Description
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender pasta, smoky corn, and a creamy, tangy dressing infused with chili powder and cumin. Enhanced with fresh cilantro and salty feta or cotija cheese, it delivers a perfect blend of textures and tastes for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing salad ideal for summer gatherings or quick meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz. elbow macaroni or any pasta of choice (quinoa can be used for gluten-free)
Corn
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned; grilled for smoky flavor)
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise (Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- ¼ cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (or parsley)
- ½ cup crumbled feta or cotija cheese
- Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños or avocado
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking and cool the pasta.
- Prepare the Corn: For fresh corn, grill until charred and cut kernels off the cob. For frozen corn, thaw and sauté in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Drain canned corn well.
- Make the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, prepared corn, chopped cilantro, and dressing, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.
- Add Cheese: Fold in the crumbled feta or cotija cheese, ensuring it is well incorporated to add creaminess and saltiness.
- Chill (Optional): Refrigerate the salad for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld, or serve immediately if desired.
Notes
- For a smoky flavor, grilling fresh corn is recommended.
- Quinoa pasta can be used to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Greek yogurt or plain yogurt can substitute mayonnaise and sour cream for a lighter dressing.
- Adjust chili powder amount to control heat level.
- Optional toppings like sliced jalapeños or avocado add extra spice and creaminess.
- Chilling the salad enhances flavor melding but is not mandatory.
