Description
A vibrant and creamy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad combining rotini pasta with charred corn, a zesty mayo and sour cream dressing, tangy cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a hint of jalapeño for a perfect summer side dish or light vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Corn
- 8 ounces rotini or elbow pasta
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed)
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini or elbow pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process, then set aside to cool.
- Char the corn: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the corn kernels. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is slightly charred and fragrant. If using canned corn, be sure to drain it well before cooking.
- Make the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and evenly combined.
- Combine the salad: Add the cooled pasta and the charred corn to the bowl with the dressing. Then, fold in crumbled cotija cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, finely chopped red onion, and the seeded, finely diced jalapeño if using. Toss everything thoroughly until the pasta salad is evenly coated in the dressing.
- Chill and serve: Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld perfectly. Serve cold as a refreshing side dish or light meal.
Notes
- This salad is best served cold and can be prepared a day in advance for enhanced flavor.
- Feta cheese can be used as a substitute for cotija cheese if preferred or unavailable.
- For additional protein, consider adding grilled chicken or black beans.
