why make this recipe
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on traditional street corn. It combines the flavors of Mexico with a pasta salad, making it a perfect dish for picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings. This salad is not only delicious but also easy to make. It’s a great way to enjoy fresh ingredients while bringing a taste of summer to your table year-round.
how to make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente according to package instructions; drain and rinse with cold water.
- Prepare the corn by grilling fresh corn and cutting the kernels off the cob, or use frozen or canned corn.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and cotija cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until well coated.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve chilled, with additional lime wedges if desired.
how to serve Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Serve this salad chilled as a refreshing side dish at barbecues, parties, or family gatherings. You can also serve it as a main dish for a light meal. Adding lime wedges on the side enhances the fresh flavor, giving everyone the option to add a splash of citrus.
how to store Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about 2-3 days, but for the best taste, enjoy it within the first day or two. If the salad seems dry after storing, you can add a little extra dressing to freshen it up.
tips to make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Use freshly grilled corn for the best flavor, but frozen or canned corn works as well for convenience.
- If you like a little extra spice, add some diced jalapeños to the salad.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute vegan mayonnaise and cheese.
variation
You can switch up the ingredients based on what you have. Try adding bell peppers, avocado, or even black beans for a different taste. You can also replace elbow macaroni with rotini or any pasta shape you prefer.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other types of cheese?
A: Yes, you can use feta or shredded cheddar cheese if you can’t find cotija.
Q: How can I make this salad spicier?
A: Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder to the dressing for a spicy kick.
Q: Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This salad tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, as the flavors will continue to meld.
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni Cooked until al dente.
- 1 cup corn kernels Can be fresh, frozen, or canned.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes Halved.
- 1/2 cup red onion Finely chopped.
- 1/2 cup cilantro Chopped.
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese Crumbled.
Dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente according to package instructions; drain and rinse with cold water.
- Prepare the corn by grilling fresh corn and cutting the kernels off the cob, or use frozen or canned corn.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
Combine
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and cotija cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until well coated.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Serve
- Serve chilled, with additional lime wedges if desired.