Perfect mexican street corn pasta salad is what I crave on a warm summer evening. It’s a vibrant explosion of flavors, combining the creamy sweetness of street corn with the satisfying chew of pasta. This perfect mexican street corn pasta salad recipe is my go to when I need a quick, comforting, and utterly delicious meal that everyone will love.
Table of Contents
Summer isn’t complete without corn on the cob slathered in creamy mayo and spices, and this dish captures all that magic in an easy to eat pasta salad. Inspired by family barbecues and the joy of simple, flavorful food, this recipe is a celebration of those everyday moments. Let’s dive in and bring a little sunshine to your kitchen with this perfect mexican street corn pasta salad.
Why You Will Love This perfect mexican street corn pasta salad Recipe
This perfect mexican street corn pasta salad recipe is pure comfort food, but with a zesty twist. What makes it so special? It combines the best of both worlds: the creamy, cheesy, spicy goodness of Mexican street corn (elote) with the satisfying heartiness of pasta.
This recipe is quick, which is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It’s also incredibly adaptable you can easily adjust the spice level to your liking. Plus, the vibrant colors and flavors make it a total crowd pleaser, perfect for potlucks or summer barbecues.
Imagine the taste of sweet corn, tangy lime, and creamy cotija cheese all wrapped around perfectly cooked pasta. This dish brings back memories of summer festivals and laughter filled gatherings. It’s a taste of sunshine in every bite! Even better, this recipe is even better the next day. The flavors have a chance to meld together in the fridge!
Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration!Ingredients Needed for This perfect mexican street corn pasta salad Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this flavorful perfect mexican street corn pasta salad:
- Pasta: 1 pound of your favorite pasta shape (rotini, shells, or elbow macaroni work great)
- Corn: 4 ears of fresh corn, kernels removed (or 2 cans of sweet corn, drained)
- Mayonnaise: ½ cup
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: ¼ cup
- Cotija Cheese: ½ cup, crumbled (or feta cheese as a substitute)
- Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons
- Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Cumin: ½ teaspoon
- Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon
- Cayenne Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (or more, to taste)
- Cilantro: ¼ cup, chopped
- Red Onion: ¼ cup, finely diced
- Jalapeño: 1, seeded and minced (optional)
- Salt: To taste
- Black Pepper: To taste
How to Make This perfect mexican street corn pasta salad Recipe
Making this perfect mexican street corn pasta salad is easier than you think! Here’s a step by step guide:
- 1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- 2. Prepare the Corn: If using fresh corn, grill, roast or boil the corn until tender. Once cool enough to handle, cut the kernels off the cob. Alternatively, if using canned corn, drain it well. For a fun twist, consider checking out my Fried Corn Recipe to add a deeper layer of flavlor to your pasta salad!
- 3. Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- 4. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, corn kernels, cotija cheese, cilantro, red onion, and jalapeño (if using) to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together until well coated.
- 5. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. I have learned that the longer you let it chill, the better flavor you will get.
- 6. Serve: Before serving, give the pasta salad another toss and add more cotija cheese and cilantro on top, if desired.
How to Serve This perfect mexican street corn pasta salad Recipe
This perfect mexican street corn pasta salad is incredibly versatile! Serve it as a side dish at your next barbecue or picnic.
It also makes a fantastic light lunch or dinner. Try pairing it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a Perfect Bison Burger Recipe.
For extra flavor, sprinkle on some extra cotija cheese, a squeeze of lime, and a sprinkle of chili powder just before serving. Serve as a complete meal or as a side, the possibilities are endless! For warmer days, try making this recipe into a Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl for a light, summery meal.
How to Store This perfect mexican street corn pasta salad Recipe
Proper storage is key to keeping your perfect mexican street corn pasta salad fresh and delicious!
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 4 days.
- Freezing: Freezing this pasta salad is not recommended, as the mayonnaise and sour cream can separate and alter the texture upon thawing.
- Reheating: It’s best served cold, so no reheating is necessary!
Tips to Make This perfect mexican street corn pasta salad Recipe
Here are a few tips to help you make the best perfect mexican street corn pasta salad.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you can’t find cotija cheese, feta cheese makes a great substitute. Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream for a healthier option.
- Success Tips: Don’t overcook the pasta! Al dente pasta holds its shape and texture better in the salad. Also, be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning of the dressing to your liking.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid: Avoid adding too much jalapeño if you’re sensitive to spice. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
- Pro Tips for Best Results: Toasting the corn kernels in a dry skillet before adding them to the salad enhances their flavor.
Helpful Notes for This perfect mexican street corn pasta salad Recipe
A few extra notes to ensure success with this perfect mexican street corn pasta salad recipe:
- Ingredient Details: Cotija cheese is a hard, salty Mexican cheese that adds a fantastic flavor to the dish. If you can’t find it, feta is a good substitute.
- Equipment Recommendations: A large bowl is essential for mixing the ingredients. A good quality knife and cutting board will make prepping the vegetables easier.
Variation of This perfect mexican street corn pasta salad Recipe
Want to mix things up? Here are a few fun variations on this perfect mexican street corn pasta salad:
- Seasonal Twists: Add grilled peaches or avocados for a summer twist. In the fall, try adding roasted butternut squash.
- Optional Versions: Add black beans or grilled shrimp for additional protein.
- Creative Modifications: Use different types of pasta, such as gluten free pasta or orzo, to vary the texture and flavor.
What makes this Mexican street corn pasta salad so special?
This pasta salad combines the creamy, spicy flavors of elote (Mexican street corn) with the satisfying texture of pasta. It’s a quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing dish perfect for summer gatherings.
Can I make Mexican street corn pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, this pasta salad is great for making ahead! In fact, allowing it to sit in the refrigerator for a few hours will allow the flavors to meld together even more. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container.
What kind of pasta is best for Mexican street corn pasta salad?
Smaller pasta shapes, like rotini, shells, or elbow macaroni, work best as they hold the creamy dressing and corn kernels well. You can use your favorite type of pasta for this recipe.
Can I add protein to my Mexican street corn pasta salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans would be delicious additions. They will increase the protein content of the salad.
How long will Mexican street corn pasta salad last in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, Mexican street corn pasta salad can last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to give it a good stir before serving.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making and eating this perfect mexican street corn pasta salad as much as I do! It’s a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to leave a comment or question below. I love hearing from you! Happy cooking and digging into this perfect mexican street corn pasta salad creation!
