Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delightful dish perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or any family gathering. Loaded with sweet corn, creamy Cotija cheese, and a tangy dressing, it offers a refreshing twist on traditional pasta salads. Quick to prepare and made with pantry staples, this salad is not just tasty but also visually stunning, making it an ideal side for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This salad takes just 20 minutes to make, allowing you to whip it up even on busy days.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of fire-roasted corn and Cotija cheese creates a rich and satisfying taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side for barbecues, picnics, or even as a light lunch on its own.
- Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe serves 10 people, making it an excellent choice for gatherings and parties.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients like avocado or black beans for an extra twist.
Tools and Preparation
To create this delicious Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Mixing bowls
- Colander
- Whisk
- Serving platter
Importance of Each Tool
- Large Pot: Necessary for boiling the rotini pasta until perfectly al dente.
- Mixing Bowls: Ideal for combining ingredients without mess.
- Colander: Helps drain the pasta efficiently.
- Whisk: Ensures a smooth and well-blended dressing.
Ingredients
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is loaded with corn, cotija and a deliciously tangy, creamy 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 Salad
- 16 oz. rotini pasta
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 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 the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Toss with 2 teaspoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Set aside to cool at room temperature or chill in the fridge to speed up cooling.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, lime zest and juice.
- Add a couple large pinches of salt and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
Step 3: Mix Everything Together
- In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, corn, Cotija cheese, and cilantro.
- Pour most of the dressing over the pasta mixture.
Step 4: Toss & Serve
- Toss everything until well coated with the dressing.
- Transfer to a serving platter.
- Drizzle with remaining dressing and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
Enjoy your flavorful Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad at your next gathering!
How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Perfect for gatherings or as a side for your favorite meals, it’s both flavorful and colorful.
As a Side Dish
- Serve it alongside grilled meats like chicken or steak for a complete meal.
- Pair with tacos for a fun and festive dinner.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Scoop the pasta salad into crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh twist.
- This makes for a low-carb option that’s still packed with flavor.
Topped with Avocado
- Add slices of ripe avocado on top for creaminess.
- This addition enhances the texture and adds healthy fats.
With Additional Proteins
- Mix in shredded rotisserie chicken or black beans for added protein.
- This elevates the salad to a heartier main dish, especially for lunch.
How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
To make your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad truly shine, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh corn off the cob can elevate the salad’s taste compared to canned options.
- Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to chill enhances its flavors and makes it refreshing.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lime juice according to your preference before serving.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to add additional spices like cumin or smoked paprika for extra depth.
- Garnish generously: Adding extra cilantro or lime wedges when serving can give it a vibrant look and flavor boost.
Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Pairing side dishes with your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad can create an unforgettable meal experience. Here are some excellent choices:
- Grilled Chicken: Marinated chicken thighs or breasts grilled to perfection complement the flavors beautifully.
- Fish Tacos: Lightly battered fish wrapped in tortillas enhance the festive vibe of your meal.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds richness and pairs well with the tanginess of the pasta salad.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa provide a fun contrast in textures.
- Mexican Black Beans: Flavorful black beans seasoned with garlic and cumin offer protein and balance to the meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring color and nutrition, making them an ideal accompaniment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad can be a breeze, but small mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overcooking pasta: Cooking the pasta too long can result in a mushy texture. Always check for al dente according to package directions.
- Skipping the cooling step: Adding hot pasta to the salad can wilt other ingredients. Allow it to cool completely before mixing.
- Using stale spices: Old spices lose their flavor. Always check your spice cabinet and use fresh spices for the best taste.
- Ignoring salt and pepper: Under-seasoning can make your salad bland. Taste as you go, and adjust seasoning based on your preference.
- Not mixing enough: A proper toss is essential for even dressing distribution. Mix thoroughly to ensure every bite is flavorful.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Enjoy within 3-5 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Not recommended, as the creamy dressing may separate upon thawing.
- If necessary, freeze without dressing and add fresh dressing upon serving.
Reheating Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat covered for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warmed through, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat in a pan while stirring frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about this delicious dish, check out these common questions:
What is Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad?
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a flavorful mix of pasta, corn, Cotija cheese, and a tangy dressing inspired by elote.
How do I customize my Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad?
Feel free to add diced jalapeños for heat, black beans for protein, or avocado for creaminess.
Can I make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
What should I serve with Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad?
This salad pairs well with grilled meats or tacos. It’s also great as a side dish at barbecues.
Final Thoughts
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that make it irresistible. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your taste preferences. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a casual meal at home, this salad is sure to impress!
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 10 people 1x
Description
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that captures the essence of summer gatherings. Infused with the rich tastes of sweet corn, creamy Cotija cheese, and a zesty dressing, this pasta salad reimagines traditional recipes into a festive side that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or tacos. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or casual family dinners, it’s not only quick to prepare in just 20 minutes but also visually stunning, making it a crowd favorite. Enjoy this refreshing salad as a satisfying side or a light lunch on its own.
Ingredients
- 16 oz rotini pasta
- 4 (10 oz) bags frozen fire-roasted corn or 3 (15 oz) cans of drained corn
- 1 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
- 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
Instructions
- 1. Cook the rotini pasta until al dente; toss with olive oil and let cool.
- 2. Mix dressing ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- 3. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, corn, Cotija cheese, and cilantro.
- 4. Pour dressing over the mixture and toss until evenly coated. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 175g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
