This Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a fun twist on the classic street corn! It’s packed with sweet corn, creamy dressing, and a hint of spice that brings everyone together.
This dish is colorful and yummy, perfect for picnics or family dinners. I love how quickly it comes together—just boil some pasta, mix in the rest, and it’s ready to eat! 🌽🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This type of pasta is perfect for holding dressing and ingredients. However, feel free to swap it for penne, fusilli, or any short pasta you like. Just make sure it’s a shape that works well with salads!
Corn: Fresh corn gives the best flavor, but frozen corn works just fine too. If you can’t find corn, canned corn can be a quick substitute. Just rinse it well to remove excess sodium.
Cotija Cheese: Cotija is crumbly and adds a nice salty kick, but you can use feta or even goat cheese if you prefer. If you’re dairy-free, omit cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Mayonnaise and Sour Cream: Traditional for creaminess, but you can substitute Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. It adds a tangy flavor too!
Cilantro: For those who aren’t fans of cilantro’s taste, parsley is a great alternative. You’ll still get a fresh herb flavor without the distinctive taste.
How Can I Get the Pasta Just Right?
Cooking pasta perfectly for salads is all about timing. Follow these steps for great results:
- Always boil water and add salt before cooking pasta. This helps the pasta stay flavorful.
- Cook until it’s al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. Overcooking can lead to mushy pasta!
- After draining, rinse with cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools the pasta for your salad.
These tips will ensure your pasta stays the right texture when mixed with other ingredients! Enjoy making your pasta salad! 🎉
Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Corn:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or your favorite short pasta)
- 3 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1-2 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Extras:
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 green onions, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad will take you about 15 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes for cooking the pasta. If you choose to chill the salad in the fridge for a bit, add on another 30 minutes. Total time: approximately 55 minutes if you include chilling!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by boiling a large pot of water. Once it’s bubbling, add a pinch of salt and the rotini pasta. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until it’s al dente. When ready, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking. Set it aside to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Corn:
If you’re using fresh corn, grab a skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and sauté them for about 5 minutes, or until they are lightly charred. If you’re using frozen corn, simply thaw it and drain any excess water.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Everything:
Add the cooled pasta, charred corn, sliced green onions, and half of the cilantro to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together, making sure all the ingredients are well coated.
5. Final Touches:
Sprinkle the cotija cheese and the remaining cilantro over the top of the salad. For an extra pop of color and flavor, add a pinch of chili powder for garnish.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
You can serve the salad immediately or chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Either way, it’s sure to be a hit!
This Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delightful mix of creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors that will brighten any meal. Enjoy your delicious creation! 🌽🍝
FAQ for Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding the dressing, you can substitute it with any short pasta you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To refresh the salad, add a little extra dressing or a splash of lime juice before serving to revive the flavors!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad up to a day in advance. Just make sure to keep it covered in the fridge. Waiting about 30 minutes after mixing for the flavors to meld also enhances the taste.
What Can I Substitute for Cotija Cheese?
If you can’t find cotija cheese, feta cheese is an excellent substitute due to its similar crumbly texture. For a dairy-free option, simply skip the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free alternative.
Enjoy making this delicious salad! 🌽🍝
