This Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a colorful and tasty dish! It combines pasta, corn, spices, and fresh veggies for a fun twist on a classic. Yum!
When I make this salad, I can’t resist sneaking spoonfuls while it chills in the fridge. The mix of sweet corn and creamy dressing is so good, you’ll want to serve it at every BBQ! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini because the twists help hold onto the creamy dressing well. But you can substitute with any pasta you like—penne or fusilli work great too!
Corn: Fresh corn is fantastic for that sweet crunch. If it’s not in season, frozen corn is a good backup. Just thaw it well and it will work perfectly.
Cotija Cheese: This cheese has a yummy salty flavor that’s perfect here. If you can’t find it, feta is a solid substitute. It’ll give a slightly different taste but is still delicious!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor, but if you’re not a fan, parsley is a good swap. You can also skip herbs altogether if you prefer.
How Do You Make Sure Your Pasta Salad Is Flavored Perfectly?
Getting the flavors just right in your pasta salad takes a bit of thought. Starting with a good dressing is key!
- Make sure to taste your dressing before combining it with the pasta. You can always add more lime juice or spices to balance the flavor.
- After mixing everything, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavors more time to marry together.
- Before serving, do a final taste check and adjust seasoning as needed. A pinch of salt or a squeeze of lime can really elevate your dish!
Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Corn:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (about 3 cups uncooked)
- 3 cups corn kernels (fresh or thawed frozen)
Dressing and Fillings:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta as a substitute)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then at least 30 minutes chilling in the refrigerator. So in total, you’ll be looking at around 45 minutes before it’s ready to serve. Perfect for meal prep or gathering with friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Add in the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set the cooled pasta aside.
2. Prepare the Corn:
If you’re using fresh corn, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and sauté them, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly charred (about 5 to 7 minutes). If you opted for frozen corn, just make sure it’s thawed and drained of any moisture.
3. Mix the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk to blend everything together until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Add the cooled pasta and cooked corn into the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and corn are well coated with the dressing.
5. Add Fresh Ingredients:
Fold in the chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and half of the cotija cheese. Mix gently to distribute all the ingredients evenly.
6. Taste and Adjust:
Take a moment to taste the salad. If you think it needs more flavor, feel free to add extra salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lime juice to brighten it up.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the pasta salad to a serving bowl. Sprinkle the remaining cotija cheese on top and garnish with more chili powder and fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
8. Chill Before Serving:
For the best flavor, cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully together.
Enjoy your delicious, creamy, and slightly spicy Mexican street corn pasta salad! It’s perfect for all your gatherings or as a delightful side dish!
FAQ for Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for the dressing to cling onto, you can use any pasta shape you prefer—penne, fusilli, or even small shells would work wonderfully!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives, and skip the cotija cheese or use a shredded plant-based cheese. Tofu or avocado can also add creaminess!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again to refresh the flavors!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, jalapeños, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and crunch. Just ensure they are chopped small enough to mix well with the pasta!
