Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad (Printable Version)
Vibrant pasta salad with sweet corn, zesty lime, and smoky creamy dressing. A refreshing twist on Mexican street corn flavors.
# What You Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
→ Vegetables
02 - 2 cups corn kernels, fresh, grilled or frozen and thawed
03 - 1/2 red onion, finely diced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
06 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
→ Cheese
07 - 3/4 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
→ Dressing
08 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
09 - 1/4 cup sour cream
10 - 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
11 - 1 tsp lime zest
12 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
13 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
15 - 1 tsp hot sauce
16 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
# How to Make It:
01 - Prepare pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool completely.
02 - If using fresh corn, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add corn kernels. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and charred in spots, approximately 5 minutes. Let cool completely.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, charred corn, diced red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño, and chopped cilantro. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and hot sauce until smooth and well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
05 - Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
06 - Gently fold in all but approximately 2 tablespoons of the crumbled cotija or feta cheese, reserving the remainder for garnish.
07 - Transfer the salad to a serving platter or bowl. Sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top along with additional fresh cilantro if desired.
08 - Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled for optimal taste and texture.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The dressing hits every flavor corner, creamy and tangy with just enough heat
- It actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge, making it perfect party food
02 -
- Rinse the pasta thoroughly under cold water or it will continue cooking and become mushy
- The salad needs at least 20 minutes in the fridge for the flavors to really come together
03 -
- Chop all the vegetables slightly larger than you think you should, as they shrink when mixed with the dressing
- Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad and adjust the lime or seasonings to your preference