Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad (Print Version)
Creamy pasta salad with corn, lime, and cotija cheese
# What You Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
→ Vegetables
02 - 2 cups corn kernels, fresh grilled or frozen thawed
03 - 1/2 red onion, finely diced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
06 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
→ Cheese
07 - 3/4 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
→ Dressing
08 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
09 - 1/4 cup sour cream
10 - 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
11 - 1 tsp lime zest
12 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
13 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
15 - 1 tsp hot sauce, optional
16 - Salt and black pepper to taste
# How to Prepare:
01 - Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold running water until completely cooled.
02 - If using fresh corn kernels, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and char the corn until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Let cool completely.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, toss together cooled pasta, charred corn, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño, and fresh cilantro.
04 - Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, hot sauce if using, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
05 - Pour dressing over salad mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
06 - Fold in most of the crumbled cotija or feta cheese, saving a small portion for garnish.
07 - Transfer salad to a serving bowl or platter. Sprinkle reserved cheese on top along with additional cilantro if desired.
08 - Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled for best taste and texture.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Its the perfect make ahead dish that actually tastes better after the flavors mingle in the fridge for a few hours
- The combination of sweet corn, tangy lime, and smoky spices hits every single craving at once
02 -
- Never skip the chilling step, the pasta needs that time to absorb all the smoky, tangy flavors
- Squeeze as much water as possible from thawed corn so your salad doesnt get watery
03 -
- Toast your spices in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding them to the dressing, it wakes up all those aromatic oils
- Taste the corn before adding it, and adjust your salt accordingly since some corn is naturally sweeter than others