Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is the perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a delightful addition to any meal. With its creamy dressing, fresh cilantro, and crunchy corn, this dish is ideal for potlucks, barbecues, or just a cozy family dinner. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and how it brings a taste of summer to your table all year round.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a simple choice for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of tangy lime juice, creamy dressing, and savory Cotija cheese creates an irresistible taste.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side or main course, this salad suits various occasions from casual gatherings to festive celebrations.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the sweet corn and creamy texture—it’s a hit with everyone!
• Make Ahead: This salad stores well in the fridge, allowing you to prepare it in advance for even more convenience.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Serving platter
• Spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking pasta evenly without overcrowding.
• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows for easy mixing of ingredients without spills.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements lead to consistent results in flavor and texture.

Ingredients

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is loaded with corn, cotija cheese, and a deliciously tangy dressing that is the stuff dreams are made of. It’s quick and easy to throw together and is made up of mostly pantry ingredients that you’ve probably already got in your kitchen!

For the Pasta

• 16 oz. rotini pasta
• 2 teaspoons olive oil

For the Corn Mixture

• 4 (10 oz.) bags frozen fire-roasted corn (cooked according to package directions) or 3 (15 oz.) cans of corn, drained
• 1 cup crumbled Cotija or queso fresco cheese
• 1/3 cup freshly chopped cilantro + more for garnish

For the Dressing

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• a couple pinches cayenne pepper
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 teaspoons lime zest
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• Fresh cracked pepper (to taste)

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring water to a boil in a large pot.
2. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and toss with 2 teaspoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Set aside to cool to room temperature; you can speed up this process by placing it in the fridge.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

1. In a medium bowl, combine:
2. 1 cup sour cream
3. 1/2 cup mayonnaise
4. 2 tablespoons olive oil
5. 1 teaspoon chili powder
6. 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
7. a couple pinches cayenne pepper
8. 3 tablespoons lime juice
9. 2 teaspoons lime zest
10. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, add:
2. The cooled pasta,
3. The cooked corn,
4. The crumbled Cotija cheese,
5. The chopped cilantro.

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

1. Pour most of the dressing over the pasta mixture.
2. Toss gently until everything is well coated.

Step 5: Serve

1. Transfer your salad to a serving platter.
2. Drizzle with any remaining dressing on top.
3. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you are hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, here are some serving suggestions that will elevate this flavorful salad.

As a Standalone Dish

• This pasta salad is hearty enough to serve on its own as a light lunch or dinner option, making it perfect for warm days.

With Grilled Proteins

• Pair your salad with grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp for a complete meal. The smoky flavors complement the creamy dressing beautifully.

On Taco Night

• Use this pasta salad as a side dish during taco night. Its zesty flavors will enhance your homemade tacos and bring an extra layer of excitement to the table.

As Part of a Potluck Spread

• This salad is an excellent choice for potlucks and gatherings. It’s easy to transport and serves a crowd, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy it.

With Fresh Tortilla Chips

• Serve alongside crispy tortilla chips for added crunch. Dip the chips into the pasta salad for a fun twist on traditional dipping options.

Topped with Extra Garnishes

• Add extra cilantro, lime wedges, or even avocado slices as garnish when serving. These fresh additions will brighten up the dish visually and flavor-wise.

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How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

To make the best Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad possible, consider these helpful tips that can enhance both flavor and texture.

• Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh corn and good-quality cheeses like Cotija can significantly elevate the taste of your salad.
• Adjust spice levels: Modify the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper according to your heat preference to suit your palate.
• Let it chill: Allowing the salad to rest in the fridge for at least an hour before serving enhances flavors as they meld together beautifully.
• Experiment with add-ins: Consider adding diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or black beans for additional textures and tastes that complement the main ingredients.
• Fresh lime juice: Always use freshly squeezed lime juice instead of bottled; it adds brightness and freshness that bottled juices often lack.
• Garnish generously: Don’t skimp on garnishes like cilantro or lime zest; they add visual appeal and deepen flavor profiles.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

When planning your meal around this delicious Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, consider pairing it with these delightful side dishes that will round out your dining experience perfectly.

1. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus tossed in olive oil make for a colorful and healthy side.
2. Black Bean Tacos: Simple yet satisfying black bean tacos provide protein and complement the flavors of the pasta salad nicely.
3. Guacamole: Creamy avocado guacamole adds richness and pairs perfectly with the zesty notes in the pasta salad.
4. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with cilantro and lime enhances the overall theme of vibrant flavors in your meal.
5. Chips and Salsa: Offer a crunchy texture with homemade tortilla chips served alongside fresh salsa for dipping.
6. Mexican Street Corn (Elote): This classic street food brings familiar flavors that tie back into your pasta salad’s inspiration while being deliciously charred.
7. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad featuring tropical fruits like mangoes and pineapples provides a sweet contrast to savory dishes.
8. Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas filled with veggies offer an easy-to-make side that everyone enjoys alongside this pasta salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad can be a breeze, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the Cool Down – Not allowing the pasta to cool can cause the dressing to thin out too much. Make sure to let it reach room temperature before mixing.
• Overcooking the Pasta – Cooking the pasta too long can make it mushy. Aim for al dente, which will hold up better in your salad.
• Ignoring Flavor Balancing – Forgetting to taste and adjust seasoning can lead to blandness. Always sample your salad and add more lime, salt, or pepper as needed.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients – Cheap ingredients can affect the overall flavor. Opt for high-quality Cotija cheese and fresh herbs for the best results.
• Not Allowing Time for Flavors to Marry – Serving immediately might miss out on enhanced flavors. If possible, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3 days for best quality.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

• Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes after thawing.
• If necessary, use a freezer-safe container and consume within a month.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat in microwave-safe dish in 30-second increments until warm; stir between intervals.
• Stovetop – Warm on medium heat in a pan with a splash of water or dressing until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad?

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad combines traditional elote flavors with pasta, creating a creamy and tangy side dish that’s perfect for gatherings.

How can I customize my Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad?

You can add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or jalapeños, or swap Cotija cheese with feta or goat cheese for different flavors.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! It tastes even better when the flavors meld together. Prepare it a few hours before serving or even the day before.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, simply substitute regular rotini pasta with gluten-free pasta options available at most grocery stores.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with various ingredients based on your preferences. Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue or enjoying it as a light meal, it’s sure to impress. Give this recipe a try and savor its delightful flavors!

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Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

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• Author: Dina
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavor-packed dish that combines the classic tastes of elote with pasta, creating a delightful side or main course. This refreshing salad features rotini pasta tossed with fire-roasted corn, creamy dressing, zesty lime, and Cotija cheese, all enhanced by fresh cilantro. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or family dinners, this dish is not only easy to make but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy it throughout the year as a taste of summer on your plate!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 16 oz rotini pasta
• 4 (10 oz) bags frozen fire-roasted corn or 3 (15 oz) cans corn
• 1 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
• 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• a couple pinches cayenne pepper
• kosher salt (to taste)
• fresh cracked pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Cook the rotini pasta in boiling water until al dente, then drain and cool.
2. In a bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, cooked corn, Cotija cheese, and cilantro.
4. Pour most of the dressing over the salad and toss gently until well coated.
5. Transfer to a serving platter and drizzle with remaining dressing; garnish with additional cilantro.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Side dish
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 20mg