cooked pasta and corn separately. When ready to serve, thaw and mix with fresh dressing and vegetables.
• Make Ahead: This salad is perfect for making ahead. Prepare the salad up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just make sure to garnish with lime wedges right before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can use any short pasta like rotini, penne, or fusilli. Just make sure to cook it al dente.

2. Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen corn. Just be sure to sauté it for a few minutes to bring out more flavor.

3. Can I make this pasta salad without mayonnaise?
Yes! If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative.

4. Can I make this pasta salad in advance?
Yes, this pasta salad actually tastes better when it has had time to chill and let the flavors meld together, so it’s a great make-ahead option.

5. Can I add protein to this pasta salad?
Absolutely! Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or beans to make this a more filling dish.

6. Can I use feta cheese instead of cotija?
Yes, crumbled feta is a good alternative to cotija cheese, though cotija has a sharper and saltier flavor.

7. Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild spice level due to the chili powder and optional jalapeño. If you prefer a milder version, you can skip the jalapeño.

8. Can I use canned corn?
Yes, if you use canned corn, be sure to drain it well before sautéing to remove any excess liquid.

9. Can I substitute lime juice with lemon juice?
Yes, lemon juice can be used as a substitute for lime juice if needed.

10. How do I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, use vegan mayonnaise, sour cream, and a plant-based cheese substitute.

Conclusion

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors that are sure to impress at any gathering. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that pairs well with so many meals or can stand alone as a delicious main dish. Whether you’re making it for a barbecue, a picnic, or a casual weeknight dinner, this pasta salad will be a hit. The creamy dressing , smoky corn, and fresh cilantro make it a standout, and with the flexibility to adjust spice levels and ingredients, it’s easy to customize for your taste. Enjoy!

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