This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe is a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for summer gatherings or casual dinners. Featuring fresh corn, spicy jalapenos, and a creamy chili lime dressing, it delights with every bite. Quick to prepare in just 30 minutes, this pasta salad is an instant crowd-pleaser that works wonderfully as a side or main dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Prepared in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
• Bursting with Flavor: Combines sweet corn, zesty lime, and spicy jalapenos for a taste explosion.
• Versatile Dish: Suitable for potlucks, BBQs, or as a hearty side for any meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Serves up to six people, ensuring everyone has enough to enjoy.
• Customizable: Adjust ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to create your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Grill or skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Small bowl
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta evenly for the best texture.
• Grill or skillet: Use either to cook corn; both methods enhance flavor through charring.
• Mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients without mess.
• Small bowl: Necessary for preparing the creamy chili lime dressing efficiently.

Ingredients

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is bursting with the flavors of fresh summer corn, jalapenos, red onion, and a creamy chili lime dressing. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect dish for feeding a crowd!

For the Pasta Salad

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or melted butter
• 6 ears corn (husk 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)
• 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
• 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)

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How to Make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

To cook the corn, you have two options:
1. Grill Corn: Preheat your gas grill to 400°F. Peel back the husks and remove the silk. Brush the corn with oil on all sides. Grill for about 15-20 minutes until lightly charred, turning every five minutes. Let cool before cutting kernels off the cob.
2. Cook in a Skillet: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove kernels from cobs using a sharp knife. Cook in the skillet for 8-10 minutes until slightly caramelized.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the corn cools, fill a large pot with water and season generously with salt. Bring to a boil and add the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and transfer to a large bowl.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked corn into the bowl with pasta.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, lime juice, lime zest, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 5: Assemble Your Salad

Drizzle dressing over the corn and pasta mixture. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Add jalapenos, red onion, and cilantro; stir gently to combine. Garnish with extra 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

Serving your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delightful experience that can be tailored to different occasions. This colorful dish is versatile and pairs beautifully with various foods, making it perfect for gatherings or casual dinners.

As a Standalone Dish

• This pasta salad can be served on its own as a light meal, showcasing the vibrant flavors of corn, jalapenos, and creamy dressing.

With Grilled Proteins

• Pair this salad with grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal. The smokiness from the grill complements the fresh ingredients in the salad.

As a Side for BBQs

• Serve alongside your favorite barbecue dishes like ribs or burgers. The coolness of the salad balances well with spicy or smoky flavors.

In Tacos or Burritos

• Use the Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad as a filling for tacos or burritos. It adds a refreshing crunch and enhances the overall flavor profile.

With Chips

• Offer tortilla chips on the side for dipping. The combination of crunchy chips with creamy pasta salad is undeniably satisfying.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

To elevate your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, consider these handy tips that will enhance its flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn and ripe vegetables make a significant difference in taste. If possible, use seasonal produce for optimal flavor.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Depending on your preference, feel free to add more jalapenos or chili powder. This way, you can control the heat level.
• Let It Chill: Allow the salad to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.
• Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to experiment with additional spices or herbs in your dressing. A touch of cumin or fresh lime juice can add an exciting twist.
• Garnish Generously: Top with extra cilantro and cotija cheese just before serving. This not only looks appealing but also enhances flavor.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving again.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Looking for great side dishes to pair with your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad? Here are some delicious options that complement its flavors perfectly.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated in lime and spices, these skewers are juicy and flavorful, making them an excellent accompaniment.
2. Black Bean and Avocado Salad: A refreshing mix that adds protein and creaminess, enhancing your meal’s nutrition and texture.
3. Corn Tortilla Chips with Salsa: Crunchy chips paired with zesty salsa provide a fun snacking option alongside your pasta salad.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful peppers filled with quinoa or rice offer a hearty side that pairs well with the lightness of the pasta salad.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized bring depth and flavor to your table, balancing out freshness.
6. Fruit Salad: A sweet fruit medley offers a refreshing contrast to savory dishes while adding vibrant colors to your plate.
7. Mexican Street Corn on the Cob: For true corn lovers, this classic dish echoes the flavors of your pasta salad while providing another texture.
8. Chips & Guacamole: Creamy guacamole alongside crispy chips makes for an irresistible pairing that everyone will enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Overcooking the Pasta: If you cook the pasta too long, it can become mushy. Always follow package instructions for al dente cooking time.
• Neglecting to Season: Failing to season the corn and pasta can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to add salt and pepper at each stage of preparation.
• Skipping the Grilling Step: While you can cook corn in a skillet, grilling enhances its flavor with a smoky char. Don’t skip this step for maximum taste.
• Not Letting Ingredients Cool: Adding hot ingredients to the salad can wilt fresh herbs and alter textures. Let the corn cool before mixing it with other ingredients.
• Ignoring Ingredient Freshness: Using stale or old ingredients can affect the overall taste. Always opt for fresh corn and vegetables for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep in the fridge to maintain freshness and texture.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

• Freeze for up to 2 months if you want to keep it longer.
• Use a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warmth.
• Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a pan, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize the Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe?

Yes! You can add proteins like chicken or shrimp for extra flavor and substance. Feel free to adjust veggies based on your preference.

What type of pasta works best in this recipe?

While fusilli and farfalle are great options, you can use any short pasta like penne or macaroni that holds dressing well.

How spicy is this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe?

The level of spice depends on how much jalapeno you add. You can adjust it according to your taste by reducing or omitting them entirely.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Definitely! This salad tastes even better after marinating in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is not only quick and easy but also packed with vibrant flavors that celebrate summer! Its versatility allows you to customize it based on your preferences, making it perfect for gatherings or as a delicious side dish. Give it a try and enjoy this delightful twist on traditional elote!

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Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves up to 6 people

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Description

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that perfectly captures the essence of summer. This salad combines sweet corn, spicy jalapenos, and creamy chili lime dressing, making it an instant crowd-pleaser for gatherings or casual dinners. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s versatile enough to serve as a hearty main or a delightful side. The freshness of ingredients like cilantro and cotija cheese elevates every bite, ensuring a taste sensation that will leave everyone coming back for more.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 ears fresh corn (or approx. 4 ½ to 5 cups frozen/canned corn)
• 8 oz dry pasta (fusilli or farfalle)
• 2 medium jalapenos
• ½ cup red onion
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons sour cream
• ¼ cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• ½ cup cotija cheese

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Instructions

1. Cook the corn: Grill or sauté until lightly charred.
2. Boil pasta: Cook in salted water until al dente, drain, and cool.
3. Combine: In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with corn, jalapenos, red onion, and cilantro.
4. Make dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Toss salad: Add dressing to the pasta mixture and combine thoroughly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Customize by adding proteins like chicken or shrimp. For a spicier kick, increase jalapeno or chili powder. Chill before serving to enhance flavors.