Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant explosion of flavors that transports you straight to a sun-soaked street market in Mexico. Imagine creamy pasta mingling with sweet corn, tangy lime, and a sprinkle of chili powder, all coming together for a fiesta in your mouth. This dish is not just food; it’s an experience that dances on your taste buds and fills your kitchen with joyous aromas.
Whenever I whip up this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, I’m reminded of summer barbecues and lazy afternoons spent with friends. The laughter, the warm sun, and the delicious food create memories that linger long after the plates are cleared. Whether it’s a backyard gathering or a casual weeknight dinner, this salad guarantees smiles all around and a craving for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs
- The flavor profile is a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and savory notes that will keep everyone coming back for more
- Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any table, instantly brightening your meal
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a side dish or a light main course!
Ingredients for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pasta: Use any short pasta like rotini or penne; they hold onto the dressing beautifully.
- Fresh Corn: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness; if you’re in a pinch, canned works too!
- Cherry Tomatoes: Halved for bursts of juicy flavor; choose ripe ones for the best taste.
- Red Onion: Finely chopped to add crunch and subtle sharpness; soak it in water if you prefer less bite.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a touch of brightness; feel free to substitute parsley if you’re not a fan.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice enhances flavors with its zesty kick.
- Chili Powder: A sprinkle adds warmth without overwhelming heat; adjust according to your spice preference.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled over the top for creaminess; cotija cheese is another fantastic option.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down quickly.
Step 2: Prepare the Corn
If using fresh corn, grill or boil it until tender. Once cooked, let it cool slightly before cutting the kernels off the cob. If using canned corn, simply drain and rinse.
Step 3: Mix Fresh Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro. Toss gently until everything is well mixed.
Step 4: Create the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. This dressing is where all the magic happens!
Step 5: Combine Everything
Pour the dressing over your salad mixture and toss gently until evenly coated. Finally, fold in crumbled feta cheese or cotija cheese last for extra creaminess.
Step 6: Chill Before Serving
Cover your salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container before refrigerating for at least half an hour so that those flavors can mingle!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with additional lime juice if desired for the perfect finishing touch! Enjoy your vibrant creation that’s bound to be a hit!
You Must Know
- This delightful Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is not only bursting with flavor but also a fantastic dish for any gathering
- The vibrant colors and textures make it a showstopper, while the combination of ingredients ensures everyone will be asking for seconds
- Perfect for picnics or barbecues!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results with your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, start by cooking the pasta al dente. While it’s boiling, grill or roast the corn until it’s slightly charred. Then, mix everything together while the pasta is warm to allow flavors to meld.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad! Swap out traditional pasta for quinoa or use grilled zucchini instead of corn. Toss in some avocado, black beans, or even jalapeños if you’re feeling spicy!
Storing & Reheating
Store your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For serving later, simply give it a good stir and add a splash of lime juice to freshen it up.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously; it enhances flavor right from the beginning
- When grilling corn, rotate frequently for even charring and sweetness
- Let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to let all those flavors develop beautifully
Sometimes, I whip up this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad when I need to impress friends on short notice. The looks on their faces when they taste it? Priceless!
FAQs :
What ingredients are needed for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad?
To make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, gather essential ingredients like pasta (preferably rotini or penne), fresh corn (grilled or canned), diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and jalapeños for heat. Additionally, use a dressing made from lime juice, mayonnaise, sour cream, and Cotija cheese to add creaminess. Season with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor. This combination creates a vibrant dish that captures the essence of traditional Mexican street corn while being easy to prepare.
How can I customize my Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad?
You can easily customize your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad by adding ingredients based on your preferences. Consider including black beans for added protein, avocado for creaminess, or cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness. For those who enjoy spicy flavors, you might add diced serrano peppers or hot sauce. You could also experiment with different herbs like parsley or add spices like cumin to enhance the salad’s flavor profile.
Can I make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad ahead of time! It’s an excellent dish for meal prep or potlucks. To maintain freshness, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to add delicate ingredients like avocado shortly before serving to prevent browning. The flavors meld beautifully as it sits, making it even tastier after a few hours or overnight in the fridge.
Is Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vegetarian-friendly dish that features no meat products. The core ingredients—pasta, corn, veggies, and creamy dressing—make it satisfying and nutritious. This salad serves as a great side dish or main course option for vegetarians and anyone looking to enjoy a delicious plant-based meal without compromising on flavor.
Conclusion for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad :
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad offers a delightful twist on classic flavors that everyone loves. With its combination of tender pasta, sweet corn, and zesty dressing, this dish is perfect for any occasion. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences while ensuring that it’s both nutritious and satisfying. Preparing this salad ahead of time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or meal prep. Enjoy this vibrant recipe as a refreshing side dish or a satisfying main course!
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that encapsulates the essence of summer. With creamy pasta, sweet corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, and zesty lime, this salad is perfect for barbecues, picnics, or casual family dinners. Bursting with flavor and color, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering!
Ingredients
- 8 oz short pasta (rotini or penne)
- 1 cup fresh corn (grilled or canned, drained)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ½ cup red onion (finely chopped)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- ¼ cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- If using fresh corn, grill or boil until tender; let cool before cutting kernels off the cob.
- In a large bowl, mix cooled pasta, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
- Whisk together lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Pour dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently. Fold in crumbled feta.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
