Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

$For this dish, I love using small pasta like elbow or rotini. They hold the sauce well and mix nicely with the other ingredients. You can choose from three types of corn: fresh, frozen, or canned. Fresh corn gives a sweet crunch, while frozen and canned options are quick and easy. You also need some colorful veggies to brighten the salad. I recommend one diced red bell pepper for sweetness, half a finely chopped red onion for a bit of bite, and one jalapeño, finely diced. If you want a milder flavor, remove the seeds from the jalapeño. The dressing is where the magic happens. Use half a cup of mayonnaise and a quarter cup of sour cream for creaminess. Then, add a tablespoon of lime juice for tang. Spice things up with one teaspoon of chili powder, and finish with salt and pepper to taste. This mix ties all the flavors together beautifully. For garnishing, crumbled cotija cheese adds a salty kick and creamy texture. Throw in a quarter cup of fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of flavor and color. You can also serve with lime wedges for that extra zesty touch. This will elevate your dish and make it even more refreshing. First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of small pasta. You can use elbow or rotini. Cook until the pasta is al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and keeps the pasta firm. If you have fresh corn, grilling gives it a nice smoky flavor. Brush the corn with a bit of oil. Grill it until charred. After grilling, cut the kernels off the cob. For frozen corn, boil it for a few minutes until tender. Then, drain it well. If using canned corn, just drain and rinse. In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta and corn. Add 1 diced red bell pepper, 1/2 finely chopped red onion, and 1 diced jalapeño. The jalapeño adds a nice kick. Remove the seeds for less heat. Now, sprinkle in 1/2 cup of crumbled cotija cheese. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing. Mix 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of sour cream, and 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Add 1 teaspoon of chili powder, then season with salt and pepper. Pour this dressing over the pasta and mix gently. Finally, add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro for color and flavor. Cover the salad and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. To get the best pasta and corn, follow these tips. Cook your pasta for about 8-10 minutes. It should be al dente, which means it’s firm to the bite. After cooking, drain it well and rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking and keeps it from getting mushy. If you're using fresh corn, grill it for about 10 minutes until charred. This adds a nice smoky flavor. For frozen corn, boil it for 3-5 minutes until tender. Canned corn just needs rinsing. Making the dressing smooth is key. Mix mayonnaise and sour cream well. Add lime juice and chili powder for extra zing. If you want more heat, add diced jalapeños or more chili powder. You can also change the thickness of the dressing. For a creamier texture, use more sour cream. For a lighter feel, add more lime juice. To make your salad look great, serve it in a big, colorful bowl. Garnish it with more cotija cheese and fresh cilantro. A lime wedge on the side adds a nice touch. To enjoy it at its best, chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend together. {{image_2}} You can make this salad your own by changing the ingredients. For veggies, try adding cherry tomatoes or cucumbers. They add crispness and freshness. For cheese, cotija is great, but feta or mozzarella works too. Feta gives a tangy kick, while mozzarella adds creaminess. Want to make it vegan? Swap out mayonnaise and sour cream for avocado or a vegan mayo. This keeps it creamy without eggs. If you need gluten-free pasta, use rice or chickpea pasta. They taste great and fit the diet perfectly. To spice things up, add diced jalapeños for heat. Remove seeds if you want less spice. If you prefer a sweeter taste, use roasted corn or diced bell peppers. Both options add a lovely sweet touch that balances the spice well. To keep your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad fresh, store any leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container to avoid spills and keep out air. This salad stays tasty for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. If you notice any changes in smell or texture, it’s best to toss it. You can freeze Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, but it may change texture. To prepare for freezing, make sure the salad is in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. This salad can last about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. If you want to reheat your salad, do it gently. Use the microwave and heat it in short bursts. Stir it in between to ensure even warming. To keep the texture and flavor, add a splash of lime juice or a little mayo before serving. Enjoy your salad warm or chilled! Making this salad takes about 45 minutes. You need 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes for chilling. This time helps the flavors blend well. Yes, you can try different pasta shapes! Elbow and rotini work well, but you can also use penne or farfalle. Just make sure to cook them until they are al dente. If you can't find cotija cheese, feta cheese is a good choice. You can also use queso fresco or even shredded cheddar. Each option adds a unique flavor to the salad. To add spice, include more jalapeños. You can keep the seeds for extra heat. Another option is to add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the dressing. Adjust to your taste for the perfect kick! This blog post covers how to make a delicious Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad. We explored the key ingredients, from pasta types to garnishes. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and mixing. You learned tips for perfecting the salad, as well as tasty variations to try. In summary, this salad is easy to make and fun to customize. Enjoy it cold and share it for a delightful meal! Your friends and family will love it.$

Discover the vibrant flavors of Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad that's perfect for any gathering! This easy-to-make salad features pasta, sweet corn, and fresh veggies dressed in a creamy, zesty sauce. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a delicious dish that’s sure to impress. Click through for the full recipe and tips on how to elevate this summer favorite with garnishes and presentation ideas! Enjoy fresh, bold tastes in every bite!

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Ingredients

8 oz small pasta (elbow or rotini)

2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

1 red bell pepper, diced

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1 jalapeño, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)

1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons sour cream

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 teaspoon chili powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Prepare the Corn: If using fresh corn, you can grill it for a smoky flavor. Simply brush the corn with a bit of oil, grill until charred, then cut the kernels off the cob. If using frozen corn, cook it in boiling water for a few minutes until tender, then drain. If using canned corn, drain and rinse well.

Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta, corn, diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, diced jalapeño, and crumbled cotija cheese.

Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Combine: Pour the dressing over the pasta and corn mixture. Gently fold everything together until the pasta is well coated with the dressing.

Garnish: Add the fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. Mix lightly to combine.

Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 4-6

- Presentation Tips: Serve in a large colorful bowl, garnished with additional cotija cheese, cilantro, and a lime wedge on the side for an extra zesty kick.