Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delicious twist on traditional street corn, combining pasta with the flavors of grilled corn, cotija cheese, and a zesty lime dressing.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Pasta Salad:
- 3 cups (250 g) cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie work well)
Corn Mixture:
- 2 cups (300 g) fresh or frozen corn kernels (grilled or roasted, if possible)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup (30 g) crumbled cotija or feta cheese
- 1 jalapeño, diced (optional, for heat)
Dressing:
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- Extra cotija or feta cheese
- Lime wedges
- A sprinkle of Tajín or extra chili powder
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Prepare the Corn: If using fresh corn, grill or roast the kernels until lightly charred for added flavor. If using frozen corn, heat in a skillet over medium-high heat until slightly charred or golden. Allow the corn to cool.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, cotija or feta cheese, and jalapeño (if using).
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with extra cotija cheese, a sprinkle of Tajín or chili powder, and lime wedges if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Mexican, Street Corn, Pasta Salad, Easy, Summer, Vegetarian