This Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a fun twist on a classic dish! It features tender pasta mixed with sweet corn, fresh veggies, and zesty spices that give it a delicious kick.
What I love most is how colorful and tasty it is! You can serve it cold, making it perfect for parties or a sunny picnic. Plus, who can resist that creamy dressing? Yum! 🌽
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love rotini for its corkscrew shape, which holds the dressing well. You can easily swap it for other short pasta like fusilli, penne, or even bowtie for a fun twist!
Corn: Fresh corn gives the best flavor! If you’re in a hurry, frozen corn works fine—just thaw and dry it. Canned corn can also be used, but it may be a bit softer.
Cotija Cheese: Cotija adds a great salty kick. If you can’t find it, feta cheese is a good alternative. For a dairy-free option, try using crumbled tofu, seasoned to taste.
Mayonnaise and Sour Cream: This combo creates a creamy dressing. You can use Greek yogurt instead for a lighter option, or even a vegan mayo if you’re looking for a plant-based version.
Cilantro: It adds freshness to the dish. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley or green onions work well too!
How Do I Get the Corn to Have That Perfect Char?
Charring the corn adds a lovely depth of flavor—just follow these steps:
- Heat a skillet or grill to medium-high heat.
- Add a little oil if desired, then add your corn.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the corn is golden brown with charred spots, about 5-7 minutes.
For extra flavor, you can sprinkle a bit of lime juice and salt while it cooks. Let it cool before mixing it into your pasta salad!
Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta Base:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or your favorite short pasta)
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta as a substitute)
Seasonings and Fresh Ingredients:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (plus more for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (plus more for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta salad takes around 20 minutes to prepare, plus some time for chilling if you want it extra cold. Cooking the pasta and corn only takes about 10 minutes, and mixing everything together is a breeze!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This helps stop the cooking process and cools the pasta down quickly. Set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Prepare the Corn:
If you’re using fresh corn, grab a skillet or grill. Sauté the corn kernels over medium-high heat until they are lightly charred and cooked through, which takes about 5-7 minutes. If you’re using frozen corn, just make sure it’s thawed and pat it dry before adding it. No need to cook it!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooled pasta, charred corn, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and half of the cotija cheese into the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
5. Taste and Adjust:
Give your pasta salad a taste and see if it needs more salt, pepper, or lime juice. Adjust according to your preference for an extra zing!
6. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the pasta salad to a serving bowl. Sprinkle the remaining cotija cheese, extra smoked paprika, and chili powder on top for a finishing touch. Add extra cilantro if you like!
7. Enjoy:
Chill the salad in the fridge for a bit if you prefer it cold, or serve immediately at room temperature. This tangy, creamy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
FAQ for Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works great, you can substitute it with other short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or even bowtie. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose!
What Can I Substitute for Cotija Cheese?
If you can’t find cotija cheese, feta cheese is a good alternative! It provides a similar salty tang. For a dairy-free option, crumbled tofu or vegan feta can be used as well.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may intensify as it sits! To serve again, simply stir it lightly to redistribute the dressing before enjoying.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance! Just mix all the ingredients together and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If it seems a bit dry when serving, add a splash of lime juice or a little extra sour cream to refresh it.
