mexican street corn pasta salad recipe easy flavorful! If those words don’t conjure up images of sunshine, laughter, and a burst of deliciousness, I don’t know what will. This mexican street corn pasta salad recipe easy flavorful is truly a summer staple in my house, perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or even just a satisfying weeknight meal. Think of it as elote taken to the next level, creamy, tangy, and oh so addictive.
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This recipe came about on a particularly hot July afternoon. I was craving elote but didn’t want to deal with grilling corn for a dozen people. Inspiration struck, and I decided to combine the flavors of Mexican street corn with the heartiness of pasta salad. The result? An instant hit! It’s become my go to ever since because it’s simple and uses fresh ingredients.
Why You Will Love This mexican street corn pasta salad recipe easy flavorful Recipe
This isn’t your average pasta salad. It’s a fiesta in a bowl! Think of the creamy, smoky, spicy flavors of authentic Mexican street corn (elote), but in a fun, easy to eat package. This mexican street corn pasta salad recipe easy flavorful is packed with fresh corn, cotija cheese, a tangy lime dressing, and a hint of chili powder.
What makes it so special? First, it’s incredibly easy to make. No fancy techniques or hard to find ingredients. Second, it’s bursting with flavor. The sweetness of the corn, the saltiness of the cheese, the tanginess of the lime, and the kick of chili powder create a symphony of tastes that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s also perfect for making ahead, which means less stress when you’re entertaining. I love serving this alongside Easy Sausage And Egg Casserole Best Breakfast Recipe Ever at brunch. Follow us on Pinterest for more simple and delicious recipes.
Ingredients Needed for This mexican street corn pasta salad recipe easy flavorful Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious salad:
- Pasta: 1 pound of your favorite pasta shape (rotini, shells, or elbow macaroni work great)
- Corn: 4 cups of fresh or frozen corn kernels (if using frozen, thaw completely)
- Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup
- Sour Cream: 1/4 cup
- Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed
- Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon
- Garlic Powder: 1/4 teaspoon
- Cotija Cheese: 1/2 cup, crumbled (can substitute feta if needed)
- Cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped
- Red Onion: 1/4 cup, finely diced
- Jalapeño: 1, seeded and minced (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
How to Make This mexican street corn pasta salad recipe easy flavorful Recipe
Get ready to enjoy this creamy, flavorful pasta salad. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a crowd pleaser ready in no time!
- 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 it until tender. Cut the kernels off the cob. For a smoky flavor, grilling is highly recommended! Alternatively, thaw frozen corn completely.
- 3. Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pro tip: Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.
- 4. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, red onion, and jalapeño (if using) to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- 5. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial for the best taste!
- 6. Serve: Before serving, give the pasta salad another gentle toss. Garnish with extra cotija cheese and a sprinkle of chili powder, if desired.
How to Serve This mexican street corn pasta salad recipe easy flavorful Recipe
This delightful mexican street corn pasta salad recipe easy flavorful is incredibly versatile. It’s a fantastic side dish for grilled meats, tacos, or burgers. Consider serving it alongside Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole Easy Breakfast Recipe at brunch. It also makes a satisfying lunch or light dinner on its own.
For an extra touch of flair, serve it in individual bowls or mason jars. You can also top it with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of paprika, or a drizzle of hot sauce for an added kick.
How to Store This mexican street corn pasta salad recipe easy flavorful Recipe
Proper storage will keep your pasta salad fresh and delicious.
- Refrigeration: Store the mexican street corn pasta salad recipe easy flavorful in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freezing isn’t recommended, as the mayonnaise and sour cream can separate and become watery when thawed. Best to enjoy it fresh!
- Reheating: Since it’s a cold salad, no reheating is necessary. Simply take it out of the refrigerator and enjoy.
Tips to Make This mexican street corn pasta salad recipe easy flavorful Recipe
Here are some tips for achieving pasta salad perfection every time:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape better and won’t become mushy when mixed with the dressing.
- Taste and Adjust: Seasoning is key! Taste the dressing and adjust the salt, pepper, lime juice, or chili powder to your preference.
- Add a Pinch of Sugar: A tiny pinch of sugar can enhance the sweetness of the corn and balance out the acidity of the lime juice.
- Garnish Generously: A sprinkle of cotija cheese, cilantro, and chili powder adds visual appeal and an extra burst of flavor.
Helpful Notes for This mexican street corn pasta salad recipe easy flavorful Recipe
- Cotija Cheese: Cotija cheese is a hard, salty Mexican cheese. If you can’t find it, feta cheese makes a good substitute.
- Jalapeño: If you’re sensitive to spice, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño before mincing it.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is always best for flavor.
- Pasta Shape: Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes. Rotini, shells, elbow macaroni, or even cavatappi all work well. I also recommend trying this recipe with fresh corn.
Variation of This mexican street corn pasta salad recipe easy flavorful Recipe
Want to shake things up a bit? Here are a few variations to try:
- Black Bean and Corn Salad: Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans for extra protein and fiber.
- Spicy Shrimp Salad: Toss in some grilled or sautéed shrimp for a seafood twist. This is especially nice with a bit of hot sauce drizzled over the top!
- Avocado Salad: Add diced avocado just before serving for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
- Make it Vegan: Substitute vegan mayonnaise and sour cream alternatives, and omit the cotija cheese or use a vegan feta alternative.
What makes this mexican street corn pasta salad recipe easy and flavorful?
This recipe uses simple ingredients and a straightforward method, ensuring anyone can make it. The combination of sweet corn, creamy dressing, and tangy lime juice creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
Can I make this mexican street corn pasta salad recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this pasta salad is perfect for making ahead! The flavors meld together even more over time, making it an ideal dish for potlucks and meal prepping. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What are some variations I can try with this mexican street corn pasta salad recipe easy flavorful?
You can add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. Consider adding black beans or red pepper for different textures and flavors. Spicing it up with a pinch of cayenne pepper is another option to add a touch of heat.
How long does mexican street corn pasta salad last?
When stored properly in an airtight container and refrigerated, mexican street corn pasta salad usually lasts for 3-5 days. Be sure to check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.
Conclusion
So there you have it—the ultimate mexican street corn pasta salad recipe easy flavorful! It’s creamy, tangy, spicy, and totally irresistible. Perfect for summer gatherings or a flavorful weeknight meal. I hope you give this recipe a try and experience the magic for yourself. Don’t forget to leave a comment below letting me know how it turned out. Happy cooking!
