Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
This vibrant and flavorful Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad combines the classic flavors of street corn with pasta for a delightful dish that's perfect for picnics or potlucks. The creamy dressing and fresh ingredients come together to create a refreshing side or main dish.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 colander
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 spoon or spatula
- 1 measuring cups
- 1 measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni or your preferred pasta
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen) If using frozen corn, simply thaw it.
- 1 each red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 each lime, juiced
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled Reserve some for garnish.
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool down.
- In the same pot, if using fresh corn, add the corn and cook for 3-5 minutes until tender. If using frozen corn, simply thaw it. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add the cooled pasta, cooked corn, diced bell pepper, red onion, and chopped cilantro to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Fold in the crumbled cotija cheese, reserving some for garnish.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled, garnished with additional cotija cheese and cilantro if desired.
Notes
You can add jalapeños for an extra kick of heat if you prefer.
This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Feel free to customize the veggies based on your preference or what's in season.