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Flavorful Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad - featured image
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This recipe combines the bold flavors of classic Mexican street corn with the satisfying chewiness of pasta. It’s bright, creamy, and bursting with flavor, making it an instant favorite at family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow, fusilli, or bowtie work great)
  • 2 cups grilled corn kernels (fresh or frozen, charred lightly)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup diced red bell pepper
  • ½ cup finely chopped red onion
  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • ½ cup crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta as a substitute)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Extra chopped cilantro (optional garnish)
  • Additional Cotija cheese (optional garnish)
  • Fresh lime wedges (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Boil 2 cups of your chosen pasta (elbow, bowtie, or fusilli) according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
  2. If using fresh corn, shuck the ears and lightly coat them with olive oil. Grill over medium-high heat for about 8 minutes, turning occasionally until slightly charred. Let cool, then cut the kernels off the cob.
  3. Dice the red bell pepper, red onion, and halve the cherry tomatoes. Chop fresh cilantro and set aside.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, grilled corn, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and Cotija cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  7. Garnish with extra cilantro, Cotija cheese, and lime wedges if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

[‘Don’t overcook the pasta to keep it al dente.’, ‘Char the corn properly to achieve a smoky flavor.’, ‘Use fresh lime juice for the best taste.’, ‘Customize the spice level by adding more chili powder or cayenne.’, ‘Make ahead for deeper flavors, but add garnishes right before serving.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican street corn, pasta salad, summer recipe, potluck dish, BBQ side, easy recipe

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/flavorful-mexican-street-corn-pasta-salad-recipe/