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Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 102 reviews

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender pasta and sweet corn with a creamy, tangy dressing spiced with chili powder and smoked paprika. Perfect as a side dish or light meal, it delivers the classic street corn flavors in an easy-to-make, chilled pasta salad.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 3 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta
  • 2 cups corn (grilled, frozen, or canned)

Dressing

  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta and Corn: Cook the rotini or penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and let cool completely. If using frozen corn, thaw and drain excess water; if canned, drain; if fresh, grill until lightly charred.
  2. Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta and corn. Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure all the pasta and corn are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
  4. Add Fresh Flavors: Gently fold in the chopped fresh cilantro and crumbled cotija cheese, distributing them evenly throughout the salad to add brightness and creaminess.
  5. Chill the Salad: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to become refreshingly cool before serving.

Notes

  • For an extra smoky flavor, grill the corn before adding it to the salad.
  • This salad can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge, enhancing the flavor.
  • Substitute cotija cheese with feta cheese if unavailable.
  • Adjust chili powder quantity to your desired heat level.
  • Serve as a side dish to grilled meats or enjoy as a light, vegetarian main course.

Keywords: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, pasta salad, Mexican salad, cotija cheese, corn salad, summer salad, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://nayabaker.com/mexican-street-corn-pasta-salad-recipe/