Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that truly captures the essence of summer. With its vibrant ingredients, including fresh corn, spicy jalapenos, and a zesty chili lime dressing, this pasta salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any gathering. In just 30 minutes, you can create a dish that not only pleases the palate but also offers a refreshing twist on traditional pasta salads.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, this salad is perfect for those busy days when you need to whip up something delicious fast.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet corn, spicy jalapenos, and creamy dressing creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Versatile Dish: Great as a side or main dish, this salad complements grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, this recipe serves six and is sure to impress guests with its colorful presentation and taste.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and made from scratch, this pasta salad is both nutritious and satisfying.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Sharp knife
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Necessary for boiling pasta efficiently while allowing enough room for it to cook evenly.
• Skillet: Perfect for cooking corn to achieve that desirable charred flavor.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients smoothly without spilling.
• Sharp knife: Important for easily cutting corn off the cob and chopping vegetables accurately.

Ingredients

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is bursting with the flavors of fresh summer corn, jalapenos, red onion, and a creamy chili lime dressing. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect dish for feeding a crowd!

For the Salad

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or melted butter
• 6 ears corn (husks removed) – approximately 4 ½ to 5 cups of corn kernels or frozen/canned corn
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 8 oz. dry uncooked pasta (such as fusilli or farfalle)
• 2 medium jalapeno (seeded and sliced/chopped)
• ½ cup red onion (chopped finely)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped – more for garnish)

For the Dressing

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons sour cream (or Mexican crema)
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon lime zest (from one lime – optional)
• ¼ cup lime juice (freshly squeezed from 1 ½ to 2 limes)

For Garnish

• ½ cup cotija cheese (crumbled)

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Corn

When it comes to cooking the corn, you have two options:
1. Grill Corn:
– Heat a gas grill to 400 degrees F.
– Peel back the husks of the corn and remove the silk.
– Brush them with oil on all sides.
– Place them on the grill and cook for about 15-20 minutes until lightly charred; turn them every 5 minutes for even cooking.
– Let cool before cutting off kernels using a sharp knife.

1. Cook in Skillet:
2. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Remove kernels from the cob using a sharp knife.
4. Transfer them to the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes until slightly caramelized.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

• While the corn cools, season a large pot of water with plenty of salt and bring it to a boil.
• Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

• Add cooked corn into the same bowl with pasta.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

• In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, lime juice, lime zest (if using), salt, and pepper.
• Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 5: Assemble Salad

• Drizzle dressing over corn and pasta; toss well to coat evenly.
• Stir in jalapenos, onion, and cilantro.
• Garnish with additional cilantro if desired and taste before serving; adjust seasoning if necessary.

Now you’re ready to enjoy this refreshing Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad recipe is versatile and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or a casual family dinner, here are some great ways to serve it.

Pair with Grilled Proteins

• Chicken Skewers: Marinate chicken in lime juice and spices, then grill for a flavorful complement.
• Beef Tacos: Serve alongside tasty beef tacos filled with fresh toppings for a delightful meal combo.

Add Fresh Sides

• Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip adds richness and pairs beautifully with the salad.
• Fresh Salsa: A zesty tomato salsa brings a refreshing contrast that enhances the overall flavor.

Make It a Main Dish

• Add Black Beans: Incorporate black beans for extra protein and fiber, turning this salad into a hearty main dish.
• Top with Grilled Shrimp: For seafood lovers, grilled shrimp can elevate the dish and add a touch of elegance.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

To ensure your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is as delicious as possible, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold flavors: Don’t shy away from using fresh lime juice and zest; they brighten the dish significantly.
• Perfectly cooked pasta: Cook pasta al dente to maintain its texture when mixed with the other ingredients.
• Charred corn: Aim for slightly charred corn; this enhances the smoky flavor that defines street corn.
• Fresh herbs: Use freshly chopped cilantro for garnish; it adds vibrant color and fresh taste.
• Adjust seasoning: Always taste before serving; adjust salt and pepper based on your preferences.
• Keep it chilled: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving for better flavor melding.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Serving your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad alongside complementary side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Vegetables: A mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus adds color and nutrition to your plate.
2. Chili Lime Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes seasoned with chili powder echo the flavors in the pasta salad.
3. Cornbread Muffins: These sweet muffins provide a delightful contrast to the savory salad.
4. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit medley balances out the spicy notes of the pasta salad perfectly.
5. Stuffed Avocados: Creamy avocados stuffed with quinoa or beans make for a nutritious side option.
6. Mexican Quinoa Bowl: This protein-packed dish complements the salad while adding different textures and flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, avoiding common mistakes can enhance the dish’s flavor and presentation.

• Using raw corn: Always cook your corn before adding it to the salad. Grilled or sautéed corn enhances the flavor and adds a nice texture.
• Overcooking pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and affects the overall texture of your salad.
• Neglecting seasoning: Don’t skip on seasoning your dressing. Taste as you go, adjusting lime juice, salt, and pepper for a balanced flavor.
• Forgetting to chill: Allowing the salad to chill helps the flavors meld together. Serve it cold for the best taste experience.
• Skipping garnishes: Garnishes like fresh cilantro add color and a burst of freshness. Don’t forget to sprinkle some on top before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep it in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

• This salad is not ideal for freezing due to the creamy dressing which may separate upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, heat in short bursts (1 minute), stirring in between until warmed.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad recipe.

What is a Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe?

This dish combines traditional elote flavors with pasta, featuring ingredients like corn, jalapenos, and a creamy chili lime dressing.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it up to a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator to allow flavors to develop.

What can I substitute for cotija cheese?

Feta cheese or shredded mozzarella can be used as alternatives if cotija is unavailable.

How spicy is this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe?

The spice level depends on how many jalapenos you add. For milder heat, use fewer jalapenos or remove seeds.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is not only vibrant but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite mix-ins or adjusting spice levels. Try this refreshing dish at your next gathering!