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Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
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Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant, creamy, and zesty summer dish that combines smoky grilled corn, tender pasta, fresh herbs, and a tangy, cheesy dressing. Perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, it offers bold authentic flavors with perfectly balanced textures and is customizable for various dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Corn and Pasta

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni or small shells pasta

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Pinch of salt, to taste

Add-ins & Garnish

  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and chill the pasta, which will help it absorb the dressing better.
  2. Prepare the Corn: If using fresh corn, grill or roast the ears until lightly charred. Carefully slice the kernels off the cob. For frozen corn, thaw and then quickly sauté or grill it to mimic the smoky flavor.
  3. Make the Creamy Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt until smooth and well combined.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Add the chilled pasta, grilled corn kernels, chopped cilantro, and crumbled cotija cheese into the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything until evenly coated and fully incorporated.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, gently stir again and optionally garnish with extra cotija cheese and cilantro.

Notes

  • Use fresh corn if possible for the best sweet and smoky flavor.
  • Don’t skip the lime juice to brighten and balance the richness of the dressing.
  • Gently grill corn kernels to add depth without toughness or bitterness.
  • Prepare the salad a few hours ahead to let flavors meld beautifully.
  • Adjust chili powder to control the spice level according to your preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican street corn pasta salad, summer pasta salad, creamy corn salad, grilled corn pasta, gluten-free pasta salad, easy summer side dish

Find it online: https://marycorner.com/mexican-street-corn-pasta-salad/