Name: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta; 2 cups corn (grilled, frozen, or canned); 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese; 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 1/3 cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

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Introduction

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the creaminess of traditional street corn with the heartiness of pasta. It’s perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or a refreshing side for any meal.

A close-up view of creamy pasta salad in a white bowl, showing one main layer of twisted yellow pasta coated in a smooth, light yellow sauce. Mixed into the pasta are bright yellow corn kernels, small pieces of green avocado, and red grape tomato halves, all topped with scattered fresh green parsley leaves and a light sprinkling of black pepper. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with the colors and textures vibrant and fresh. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta
2 cups corn (grilled, frozen, or canned)
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the corn.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the pasta and corn mixture and toss until everything is fully coated.
Step 4: Gently fold in the chopped cilantro and crumbled cotija cheese.
Step 5: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Tips & Variations

Use grilled corn for the best smoky flavor and texture.
Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce if you like extra heat.
This salad makes a great make-ahead dish for BBQs and potlucks, as the flavors develop well over time.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, give it a good stir and, if needed, add a little lime juice or sour cream to refresh the dressing. It’s best enjoyed chilled.

How to Serve

A bowl of creamy macaroni salad in a white bowl sits on a white marbled surface, showing three main layers: the base layer of soft, curly, pale yellow macaroni pasta, coated with a creamy, light beige dressing; mixed into the pasta are bright yellow corn kernels and small, smooth green avocado chunks adding pops of color; scattered red grape tomato halves add a juicy, shiny red layer, all topped with fresh, dark green parsley leaves and a light sprinkle of coarse black pepper for texture and contrast. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells works well as they hold the dressing nicely and combine well with the corn and cheese.

Is this dish suitable for vegan diets?

This recipe includes mayonnaise, sour cream, and cotija cheese, which are not vegan. You can substitute with vegan mayo, vegan sour cream, and a plant-based cheese alternative to make it vegan-friendly.