Enjoy the vibrant and bold flavors of Mexican street corn in this delicious pasta salad! Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or as a side dish, this salad combines tender pasta, sweet corn, and a creamy, tangy dressing.
📋 Ingredients:
- 🍝 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 🌽 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 🧀 1 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta cheese)
- 🌿 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 🥓 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 🌶 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional, for extra heat)
- 🥑 1 avocado, diced (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 🍋 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 🍋 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 🍋 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 🌶 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 🌿 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 🌿 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 🌿 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
📝 Directions:
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool. Set aside.
2️⃣ Prepare the Corn:
- If using fresh corn, grill or sauté the corn kernels until lightly charred. If using canned or frozen corn, drain and rinse (thaw if frozen) and optionally sauté until slightly charred.
3️⃣ Make the Dressing:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic until smooth and well combined.
4️⃣ Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the cooked and cooled pasta, charred corn, crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, chopped red onion, and diced jalapeño (if using) to the bowl with the dressing. Toss to combine and coat everything evenly.
5️⃣ Add Avocado (Optional):
- If using, gently fold in the diced avocado just before serving to prevent it from browning.
6️⃣ Serve:
- Transfer the pasta salad to a serving dish. Garnish with additional cilantro and cotija cheese if desired.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings
Calories: 300 kcal per serving
💡 Notes:
- For an extra kick, you can sprinkle a bit of Tajín or additional chili powder on top before serving.
- This pasta salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add the avocado just before serving to keep it fresh.
- You can also add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp to make this a more substantial meal.