Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe is a vibrant mix of fresh summer flavors, perfect for any gathering. With its creamy chili lime dressing and bursts of sweet corn, it’s sure to be a hit at barbecues, potlucks, or family dinners. Whip it up in just 30 minutes, and you’ll have a delicious dish that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Enjoy this unique take on traditional elote!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Flavorful Combination: The blend of sweet corn, spicy jalapeños, and tangy dressing creates a mouthwatering experience.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side or main dish; it’s perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or even as a light lunch.
• Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe serves six and is sure to impress your guests with its colorful presentation and delightful taste.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences; add more veggies or spices for an extra kick!

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will make your cooking process smoother and more efficient. Here are some essential items you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Skillet or grill: Allows you to cook the corn perfectly, enhancing its flavor through charring.
• Mixing bowl: Helps combine all ingredients seamlessly for an even distribution of flavors.
• Sharp knife: Ensures easy cutting of vegetables and corn kernels without hassle.

Ingredients

For the 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 for 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

There are two methods to prepare the corn:
* Grill Corn: Heat a gas grill to 400 degrees F. Peel back the husks and remove the silk. Brush with oil. Grill for about 15-20 minutes until lightly charred, turning every 5 minutes. Allow cooling before cutting kernels off the cob.
* Cook in Skillet: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cut kernels off the cob and add them to the skillet. Cook for 8-10 minutes until slightly caramelized.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the corn cools, fill a large pot with water, season with salt, and bring it to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Combine Corn and Pasta

Add the cooked corn into the bowl with pasta once they are both ready.

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. Taste your dressing and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

Drizzle the dressing over the corn and pasta mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Stir in jalapeños, red onion, and cilantro. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired. Taste again for seasoning adjustments before serving.

Enjoy this refreshing Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad at your next gathering!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is versatile and perfect for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

As a Side Dish

• Pair this salad with grilled meats for a delightful barbecue meal.
• Serve alongside taco night to complement your favorite fillings.

At a Picnic or Potluck

• Bring this pasta salad to gatherings; its vibrant flavors will impress guests.
• Package in individual cups for easy serving at outdoor events.

With Toppings

• Add extra cotija cheese on top for added creaminess and flavor.
• Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra citrus kick.

As a Main Course

• Enjoy it as a light main dish, especially on warm summer days.
• Mix in some protein such as grilled chicken or shrimp for a filling meal.

Garnished with Herbs

• Use fresh cilantro or parsley as a garnish to elevate presentation.
• Incorporate diced avocados for added creaminess and healthy fats.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

To make the best Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, follow these helpful tips.

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest corn available for maximum sweetness and flavor.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente to maintain texture and prevent mushiness.
• Adjust Spiciness: Modify jalapeno quantities based on your heat preference; remove seeds for less spice.
• Chill Before Serving: Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
• Use Quality Cheese: Opt for authentic cotija cheese, which offers the best taste and texture in this recipe.
• Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add black beans or diced bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

This pasta salad pairs well with various side dishes. Here are some great options that will complement its flavors beautifully.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers offer protein and can be easily grilled alongside your main dish.
2. Mexican Street Tacos: Soft tacos filled with seasoned meats provide a hearty addition to any meal featuring this pasta salad.
3. Guacamole & Tortilla Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crispy chips balances the refreshing qualities of the salad.
4. Spicy Black Bean Soup: A warm bowl of soup adds depth and pairs nicely with the coolness of the pasta salad.
5. Cornbread Muffins: Soft cornbread muffins provide a sweet contrast to the savory elements in the dish.
6. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables enhances nutrition while adding color and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Using frozen corn without thawing: It’s essential to thaw frozen corn before using it in your salad. This helps maintain the right texture and flavor.
• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking pasta too long can lead to mushiness. Always follow package instructions for al dente results.
• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the dressing properly can leave your salad bland. Taste and adjust seasonings as you mix.
• Not letting the corn cool: Adding hot corn directly into the salad can wilt other ingredients. Allow it to cool before mixing.
• Ignoring ingredient freshness: Using stale or old ingredients will affect flavor. Always choose fresh produce for the best taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• item Keep away from strong-smelling foods to avoid flavor transfer.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

• item Freeze for up to 2 months if you want a longer shelf life.
• item Use freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe.

What is Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe?

This recipe combines pasta with roasted corn, jalapenos, and a creamy chili lime dressing for a vibrant dish inspired by elote.

Can I use canned corn instead of fresh?

Yes, canned corn works well. Just drain and rinse it before adding it to your salad.

How spicy is this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe?

The level of spice depends on how much jalapeno you add. You can adjust based on your preference.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! It tastes even better after chilling in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.

What can I substitute for cotija cheese?

Feta or queso fresco can be great substitutes if cotija is unavailable.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect for summer gatherings or simple weeknight dinners, you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Give it a try and enjoy all its delightful flavors!