Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that combines the creamy, spicy flavors of elote with the hearty satisfaction of pasta. This recipe brings together an array of fresh ingredients to create a vibrant, flavorful side dish that’s perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner. If you love the taste of Mexican street corn, you’re in for a treat as this salad effortlessly channels those iconic flavors into a comforting pasta form.

Why You’ll Love It

Imagine sinking your fork into a bowl of Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad. It’s not merely a side dish; it’s an experience bursting with flavor. This recipe tantalizes your taste buds with sweet corn, zesty lime, and the earthy goodness of spices, making it perfect for casual cookouts and festive gatherings. What could be more enjoyable than sharing a bowl filled with vibrant ingredients uniting in harmony?

Not only does it taste incredible, but it is also incredibly simple to make. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your preferences; for instance, add diced avocado for creaminess or sprinkle in fresh cilantro for that herbal burst. This versatility means you can easily make it your own!

Let’s not forget the nutritional perks! Corn, one of the primary ingredients, is packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Combine it with pasta, which provides energy-boosting carbohydrates, and you get a satisfying dish that can serve as both an appetizer and a main course. Plus, you can prepare it ahead of time, letting the flavors really meld together, which makes it a favorite among meal preppers. With all these benefits, it’s clear why this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad can appeal to everyone.

Ingredients

8 ounces of pasta (like rotini or penne)
2 cups of fresh or frozen corn kernels
1 cup of mayonnaise
½ cup of sour cream
Juice of 2 limes
1 teaspoon of chili powder
½ teaspoon of smoked paprika
½ teaspoon of garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup of cotija cheese, crumbled
¼ cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
½ red onion, diced
1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional)

To create this flavorful salad, first, you’ll need 8 ounces of your favorite pasta, which can be any variety, though rotini and penne are both excellent choices. For the corn, you can use 2 cups of fresh corn kernels or go for frozen if you’re short on time—just make sure it’s thawed beforehand. For the creamy dressing, we’ll need a cup of mayonnaise and a half-cup of sour cream. Fresh lime juice gives the dish a zesty flavor, and you’ll want about two limes’ worth.

Next, it’s essential to combine the spices that make this dish sing: a teaspoon of chili powder and a half teaspoon each of smoked paprika and garlic powder should do the trick. Don’t forget the salt and pepper to warm up the flavors! For garnish and a burst of freshness, you’ll incorporate a half-cup of crumbled cotija cheese, a quarter-cup of chopped cilantro, a half diced red onion, and if you’re feeling adventurous, a finely diced jalapeño to add some heat.

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Step 1

Start the process by cooking the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. Once cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This step keeps the pasta from becoming too soft and sticky in your salad. Set the drained pasta aside to cool completely.

Step 2

If you’re using fresh corn, prepare it by cooking it until tender—even grilling adds an excellent smoky flavor. Simply bring a pot of water to a boil and add the corn, cooking for about five minutes. If you prefer a grilled version, place the corn on a hot grill for roughly ten minutes, rotating occasionally. Let the corn cool, and then cut the kernels off the cob. For canned or frozen corn, simply drain it or thaw it as needed before adding it to your salad.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, create the dressing. Combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. This zesty dressing will serve as a luscious blanket for the other ingredients, tying the dish together beautifully.

Step 4

Now it’s time to bring everything together. In the same large bowl with your dressing, add the cooled pasta, corn kernels, cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, diced red onion, and jalapeño if you’re including it. Gently toss all the ingredients until they are completely coated in the dressing. This colorful mix should be both visually stunning and deliciously inviting. To allow the flavors to develop, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes before serving.

Directions

Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain it in a colander and set it aside to cool completely. If you’re using fresh corn, prepare it by boiling or grilling until tender. For canned or frozen corn, simply drain it or thaw it as necessary. Next, in a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Combine these ingredients thoroughly until you have a liberally flavored sauce. After preparing the dressing, add the cooked pasta, corn kernels, crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, diced red onion, and jalapeño (if using) into the mixture. Toss everything together until each piece of pasta and corn is generously coated with the dressing. To enhance the flavors, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld the flavors beautifully.

Helpful Notes

When preparing your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, consider the following tips to enhance your culinary experience. First, if you’re a fan of spice, adjust the amount of jalapeño and chili powder according to your taste preference. You may also want to try roasting the corn in the oven to deepen its sweetness. Additionally, if you’re not serving this dish immediately, skip adding the fresh cilantro until just before serving to maintain its bright flavor and appearance.

Using gluten-free pasta or chickpea pasta creates a gluten-friendly version of this dish while maintaining the wonderful taste. If you prefer more vegetables, feel free to toss in diced red bell peppers or even some avocados for a creamy texture.

Storage & Reheating Tips

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is perfect for make-ahead meals since the flavors only get better with time! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you decide to freeze it, be aware that the texture may change after thawing. Therefore, it’s best enjoyed fresh. To refresh the salad, add a splash more lime juice or a little more sour cream to revive its creamy texture after chilling.

If you’re preparing this salad a day in advance for an event, consider leaving out the corn or adding it right before serving. This will keep the corn crisp and fresh, preventing them from becoming too soft.

FAQs

What can I substitute for cotija cheese?

If cotija is unavailable, crumbled feta or even grated parmesan can serve as an excellent substitute, adding the same salty kick to your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rotini and penne are great choices, you can use any pasta you have on hand. Bowties, fusilli, or even whole wheat spaghetti could be delightful in this recipe.

Is this dish gluten-free?

You can easily make this gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I make it vegan?

Yes! Simply substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives, and skip the cotija cheese or use a plant-based cheese to keep it vegan-friendly.

How can I add protein to the salad?

For added protein, consider mixing in some black beans or grilled chicken. Both will complement the dish without overpowering the original flavors.

How spicy is this salad?

The spice level depends on the jalapeño and chili powder. For less heat, you can skip the jalapeño or remove the seeds before dicing. Adjust the chili powder according to your spice tolerance.

Can I add avocado?

Certainly! Avocado adds creaminess and pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients. However, it is best to add the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.

Conclusion

In summary, Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress family and friends at any gathering. Whether you’re kicking off summer with a barbecue or just craving a taste of something fresh and exciting, this salad deserves a place on your table. Don’t hesitate to make this delicious Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad your own by customizing it with your favorite toppings or ingredients. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy this delightful culinary creation today!