Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together the best of both worlds: the heartiness of pasta and the zesty flavors of Mexican street corn. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a quick weeknight dinner, this salad is sure to impress your guests. Loaded with sweet corn, creamy Cotija cheese, and a tangy dressing, it’s a delightful treat that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Combination: The mix of sweet corn, zesty lime, and creamy dressing creates an unforgettable taste experience.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side at barbecues or enjoy it as a light meal on its own.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Pantry Staples: Most ingredients are likely already in your kitchen, making it a convenient option for last-minute meals.
Tools and Preparation
To create this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander
- Serving platter
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta efficiently.
- Mixing bowl: Helps combine all ingredients easily without mess.
- Colander: Drains excess water from the pasta quickly to prevent sogginess.
Ingredients
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is loaded with corn, cotija cheese, and a deliciously tangy dressing that is the stuff dreams are made of. It’s quick and easy to throw together and is made up of mostly pantry ingredients that you’ve probably already got in your kitchen!
For the Pasta
- 16 oz. rotini pasta
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
For the Corn Mixture
- 4 (10 oz.) bags frozen fire-roasted corn (cooked according to package directions) or 3 (15 oz.) cans of corn, drained
- 1 cup crumbled Cotija or queso fresco cheese
- 1/3 cup freshly chopped cilantro + more for garnish
For the Dressing
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- a couple pinches cayenne pepper
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 teaspoons lime zest
- Kosher salt
- fresh cracked pepper
How to Make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Toss with 2 teaspoons olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Set aside to cool to room temperature or place in the fridge to speed up cooling.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- In a medium bowl combine:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- A couple pinches cayenne pepper
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 teaspoons lime zest
- A couple large pinches of salt and pepper.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Add cooled pasta, corn, Cotija cheese, and cilantro into a large bowl.
- Pour most of the dressing over the pasta mixture.
Step 4: Toss Until Coated
- Gently toss everything until well coated with dressing.
Step 5: Serve
- Transfer salad to a serving platter.
- Drizzle with remaining dressing and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. Here are some creative ways to serve it that will make your meal even more enjoyable.
As a Standalone Dish
- Perfect for picnics: This pasta salad is ideal for outdoor gatherings, serving as a filling dish that doesn’t require utensils.
- Great for potlucks: Share this with friends and family at any event; it’s sure to be a hit!
With Grilled Meats
- Pair with grilled chicken: The creamy texture complements the smoky flavor of grilled chicken beautifully.
- Serve alongside steak: A hearty steak dinner paired with this salad makes for a satisfying meal.
On Taco Night
- Use as a taco topping: Add a scoop on top of your tacos for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
- Mix into burritos: Incorporate it into burritos for added creaminess and crunch.
With Fresh Greens
- Serve over mixed greens: Create a fresh salad by placing the pasta salad over a bed of leafy greens.
- Add to wraps: Roll up the pasta salad with lettuce in a wrap for a quick and tasty lunch option.
How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
To ensure your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad turns out amazing every time, consider these simple tips.
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh corn or high-quality frozen corn can elevate the flavor significantly.
- Let it chill: Allowing the salad to sit in the fridge for at least an hour helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lime juice according to your preference before serving.
- Vary the toppings: Experiment with different herbs like parsley or green onions for added freshness.
- Swap cheeses: If Cotija isn’t available, queso fresco or feta can be great substitutes without losing that tangy flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Looking to round out your meal? Here are some fantastic side dishes that pair well with Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad.
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Marinate shrimp in lime and garlic, then grill them for a tasty complement.
- Black Bean Tacos: Simple yet flavorful, black bean tacos can provide protein while keeping the meal light.
- Avocado Salsa: Fresh avocado salsa brings creamy texture and zest, making it an ideal side.
- Guacamole and Chips: Classic guacamole served with tortilla chips adds crunch and richness to your spread.
- Roasted Vegetables: Season seasonal veggies with spices and roast until tender for a healthy side option.
- Mexican Rice: Flavored with spices and tomatoes, this rice dish enhances the overall meal experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to keep in mind.
- Using the wrong pasta – Opt for rotini or another shape that holds dressing well. Avoid flat pasta like spaghetti which may not absorb flavors.
- Skipping the cooling step – Let the pasta cool completely before mixing it with the dressing. This prevents the dressing from becoming watery and ensures a better texture.
- Overloading on salt – Be cautious with salt in the dressing and when cooking pasta. You can always add more later, but you can’t take it out if it’s too salty.
- Not using fresh ingredients – Fresh cilantro and lime juice enhance flavor significantly. Dried herbs and bottled lime juice won’t deliver the same taste.
- Ignoring storage tips – Store leftovers properly in an airtight container. Leaving it exposed will dry out the ingredients and diminish flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator without losing flavor.
Freezing Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy dressing and fresh ingredients that may separate upon thawing.
- If you must freeze it, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave – Place individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover lightly to prevent splatters and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop – Heat on low heat while stirring frequently until warm. Add a splash of olive oil if needed to restore creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad that can help you perfect your dish.
What makes Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad special?
This salad combines sweet corn with creamy dressing and spices, creating a delicious fusion of flavors inspired by traditional elote.
Can I customize my Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad?
Absolutely! You can add ingredients like diced bell peppers, black beans, or avocado for extra flavor and nutrition.
How do I make this salad healthier?
Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt and use light mayonnaise. You can also reduce cheese or add more vegetables for added nutrients.
What can I serve with my Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad?
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, tacos, or as a side dish at barbecues and picnics.
Final Thoughts
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is not only delicious but versatile too! Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue or enjoying it as a quick lunch, its creamy texture and zesty flavors will surely delight everyone. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients for a personal touch!
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant fusion of flavors that combines the heartiness of pasta with the zesty essence of traditional Mexican street corn. This delightful dish is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or as a quick weeknight meal that will impress your family and friends. With sweet corn, creamy Cotija cheese, and a tangy dressing, each bite bursts with freshness and flavor. Not only is it quick to prepare in just 20 minutes, but it’s also versatile enough to serve as a side or a light main dish. Whether enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, this salad is sure to be a hit all year round.
Ingredients
- 16 oz rotini pasta
- 4 bags frozen fire-roasted corn or 3 cans corn
- 1 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and let cool.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, lime zest, salt, and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, corn, Cotija cheese, and cilantro.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until well coated.
- Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with extra cilantro before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad/Sides
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
