This Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is colorful and full of flavor! With sweet corn, creamy dressing, and zesty spices, it’s perfect for any gathering or just a cozy dinner at home.
I love how quick it is to whip up! You can serve it cold or at room temperature, and it’s always a hit. Plus, it’s a fun twist on traditional pasta salad that everyone enjoys! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This shape is perfect for holding onto all the dressing and ingredients. If you’re looking for a change, use penne or fusilli instead. They also work nicely and have a great texture.
Corn: Fresh corn adds sweetness, but frozen corn is super convenient! If you can’t find either, canned corn can be a good substitute as well. Just remember to drain it well!
Cotija Cheese: This cheese brings a unique flavor. If you can’t find it, try feta or even shredded Parmesan. They’ll give a nice salty kick to your salad!
Mexican Crema: While this creamy topping is traditional, sour cream works just as well. You can even use Greek yogurt for a healthier option!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives a bright taste. If you’re not a fan, parsley is a great alternative, although the flavor will be a bit different.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Char on the Corn?
Charring the corn adds depth to the flavors. To get that perfect char, here’s what to do:
- Heat your skillet on medium-high before adding the corn. This helps it cook evenly.
- Stir occasionally, but let it sit for a little while to develop a char. Aim for about 5-7 minutes until you see that nice golden color.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before mixing it into the salad.
The charred flavor brings the essence of street corn directly to your pasta salad!
Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta & Corn:
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 3 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
Dressing:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Mix-ins:
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 green onions, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time to make this delicious pasta salad is about 30 minutes. This includes around 10 minutes for preparation and cooking the pasta and corn, plus a bit of time for mixing all the tasty ingredients together. If you want the flavors to meld together nicely, you can chill it for about 30 minutes after mixing.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This will stop the cooking process and keep the pasta from getting mushy. Set it aside to cool.
2. Char the Corn:
Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and cook them, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for a nice char, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once they’re slightly charred and cooked through, remove the skillet from heat and let the corn cool for a few minutes.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Mexican crema (or sour cream), minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until you have a smooth dressing.
4. Combine Everything:
Add the cooled pasta, charred corn, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and crumbled cotija cheese to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything gently to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing.
5. Taste and Adjust:
Now’s the time to taste your salad! You can adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice if you’d like.
6. Serve & Garnish:
Transfer your vibrant pasta salad to a serving bowl. For an extra touch, sprinkle some cotija cheese and chili powder on top as a garnish!
7. Chill If You Want:
You can serve your salad right away or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together nicely and make for an even more refreshing dish!
Enjoy your delicious, creamy Mexican street corn-inspired pasta salad! It’s perfect for any gathering or as a delightful side dish!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works great for this salad, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose.
What Can I Substitute for Cotija Cheese?
If you can’t find cotija cheese, feta cheese or even crumbled goat cheese can be good alternatives. Both will provide that creamy, salty flavor that enhances the salad beautifully!
How Long Will Leftovers Last in the Fridge?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, as the ingredients may settle. You may need to add a splash of lime juice or a bit of mayonnaise to refresh the creaminess.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance! Just keep it stored in the refrigerator. However, if you’re adding items like green onions or cilantro, consider mixing them in just before serving for a fresher taste and texture.
