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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 and flavorful dish combining tender pasta with juicy, charred corn, creamy mayonnaise, tangy lime juice, and crumbly cotija cheese. This easy-to-make salad delivers a perfect balance of creamy, zesty, and smoky flavors, enhanced by fresh cilantro and green onions. Ideal for summer BBQs, potlucks, or quick dinners, it’s a colorful crowd-pleaser that can be customized to suit various dietary preferences and tastes.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni or rotini pasta

Corn

  • 2 cups fresh corn kernels (grilled or sautéed for a smoky flavor)

Dressing

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Pinch of salt

Add-ins & Garnishes

  • ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain well.
  2. Prepare the Corn: Remove fresh corn kernels from the cob and grill or sauté them until lightly charred to add a smoky, authentic street corn flavor. Allow corn to cool before use.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, garlic powder, chili powder, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. This dressing balances richness with zesty brightness.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, charred corn kernels, chopped cilantro, green onions, and crumbled cotija cheese.
  5. Toss and Chill: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss thoroughly to coat every bite in creamy, zesty goodness. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully.

Notes

  • Use fresh corn whenever possible, especially charred, to enhance flavor.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture is best to maintain firmness after chilling.
  • Adjust the amount of lime juice gradually to achieve the perfect tang.
  • Chill the salad before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
  • This salad tastes even better when made ahead and allowed to rest overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican street corn pasta salad, elote pasta salad, creamy corn pasta salad, summer pasta salad, potluck salad, BBQ side dish

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