This Quick Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a colorful mix of pasta, sweet corn, and zesty lime. With just a few ingredients, it’s perfect for any meal! 🌽
I love how fresh and fun this salad is! It’s like a party in a bowl, and it’s super easy to whip up for a BBQ or potluck. You won’t be able to resist seconds! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini for its curly shape, which captures the creamy dressing perfectly. If you don’t have it, feel free to swap it for penne, fusilli, or any pasta you enjoy.
Corn: Fresh corn gives a great crunch and sweetness, but frozen corn is a fantastic alternative. Just thaw it or sauté it a bit to warm up!
Cotija Cheese: Cotija has a nice crumbly texture and salty flavor. If you can’t find it, feta cheese works well as a substitute. Just keep in mind that feta is creamier and a bit tangier.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens up the dish. If you’re in a pinch, bottled lime juice is fine, but fresh is always best for flavor!
Cilantro: This herb adds freshness. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley can be a good replacement, or simply omit it.
How Can You Ensure Perfectly Coated Pasta?
Getting your pasta perfectly coated with the dressing is key for flavor! Here’s how to do it:
- After cooking the pasta, rinse it under cold water to cool. This stops the cooking process and prevents sticking.
- Mix your dressing in a large bowl before adding the pasta. This creates an even coating.
- Once you add the pasta and other ingredients, toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring everything is well-mixed.
- Chill the salad to let flavors meld together; it really makes a difference!
With these tips, you’ll enjoy a beautifully flavored pasta salad every time. Happy cooking!
Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad With Few Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or any pasta shape you like)
- 3 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta as a substitute)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (plus more for garnish)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad takes about 15 minutes of preparation and an additional 20-30 minutes to chill in the fridge, for a total of around 45 minutes. It’s quick to make and perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Make sure you cook it until it’s al dente—this means it should be cooked but still firm to the bite. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Corn:
If you’re using fresh corn, take a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the corn kernels and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to brown slightly. If you’re using frozen corn, just thaw it under warm water or briefly sauté it until it’s warmed through.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, chili powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix it well until it’s smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Add the cooled pasta, corn, chopped green onions, and cilantro to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together gently, ensuring that the pasta and corn are nicely coated with the creamy mixture.
5. Add Cheese:
Stir in half of the crumbled cotija cheese, mixing lightly. This adds a nice, salty note to the flavor profile.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer your pasta salad to a serving bowl. Top it with the remaining cotija cheese, and sprinkle a little extra chili powder and some cilantro leaves for garnish. It looks as good as it tastes!
7. Chill the Salad:
For the best flavor, cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows all the wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully.
And there you have it! This delicious, creamy, and tangy Mexican street corn pasta salad is quick to make and perfect as a side dish or a light meal. Enjoy every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is a great choice for this salad, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or bowties. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the pasta you choose!
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this salad dairy-free, substitute the mayonnaise with a dairy-free mayo alternative and use a dairy-free cheese option. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor without dairy!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes, feel free to customize this salad! Chopped bell peppers, diced tomatoes, or avocado would make excellent additions. Just remember to adjust the dressing slightly to balance out added ingredients.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavor improves with time, but the salad may become a little softer. Give it a quick stir before serving to refresh it!
