This Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is like a fiesta in a bowl! It’s made with tasty corn, creamy dressing, and fun pasta, all mixed together to give your taste buds a happy dance.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using rotini or penne for this salad. Their shapes hold the dressing well. If you want a gluten-free option, go for gluten-free pasta or quinoa for a different texture.
Corn: Fresh corn is lovely when grilled or sautéed for a smoky flavor, but canned or thawed frozen corn works just fine for convenience. You could also add roasted corn for extra flavor.
Cotija Cheese: Cotija cheese gives a great flavor, but if you can’t find it, crumble some feta cheese as a nice substitute. For a dairy-free option, consider using nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste.
Mayonnaise: If you want a lighter version, try Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for creaminess with added protein, or mix half sour cream for a tasty twist.
How Do You Cook Pasta Perfectly for This Salad?
Cooking pasta perfectly ensures your salad has the right texture. Follow these tips:
- Use plenty of water. It helps prevent sticking.
- Salt the water generously; this adds flavor to the pasta.
- Cook the pasta until al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. This is crucial because it will soften more when mixed with the dressing.
- Rinse the cooked pasta under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down quickly.
These steps will help keep the pasta from becoming mushy in your salad. Happy cooking!
Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese (crumbled) or feta cheese as a substitute
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus an extra 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. The total time is about 50 minutes, giving the flavors a chance to blend beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This means it should be cooked but still firm to the bite. Once done, drain the pasta and give it a quick rinse under cold water to cool it off. Set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Prepare the Corn:
If you’re using fresh corn, take a moment to grill or sauté the corn kernels over medium heat until they get a nice char (about 5 minutes). This step adds a lovely smoky flavor. If you’re using canned or frozen corn, you can skip the cooking step or sauté it briefly for a bit of flavor.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta and your corn (whichever type you chose). Mix them together gently.
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and a little salt and pepper. This creamy dressing is what ties everything together!
5. Combine and Toss:
Pour the dressing over the pasta and corn mixture, and toss everything together to ensure it’s well coated. This is where the magic happens as every bite becomes delicious!
6. Add Cheese and Cilantro:
Next, add your crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro to the mixture. Gently mix again to combine these flavorful elements, making sure not to break up the cheese too much.
7. Taste and Adjust:
Give it a taste! If you think it needs more flavor, feel free to add extra salt, pepper, or a squeeze more lime juice.
8. Chill and Serve:
For the best flavor, cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows all those delicious flavors to meld together so wonderfully!
This Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is fresh, creamy, and perfect for any occasion—big family gatherings, BBQs, or a relaxing day at home! Enjoy every cheerful bite!
FAQ: Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini and penne work well, you can use any pasta shape you prefer or have on hand, such as fusilli, farfalle, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just make sure to cook it al dente!
How Can I Make This Salad Spicier?
If you want to spice things up, add extra chili powder or toss in some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance for the perfect kick!
How Long Does This Salad Last in the Fridge?
This pasta salad can last in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. However, it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days for optimal freshness and flavor.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayo, and replace cotija cheese with a plant-based cheese or simply omit it for a lighter version. The salad will still be delicious!
