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Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
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Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant, creamy, and tangy dish that fuses the comforting texture of al dente pasta with bold Mexican street corn flavors. Featuring fresh corn, cotija cheese, lime juice, and a spicy creamy dressing, this salad is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or flavorful weeknight meals. Quick to prepare and easily customizable, it offers a refreshing combination of smoky, sweet, and zesty tastes that will impress friends and family alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 3 cups elbow macaroni or rotini pasta

Corn

  • 3 ears of fresh corn, grilled or boiled, kernels removed (about 2 cups)

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Cheese and Extras

  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
  • 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
  2. Prepare the Corn: Grill or boil fresh corn ears until tender. For a smoky flavor, grilling is preferred. Once cooked, carefully cut the kernels off the cob and set aside.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and chopped cilantro until creamy and well blended.
  4. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, corn kernels, and dressing. Toss gently to coat evenly. Stir in crumbled cotija cheese and diced jalapeño if using.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Before serving, stir gently and garnish with extra cilantro or cotija cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh corn whenever possible for the best texture and natural sweetness.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; al dente pasta holds up better and absorbs the dressing well.
  • Adjust mayonnaise and sour cream quantities to achieve desired creaminess.
  • Chill the salad to allow all flavors to blend deeply.
  • For authentic smoky flavor, char the corn on a grill or skillet.
  • Customize spice level by gradually adding more chili powder or jalapeño to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican street corn pasta salad, creamy corn pasta salad, summer pasta salad, cotija cheese pasta salad, spicy pasta salad

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/easy-mexican-street-corn-pasta-salad/