Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Bursting with the sweetness of fresh corn, the spiciness of jalapeños, and a creamy chili lime dressing, this salad is not only quick to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser. In just 30 minutes, you can create a delightful side dish that complements summer barbecues, potlucks, or family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet corn, tangy lime juice, and spicy jalapeños creates a refreshing taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side or main dish; serve it at parties or enjoy it as a light meal.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients like grilled chicken or other veggies for added nutrition.
• Crowd-Pleasing: This salad is sure to impress friends and family with its colorful presentation and delicious flavors.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the necessary tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Large bowl
• Skillet or grill
• Sharp knife
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta evenly and thoroughly.
• Sharp Knife: Necessary for easily cutting corn off the cob and chopping vegetables quickly.
• Whisk: Helps in combining dressing ingredients smoothly without lumps.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or melted butter
• 6 ears corn (husks removed – approximately 4 ½ to 5 cups of corn kernels or frozen/canned corn)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 8 oz. dry uncooked pasta (such as fusilli or farfalle)
• 2 medium jalapenos (seeded and sliced/chopped)
• ½ cup red onion (chopped finely)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped – more to use as garnish)
• ½ cup cotija cheese (crumbled)

For the Dressing

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons sour cream (or Mexican crema)
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon lime zest (from one lime – optional)
• ¼ cup lime juice (freshly squeezed from 1 ½ to 2 limes)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Corn

You have two options for cooking the corn:
1. Grill Corn: Preheat your gas grill to 400°F. Peel back the husks and remove the silk from each ear. Brush them with oil on all sides. Grill for about 15-20 minutes until lightly charred, turning every 5 minutes. Let cool slightly before cutting kernels off the cob.
2. Cook in a Skillet: Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cut corn kernels off the cob and add them to the skillet. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until slightly caramelized.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the corn is cooling, fill a large pot with water, add salt generously, and bring it to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and transfer it to a large bowl.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked corn into the same bowl with pasta.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, lime juice, lime zest (if using), salt, and pepper. Adjust seasonings according to taste—keep in mind that cotija cheese adds some saltiness.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

Drizzle the dressing over both corn and pasta; toss well to coat everything evenly. Stir in jalapeños, red onion, and chopped cilantro. Taste again for seasoning adjustments if needed before garnishing with additional cilantro.

Enjoy your flavorful Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Serving this flavorful Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is easy and fun! Whether it’s for a picnic, barbecue, or family gathering, this dish will surely impress your guests with its vibrant colors and fresh flavors.

Chilled as a Side Dish

• Serve the salad chilled to enhance its refreshing qualities. It pairs perfectly with grilled meats or tacos.

Garnished with Extra Cilantro

• Sprinkle additional chopped cilantro on top for a burst of freshness. This simple touch adds color and flavor.

With Lime Wedges

• Offer lime wedges on the side for guests who want an extra zing. The acidity of the lime brightens the dish even more.

As a Main Dish

• Enjoy this pasta salad as a light main course. It’s filling yet not heavy, making it perfect for lunch or dinner.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

To ensure you create the best Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, follow these helpful tips!

• Use Fresh Corn: Fresh corn kernels provide a sweet crunch that frozen or canned corn cannot replicate. If possible, grill it for added flavor.

• Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer less heat, use fewer jalapenos or remove the seeds. For more spice, consider adding diced serrano peppers.

• Customize Your Cheese: While cotija cheese is traditional, feel free to use feta or queso fresco as alternatives. Each brings its unique flavor profile.

• Add Protein: To turn this salad into a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp. This makes it satisfying enough for a main dish.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Pairing the right side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement the Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad beautifully.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken grilled to perfection adds protein while keeping it light and flavorful.

2. Black Bean Tacos: These vegetarian tacos are packed with flavor and make for a hearty addition to your meal.

3. Avocado Salsa: A creamy avocado salsa balances the spice of the pasta salad while adding freshness.

4. Spanish Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices provides a comforting base that complements any Mexican-inspired dish.

5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted with olive oil and herbs add color and nutrition to your plate.

6. Corn Tortilla Chips: Crispy chips are great for scooping up the pasta salad, providing a crunchy contrast to its creaminess.

7. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad serves as a sweet contrast to savory dishes and cleanses the palate.

8. Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad dressed in lime juice offers crispness that pairs well with rich flavors of other dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to help you achieve the best results.

• Using frozen corn without preparation: Frozen corn can be convenient, but it needs to be properly thawed and drained. Avoid excess moisture by patting it dry before adding it to the salad.

• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking pasta too long can lead to a mushy texture. Make sure to follow package instructions and cook until al dente for the best bite.

• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: The dressing might need more salt or lime juice than you expect. Always taste your salad before serving to ensure it’s well-seasoned.

• Skipping fresh ingredients: Using low-quality or wilted vegetables can affect flavor. Opt for fresh jalapenos, cilantro, and onion for a vibrant, tasty dish.

• Forgetting the garnishes: Garnishes like cilantro add freshness and visual appeal. Don’t skip this step; it enhances both flavor and presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Cool completely: Before storing, allow your salad to cool down to room temperature.
• Use airtight containers: Store in a tightly sealed container for up to 3 days.
• Keep away from strong odors: To prevent flavor absorption, store away from potent foods.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

• Not recommended: Freezing may compromise the texture of the pasta and vegetables.
• If necessary: Consider freezing only the dressing separately for future use, while keeping other components fresh.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the salad in an oven-safe dish for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat with a splash of broth or water to rehydrate as you warm it up gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe?

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delightful dish combining pasta with grilled corn, jalapenos, and a creamy chili lime dressing.

Can I make this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this salad up to a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until serving.

How long does Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad last?

When stored properly in the fridge, the salad will last about 3 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal flavor and texture.

What can I substitute for cotija cheese in this recipe?

You can replace cotija cheese with feta cheese or crumbled queso fresco as alternatives that maintain a similar taste profile.

Can I customize my Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other ingredients like black beans, avocado, or diced bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is not just delicious; it’s versatile too! Perfect as a side dish or light main course, you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Try it out at your next gathering!